An issue with prospective memory practice

**DarkSyntax** · 05-31-2016 11:05 AM

I'm currently doing the MILD prerequisite practice which is detailed in Laberge's book. In any case, i found out that i keep thinking about the goal of the day so by the time it does happen i wouldn't be really using my prospective memory..

For example, let's say i set my intention to RC when i see a red car. I keep thinking about the red car and by the time i see one, i wouldn't have to use my prospective memory to RC.

Am i just thinking too hard about this, or is there something more? It's like the "cant stop thinking about something i want to forget" case.

**DoubleHelix** · 05-31-2016 11:13 AM

Must be a common occurrence, because I did the same thing. In my case the phenomena waned after after a few days, and I suspect the same will happen for you as well.

**dolphin** · 05-31-2016 06:37 PM

This is difficult for me to explain, but I'll try! It's better to use elaborative rehearsal than maintenance rehearsal which you're doing.

If you RC when you see a red car, you get cookies. If you don't, then you have to take a cold shower. Making associations like this or in any other way makes it efficient to remember the intention than repeating it for word over and over again.

**ThreeRainbows** · 05-31-2016 07:54 PM

I wouldn't stress about remembering it too frequently. One thing that might help, though, is giving yourself multiple reality check criteria a day. That way you're not focusing too much on just one.