The Genesis of My Pokémon Memory Palace
Everything kicked off for me in 2020. Like many others, I found myself diving back into old hobbies during that period. I wanted to start collecting Pokémon cards, but I needed a logical, affordable approach. Since I’m not exactly made of money, I decided to take on an ambitious, budget-friendly project: completing a National Pokédex.
My initial goal was to collect all Pokémon cards up to the Alola region (Generation 7). However, I soon realized the immense difficulty and financial strain of such a vast undertaking. Between the sheer volume of cards, shipping costs, and availability, I eventually scaled back. So, I ultimately decided to focus my collection up to the Kalos region (Generation 6). For the cards I did collect, I centered on the Sun & Moon era, which was the latest generation at the time, as a base for their layout.
This wasn’t just any Pokédex; it had to be special. Here were my personal rules:
- All cards had to be in English.
- All cards had to be Reverse Holo.
- They had to feature the Sun & Moon card layout.
- If multiple artworks existed for a Pokémon within that era, I’d pick my favorite.
- Every card would be double-sleeved with perfect fit inner sleeves and white outer sleeves. (Though, honestly, looking back, that double-sleeving might make the cards a bit less clear to see due to the extra plastic layers!)
Of course, not every Pokémon fit these strict criteria perfectly. For example, the Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam line presented a unique challenge. Due to legal reasons at the time, Kadabra couldn’t be printed. While Abra existed, using Kadabra and Alakazam cards from different generations would just look odd, so I decided to go with the Base Set versions for that particular line. You’ll also find a few other Pokémon from older generations subtly mixed in – I’ll let you discover which ones!
Once I finally completed this monumental collection, an incredible realization hit me: I could use these Pokémon to drastically improve my memory. This was the spark for building what I now call my Pokémon Memory Palace.
National Pokedex
Why a Memory Palace? (And Why Pokémon Are the Key)
Think about how often you need to recall a sequence of numbers. A phone number? You probably have to check your mobile. What about PSA certification numbers? Do you instantly remember an 8-digit PSA number for a card you saw on eBay without having to go back and verify it? Most likely, you have to re-check at least once because remembering all eight digits at first glance is tough. For me, that constant re-checking was incredibly frustrating.
So, I set out to devise a method to enhance my memory. While it’s certainly possible that a similar Pokémon-themed Memory Palace has been published by someone else (and if so, I’m not aware of it!), this is the system I independently developed, and it’s been surprisingly effective for me.
Building Your Pokémon Memory Palace: The Core Method
To start, the fundamental requirement is to memorize Pokémon names and their corresponding National Pokédex numbers. For example, Bulbasaur is #1, Electrode is #100, and Mewtwo is 151. The more Pokémon you can recall by number, the more powerful and efficient your Memory Palace will become.
Ideally, you’d aim to know around 1,000 Pokémon (and as of now, there are over 1,000!). Personally, I’ve mastered up to the Hoenn region, which is 386 Pokémon. This is mostly because I spent a lot of time playing third-generation Pokémon games when I was younger. If you’ve played the more recent games and already know many Pokémon names, you’ll have a fantastic head start!
Visual aids are incredibly helpful here. Your physical National Pokédex binders can be a huge asset. Visually flipping through the pages helps you learn and associate the Pokémon with their numbers much faster!
Turning Numbers into Stories: How It Works
The magic happens when you need to remember a sequence of numbers. You simply assign Pokémon to those numbers and weave them into a vivid story within your chosen Memory Palace.
Let’s illustrate with an example: imagine you need to remember the number 93481944.
- If you’ve mastered 1,000 Pokémon , you could divide it into 934-819-44. This would translate to just three Pokémon: Garganacl (934), Skwovet (819), and Gloom (44). Only three Pokémon are needed for a relatively long number!
- If you’re like me and have mastered up to 386 Pokémon , you’d divide it as 93-48-19-44. This would require four Pokémon: Haunter (93), Venonat (48), Rattata (19), and Gloom (44).
Now, let’s bring in the “palace.” A Memory Palace is a real place you know intimately: your home, your workplace, or even a familiar street. You can also build one from scratch purely in your imagination! The key is to have a clear, distinct mental pathway or route with specific “loci” (locations).
Imagine your house as your Memory Palace:
- At the entrance, a mischievous Haunter greets you.
- On the door, a fuzzy Venonat is perched.
- Once you open the door, you find a tiny Rattata playing with a gloomy Gloom in the hallway.
By associating these Pokémon with specific spots and creating a mini-story, you can easily recall the number. You can see how mastering more Pokémon (like 1,000) makes the process even more efficient, as you’d need fewer “characters” for longer numbers.
Handling Zeros in Your Palace
What if your numbers contain zeros? Here’s how I handle them, using visual cues:
- For a single 0, I imagine the Pokémon wearing a monocle.
- For 00 (two zeros), they’re wearing a pair of glasses.
- For 000 (three zeros), it’s a shiny Pokémon, so you can picture it sparkling even if you don’t know its specific shiny color.
- For 0000 (four zeros), it’s a shiny Pokémon with a monocle.
- Alternatively, you can assign an action or motion to a Pokémon to represent a zero. For instance, if you imagine Squirtle (number 9) eating, that could signify 90. The trick is to use your imagination to create associations that are memorable for you!
My Training Method: Excel to the Rescue!
I don’t know anything about programming, but I’m familiar with basic Excel. I devised a self-training method using Excel that’s both challenging and enjoyable. With just a few minutes every few days, you can keep your memory sharp. Naturally, the more you train, the faster you’ll become!
My Excel Training Setup:
- Open Excel.
- In Column A, starting from cell A2, list numbers from 1 up to the number of Pokémon you want to learn (e.g., 386 for three generations).
- In Column B, starting from B2, list the corresponding Pokémon names (e.g., Bulbasaur in B2, Jirachi in B387).
- In cells D3 and E3, label them “Minimum” and “Maximum” respectively.
- In cells D4 and E4, input the range of Pokémon numbers you want to train (e.g., 1 as minimum and 151 as maximum to train the first generation).
- From G1 to P1, use the formula =RANDBETWEEN($D$4;$E$4). This generates random numbers within your specified range.
- In F6, write “N°”.
- In F7, write “Insert”.
- In F8, write “Solution”.
- From G5 to P5, merge these cells and label them “Test”.
- From G6 to P6, these cells will display the random numbers generated. I use a Macro assigned to an oval shape (labeled “Go”) that manually copies these random numbers from row 1. While the numbers in row 1 refresh, this isn’t an issue. For aesthetics, hide row 1.
The Solution Button:
You’ll need another Macro assigned to a button, which I call “Solution”.
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This Macro will utilize the formula =INDEX($A$2:$B$2000;G$6;2) (adjust the range $B$2000 if you have more Pokémon). This formula will display the Pokémon name corresponding to the number in cell G6.
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In the “Insert” row (F7 and across), you type the Pokémon name you think matches the random number.
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The “Go” Macro also clears the data from G1 to P8, so remember to record that action when creating the Macro.
Behind the Buttons: Building Your Pokémon Macros
Before we start, make sure you have your Excel sheet set up as described in the article:
- Column A (A2 downwards): Numbers 1, 2, 3… up to your desired number of Pokémon (e.g., 386 or 1000+).
- Column B (B2 downwards): Corresponding Pokémon names (e.g., Bulbasaur, Ivysaur…).
- D3: “Minimum”
- E3: “Maximum”
- D4: Your minimum desired Pokémon number (e.g., 1)
- E4: Your maximum desired Pokémon number (e.g., 151 or 386)
- G1 to P1: Formulas =RANDBETWEEN($D$4;$E$4)
- F6: “N°”
- F7: “Insert”
- F8: “Solution”
- G5 to P5: Merged cells, labeled “Test”
- G6 to P6: Empty for now (these will display the random numbers)
- G7 to P7: Empty for now (where you’ll type your answers)
- G8 to P8: Empty for now (where the solution will appear)
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the “Go” and “Solution” Macros
Part 1: Prepare Your Excel Environment
- Enable the Developer Tab:
- Open Excel.
- Click on File (top left).
- Click on Options (at the very bottom of the left-hand menu).
- In the Excel Options dialog box, click on Customize Ribbon in the left pane.
- On the right side, under “Main Tabs,” find and check the box next to “Developer.”
- Click OK.
- You should now see a “Developer” tab in your Excel ribbon.
- Save Your Workbook as Macro-Enabled:
- It’s crucial to save your Excel file in a format that supports macros.
- Click on File > Save As.
- Choose a location to save your file.
- In the “Save as type” dropdown menu, select “Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm).”
- Click Save.
Part 2: Create the “Go” Macro
This macro will generate new random numbers for your test and clear the previous “Insert” and “Solution” entries.
- Start Recording the “Go” Macro:
- Go to the Developer tab.
- Click on Record Macro.
- In the “Record Macro” dialog box:
- Macro name: Type GenerateNewTest (no spaces).
- Shortcut key: You can leave this blank, or assign one if you wish (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+G).
- Store macro in: Ensure “This Workbook” is selected.
- Description: (Optional) Type Generates new random numbers and clears previous answers.
- Click OK.
- You are now recording! Every action you take in Excel will be part of the macro.
- Perform the Actions for the “Go” Macro:
- Select the random number generation area: Click and drag to select cells G1 through P1.
- Copy these numbers: Press Ctrl + C (or right-click and choose Copy).
- Select the target display area: Click on cell G6.
- Paste as Values:
- Click the small arrow under the Paste button on the Home tab (or right-click G6).
- Under “Paste Options,” choose “Values (V)” (the icon with “123”). This pastes just the numbers, not the formulas.
- Clear the “Insert” row: Select cells G7 through P7.
- Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
- Clear the “Solution” row: Select cells G8 through P8.
- Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
- Go back to cell G7: Click on cell G7 to position your cursor for the next input.
- Stop Recording the “Go” Macro:
- Go back to the Developer tab.
- Click on Stop Recording.
- The “Go” macro (GenerateNewTest) is now created!
Part 3: Create the “Solution” Macro
This macro will display the correct Pokémon names based on the generated numbers.
- Start Recording the “Solution” Macro:
- Go to the Developer tab.
- Click on Record Macro.
- In the “Record Macro” dialog box:
- Macro name: Type ShowSolution (no spaces).
- Shortcut key: You can leave this blank, or assign one if you wish (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+S).
- Store macro in: Ensure “This Workbook” is selected.
- Description: (Optional) Type Displays the Pokémon names for the generated numbers.
- Click OK.
- You are now recording!
- Perform the Actions for the “Solution” Macro:
- Enter the INDEX formula for the first solution cell (G8):
- Click on cell G8.
- Type the following formula exactly as shown: =INDEX($A$2:$B$2000,G6,2)
- Explanation:
- $A$2:$B$2000: This is your lookup range (Pokémon numbers and names). Make sure 2000 is large enough to cover all your Pokémon. If you have 386 Pokémon, B387 is the last cell, so B2000 is more than enough. The $ signs make the reference absolute, so it doesn’t change when copied.
- G6: This tells Excel to look up the value in cell G6 (the first random Pokémon number).
- 2: This tells Excel to return the value from the second column of your lookup range ($A$2:$B$2000), which is where your Pokémon names are.
- Explanation:
- Press Enter. You should see the Pokémon name appear.
- Copy the formula across the “Solution” row:
- Click on cell G8 again.
- Hover your mouse over the small square (fill handle) in the bottom-right corner of cell G8. Your cursor will turn into a black plus sign +.
- Click and drag this fill handle horizontally from G8 to P8.
- Release the mouse button. The Pokémon names for all generated numbers should now appear.
- Stop Recording the “Solution” Macro:
- Go back to the Developer tab.
- Click on Stop Recording.
- The “Solution” macro (ShowSolution) is now created!
Part 4: Create and Assign Buttons for Your Macros
This makes it easy to run your macros with a click.
- Insert the “Go” Button:
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Click on Shapes (in the “Illustrations” group).
- Choose an oval or rectangle shape.
- Click and drag on your worksheet to draw the shape where you want your “Go” button to be (e.g., near the “Test” area).
- Rename the shape: Right-click on the shape, then click “Edit Text.” Type Go. You can format the text (font, size, color) using the Home tab.
- Assign the “Go” Macro to the Button:
- Right-click on your newly created “Go” shape.
- Select “Assign Macro…”
- From the list, select GenerateNewTest.
- Click OK.
- Insert the “Solution” Button:
- Repeat steps 1-2 to create another shape for your “Solution” button.
- Rename the shape: Right-click on this new shape, click “Edit Text,” and type Solution.
- Assign the Macro: Right-click on the “Solution” shape, select “Assign Macro…”
- From the list, select ShowSolution.
- Click OK.
Part 5: Final Touches and Testing
- Hide Row 1 (Optional, for aesthetics):
- Click on the row number 1 on the far left to select the entire row.
- Right-click on the selected row number.
- Select Hide. This will make your worksheet cleaner as the RANDBETWEEN formulas will still work but be out of sight.
- Test Your Buttons:
- Click your “Go” button. You should see new random Pokémon numbers appear in G6:P6, and G7:P7 and G8:P8 should clear.
- Type some Pokémon names into G7:P7 (or just leave them blank).
- Click your “Solution” button. The correct Pokémon names should appear in G8:P8.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- “Macro security has been disabled” message: If you see a security warning, click “Enable Content” or “Enable Macros.” You might need to adjust your Excel Trust Center settings (File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings) to “Enable all macros (not recommended; potentially dangerous code can run)” temporarily for testing, but ideally, you should stick to enabling content only for trusted files.
- Macro isn’t doing anything:
- Did you click “Stop Recording” after performing all actions?
- Did you assign the correct macro to the button?
- Did you perform the actions exactly as intended during recording? You can go to Developer > Macros, select your macro, and click “Edit” to see the VBA code. It might look daunting, but you might spot an obvious error.
- #NAME? error in solution: This usually means there’s a typo in your INDEX formula. Double-check INDEX($A$2:$B$2000,G6,2).
- #REF! error in solution: This indicates a broken reference. Ensure your A2:B2000 range correctly points to your Pokémon list.
- Range for INDEX formula: If you add more Pokémon, remember to update the B2000 part of the INDEX formula to include all your new entries (e.g., B3000 if you have 2999 Pokémon).
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created and implemented your “Go” and “Solution” macros for your Pokémon Memory Palace training. Happy memorizing!
Fast Explanation Guide: What is a Macro and How to Use It?
What is a Macro?
In simple terms, a Macro is a sequence of actions or commands that you can record and then play back automatically. Think of it like recording a mini-program for your computer. Instead of performing the same steps repeatedly yourself, you tell the computer to remember what you do once, and then it can repeat those steps for you with a single click or keyboard shortcut.
Macros are commonly used in applications like Microsoft Excel, Word, and other programs to automate repetitive tasks, save time, and reduce errors. They are written in a programming language called VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), which is built into these Microsoft Office applications.
How to Use a Macro (in Excel, as an example from the article):
The article describes using Macros in Excel for automating the training process. Here’s a general guide on how you would create and use them in Excel:
- Enable the Developer Tab:
- By default, the “Developer” tab might not be visible in your Excel ribbon. To enable it:
- Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
- Under “Main Tabs,” check the box next to “Developer” and click “OK.”
- Record a Macro:
- Identify the repetitive task: Before you start recording, know exactly what steps you want the Macro to perform.
- Go to the Developer tab on the Excel ribbon.
- Click on “Record Macro.”
- A dialog box will appear:
- Macro name: Give your Macro a descriptive name (e.g., “GenerateNewNumbers”, “ClearCells”). Avoid spaces.
- Shortcut key (optional): You can assign a keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + N) to run your Macro quickly.
- Store macro in: Usually, “This Workbook” is sufficient.
- Description (optional): Add a brief explanation of what the Macro does.
- Click “OK.”
- Perform the actions: Now, Excel is recording every click, typing, and selection you make. Carefully perform the sequence of actions you want to automate (e.g., copying random numbers, clearing cells).
- Once you’ve completed all the steps, go back to the Developer tab and click “Stop Recording.”
- Assign a Macro to a Button or Shape:
- To make your Macro easy to run, you can link it to a button, shape, or even an image.
- Insert a shape: Go to Insert > Shapes and choose a shape (like an oval or a rectangle). Draw it on your spreadsheet.
- Assign the Macro:
- Right-click on the shape you just drew.
- Select “Assign Macro…”
- Choose the Macro you want to link from the list (e.g., “GenerateNewNumbers”).
- Click “OK.”
- You can then rename the text on the shape (e.g., “Go” or “Solution”) to clearly indicate its function.
- How the Macros in the article would work:
- “Go” Macro: When you click this button, it would execute the recorded steps that copy the random numbers from row 1 to G6:P6 and then clear the “Insert” and “Solution” rows (G7:P8 and G8:P8). This prepares the sheet for a new test.
- “Solution” Macro: When you click this button, it would execute the formula to look up the Pokémon name based on the number in G6, G7, etc., and display it in the “Solution” row.
Why use Macros?
- Automation: Automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort.
- Efficiency: Perform complex operations with a single click.
- Consistency: Ensure tasks are performed the same way every time, reducing human error.
- User-friendliness: Make complex spreadsheets or processes easier for others to use by providing simple buttons.
Final Thoughts
I’m incredibly excited for you to try out this method! Take some time to build your own Pokémon Memory Palace, and don’t hesitate to share your first memory palace creation or any ‘Aha!’ moments you have. I’d love to hear about any Pokémon you’ve found particularly effective for specific types of memories, or if you have ideas on how to evolve this system further!
It’s important to note that while this Pokémon Memory Palace is fantastic for remembering numbers, tackling something like random passwords with words or special characters would require a lot more creativity for associations. You might need to use other methods to connect those elements – perhaps by integrating Unown for letters, or developing unique Pokémon actions for special symbols. I’m pretty sure everyone can develop their own version of this system to suit their needs!
Remember, the most powerful memory palace is the one you build. This Pokémon method is a framework, but its true strength comes from your creativity and consistent practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment, personalize your Pokémon associations, and adapt the “rules” to what works best for your mind. The journey to a stronger memory is an exciting one, and you’ve already taken the first step by learning this technique. Keep training, keep exploring, and enjoy leveling up your memory!
With that being said, if you have any advice to improve or expand this method, please let me know in the comments on the post – I might even add your suggestions to the tutorial!
A special thanks to the AI that helped me articulate these ideas and refine the explanations for this tutorial.
