Enhanced vs. Reliant

In today's digital age, we are increasingly reliant on mobile devices and technology to keep track of our daily schedules and plans. With the convenience of having a smartphone in our pocket at all times, it's easy to rely on it to keep us organized and on track. However, there are significant benefits to memorizing plans instead of relying solely on technology.

There have been numerous events recently that highlight the need to exercise our memory. Especially in the protective security industry. We have seen incidents where high level itineraries have been left in public for anyone to view as well as complaints that tracking applications are not working in high-risk regions. What happened to the good old days of memorizing schedules, routes, and even phone numbers? Have we become too reliant on technology? Could we even operate in a limited access environment? 

We all know the answer. We are either plain lazy or we have access to so much information that we cannot memorize it all. Technology is a game changer and has enhanced our ability to protect others greatly. As we continue to develop technology as well as infuse Artificial Intelligence into our security programs, we must remember...to remember. There is a difference between enhancement and reliance. Reliance means that we are not really in control, but only portraying a false sense of control. 

First and foremost, memorizing plans can help improve your memory and mental agility. Studies have shown that memorizing information, such as schedules and appointments, can help improve brain function and even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. By regularly challenging your memory, you can improve your ability to recall information quickly and accurately, which can be a valuable asset in many areas of life.

Check out BrainHQ if you want to exercise your memory.

Reconnaissance teams in the military are tasked with observing objectives and reporting information to operations planners in order to successfully complete a mission. Often, they only have seconds to observe and memorize critical information to pass up the chain. They do not always have cameras available or the ability to communicate immediately. In order to be effective in the field, scouts do memorization drills. A collection of assorted items is placed on the ground and the team has thirty seconds to memorize all of the items while they are conducting some type of physical exercise under duress. Exercising the memory is just as important as physical fitness when conducting recon. 

Another benefit of memorizing plans is that it can help you to not only feel more confident, but actually able to control the outcome of a mission. When you rely solely on technology to keep you organized and informed, you run the risk of feeling anxious or stressed if your device malfunctions or you lose connectivity. Portraying anxiety instead of confidence to potential threats as well as your clients can create vulnerabilities that may affect your client relationship as well as their safety. 

Memorizing plans can help you become more efficient and productive. When you rely on technology to keep track of your plans, it's easy to become distracted by notifications and other digital distractions. By memorizing your schedule, you can eliminate these distractions and focus on the task at hand, allowing you to get more done in less time. If you have memorized your schedule, you do not need a reminder. 

Finally, memorizing plans can help you develop better time management skills. When you have a clear understanding of your itinerary, routes, contact information, and response, you can better prioritize your time and make more informed decisions about how to spend it. This can lead to greater productivity and faster decision making when it counts. Knowing the location and route of a rally point is going to become particularly important if you lose connectivity to Google Maps or Waze. 

Of course, this isn't to say that technology is not useful when it comes to keeping track of plans and schedules. Mobile devices and other digital tools can be incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to coordinating schedules with others or managing complex projects. Morton Executive Decisions created Predictions (our security web application) for just that. However, it's important to remember that technology should be a supplement to your memory, not a replacement for it.

In summary, memorizing plans can provide numerous benefits, including improved recall, increased confidence and control, greater efficiency and productivity, and better time management skills. While technology can be a helpful tool, it's important to cultivate the habit of memorizing vital information to ensure that you always have access to the information you need, regardless of any technical issues that may arise.