The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting: Unleashing Creativity and Making Better Decisions

The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting: Unleashing Creativity and Making Better Decisions

Our memories are distributed across our cortex, but there are central regions of the brain that can be considered hubs where most of the mechanics and action of memory happen. The management of memory requires the ability to save information into a hard drive and retrieve it. The save function is localized in a structure called the hippocampus, while the retrieve function is in the prefrontal cortex. The hard drive, as a hub, is located towards the back of the brain, storing most of the memories we think about.

Interestingly, both remembering and forgetting occur mainly in the posterior area of the brain. When we remember something, the tips of our neurons in the posterior area grow and strengthen the connections. On the other hand, forgetting occurs when the tips wilt back down, weakening the memory.

Forgetting is not a flaw in our memory system, but rather an essential process that allows us to generalize, abstract, and filter information. Without the ability to forget, everything would be novel, leading to a constant state of anxiety. Autism, for example, is often characterized by a preference for sameness, which can be seen as a mechanism to avoid the overwhelming novelty that comes with remembering everything.

People intuitively understand the benefit of forgetting emotional memories. Perseverating over them can be disabling, which is why it is beneficial to let go of the emotional component. Exposure therapy is one method that taps into our forgetting mechanism to re-balance our memory. By associating a previously traumatic event with something benign, we can accelerate emotional forgetting.

Sleep also plays a crucial role in forgetting. During sleep, the mechanisms that result in memories in our posterior cortex wilt back down, allowing us to let go of unnecessary information. Studies have shown that most creative types seem to function best in the morning, as the ability to create unexpected associations requires forgetting. If our memories were too rigid and stapled in steel, we would never have those eureka moments that define creativity.

Interestingly, people with what is considered a "bad memory" tend to make better decisions. This is because they have learned not to over-index their memories and instead rely on double-checking information and making sure they have all the necessary facts. In decision-making, a slow and deliberate approach tends to be more effective than relying on memory alone.

In conclusion, forgetting is not a weakness but a fundamental process that allows us to generalize, abstract, and filter information. It enables creativity by allowing unexpected connections to form and prevents us from being overwhelmed by the constant novelty of remembering everything. Forgetting also allows for better decision-making by encouraging us to double-check information and consider all the relevant factors. To leverage the benefits of forgetting, here are three actionable tips:

1. Embrace socializing: Engaging in a socially active network after a traumatic event can accelerate emotional forgetting and help in the healing process.

2. Practice exposure therapy: By associating a previously traumatic event with something benign, exposure therapy taps into our forgetting mechanism and re-balances our memory.

3. Double-check information: Instead of relying solely on memory, take the time to double-check facts and make sure you have all the necessary information before making decisions.

Remember, forgetting is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful tool that can enhance our creativity and decision-making abilities. Embrace the benefits of forgetting and unleash your full potential.