Estate Planning & The Grasshopper Rule: Making People Feel Valued One Name at a Time

It is believed that people feel cherished when you remember their name. In the world of estate planning, this isn't just about courtesy, it's about proving to clients that they, and the legacy they want to create, are genuinely valued.

Here's something interesting we came across recently: An article from Inc. by Bill Murphy Jr. highlights the neuroscience behind why we forget names and how to remember them more effectively.

You know the feeling – meeting someone for the third or fourth time and having that awkward moment when you can’t recall their name? Murphy shares a funny anecdote about forgetting the name of his daughter’s friend’s dad. Despite the repeated introductions, it was only after associating the name with a grasshopper joke that it firmly stuck in his memory.

But why do we forget names in the first place? Neuroscientifically speaking, when we meet someone new, their name often gets stored in our short-term memory compartment. While this part of our brain is essential, it's also quite choosy. It prioritizes more significant information and discards what it deems less relevant.

The article quotes Drs. Tomás Ryan and Paul Frankland explaining, “Rather than being a bug, forgetting may be a functional feature of the brain, allowing it to interact dynamically with the environment ... Forgetting some memories can be beneficial." But names, especially in the professional world, are crucial.

The solution? Associative memory techniques. By connecting a name with another more memorable element, we make it easier for our brains to recall it. Some of the techniques Murphy mentions include:

• Visual Memories: Like associating the name John with the restroom door (since"john" is slang for "bathroom").
• Word Association: Think of a word that will remind you of the person’s name. For example, when meeting someone named Keith you might imagine him eating a quiche.
• Writing it Down: Make notes about whom you met and what you talked about.
• Drawing: Sketching an event or person can help more than just jotting down notes.
• Popular and Character Association: Think of famous or known individuals with the same name to form a connection.

For estate planning, our relationship with every client is one we cherish. Each family has its legacy, its hopes, and its dreams. We're not just safeguarding assets; we're preserving memories, wishes, and sentiments. Remembering a name, something so simple yet significant, can be the first step in forming a lasting relationship.

In conclusion, understanding the workings of our brain can not only help us remember names but can add a touch of fun to our interactions. So next time you're at an event or meeting a potential client, employ one of these tricks. You might just make someone's day by showing them how much you value them.

Perhaps the most important thing you can remember is to have an effective plan for your wealth and your loved ones. The attorneys and professional staff at Stouffer Legal stand ready to help you with this important task. To learn how you can get started with your Estate Planning process visit https://www.stoufferlegal.com/steps-to-estate-planning-in-baltimore-maryland-stouffer-legal

Photo credit: www.practicalpie.com

# # #