It seems to me that you have a busy mind. You need to learn to quiet it. Learn to meditate is an excellent way, just sit back and focus on your deep relaxed breaths, concentrate on your breath only! Shouldn't your wifes birthday be one of the most important things to remember. Although i guess to you she could be equally important every day. Is it that memory is strongly connected to emotions?? this seems logical to me. Try stilling the mind and becomming emotive with you what you want to remember.
