Consider a world where one can consume a book, process its content, and retain nearly all of its information. This level of recall may seem like a superhuman feat, but there are indeed individuals who exhibit such remarkable information retention capabilities. Unfortunately, the average person is not among them.
Despite having perused countless books, blogs, and newsletters, their recall ability leaves much to be desired. Let’s delve into this area further, learn from memory strategies of what works and what doesn't.
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Reading books without absorbing and implementing the insights seems pointless. However, expecting to remember everything might be an overreach for the average individual. It’s important to note that memory capabilities differ greatly among individuals. Some people struggle with memory retention, others have exceptional memories, and a rare few possess eidetic or photographic memories.
As one might expect, the average memory is cluttered, disorganized, and often unreliable. We are more likely to remember events that deviate from our typical sensory experiences. For instance, an event as startling as being hit by a ball is more memorable than an intriguing fact from a book. But is it possible to alter this?
When reading a book, one should make it a habit to fold pages and jot down notes. Highlight sections that pique interest. If one is a writer intending to utilize much of this information, transfer the impactful material onto note cards. Document the thoughts it inspired or the story it tells, then sort these note cards by theme. In essence, one is creating an external brain that organizes the information gathered from readings.
Here are three key points to remember:
1. Take notes while reading.
2. Revisit and revise notes after finishing the book.
3. Categorize and file notes for future reference.
Reading books without absorbing and implementing the insights seems pointless. However, expecting to remember everything might be an overreach for the average individual. It’s important to note that memory capabilities differ greatly among individuals. Some people struggle with memory retention, others have exceptional memories, and a rare few possess eidetic or photographic memories.
As one might expect, the average memory is cluttered, disorganized, and often unreliable. We are more likely to remember events that deviate from our typical sensory experiences. For instance, an event as startling as being hit by a ball is more memorable than an intriguing fact from a book. But is it possible to alter this?
When reading a book, one should make it a habit to fold pages and jot down notes. Highlight sections that pique interest. If one is a writer intending to utilize much of this information, transfer the impactful material onto note cards. Document the thoughts it inspired or the story it tells, then sort these note cards by theme. In essence, one is creating an external brain that organizes the information gathered from readings.
Here are three key points to remember:
1. Take notes while reading.
2. Revisit and revise notes after finishing the book.
3. Categorize and file notes for future reference.
The effectiveness of this system in improving our ability to remember what we read is fundamentally linked to the way our brain processes information. Over time, we have evolved a sorting mechanism that decides what information should be stored in our explicit memory - a form of long-term memory that involves the conscious recollection of facts and events.
Heuristic memory processing aids this process by prioritizing information that is frequently used, recently used, or likely needed for decision-making. Thus, becoming a proficient learner involves effort: reading, taking notes, studying, and applying the information absorbed.
One insight gleaned from this process is that memory isn’t accidental; it requires a systematic and organized approach to categorizing these notes into various buckets, categories, and themes.
One insight gleaned from this process is that memory isn’t accidental; it requires a systematic and organized approach to categorizing these notes into various buckets, categories, and themes.
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While it’s premature to ascertain whether this system will enhance long-term memory, it’s suspected that memory capabilities will remain modest at best. However, when one implements this system, something even more significant can be learned: it’s impossible to remember everything one wants to; therefore, external storage becomes necessary.
Whether one chooses to continue with this system is a personal decision. While the format may evolve over time, the underlying principle remains the same. The process of reading, retaining, and recalling information is a complex one that requires active engagement and a systematic approach. The three key steps - taking notes while reading, revisiting and revising these notes after finishing the book, and categorizing and filing these notes for future reference - serve as a practical guide to enhance our memory retention. By adopting this method, we not only improve our understanding of the material but also create an external memory storage system that can be easily accessed and utilized. This approach transforms the act of reading from a passive activity into an active learning experience, thereby maximizing the benefits we derive from each book we read.
Remember, the goal is not to remember everything, but to remember what is important and useful.
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