“Knowledge can only be compounded if it is retained” James Clear.
A brain without memory can be compared to a car without fuel. It is not enjoyable. Isn’t it?
For a long time, I struggled with remembering what I had learned. Before exams, I will try to cram as much as possible, then everything will evaporate the next day.
We read articles and watch educational videos daily, but how much actually sticks is itself another story.
Most of the time, we have the illusion of retaining information simply because it sounds coherent. However, a few days later, we are unable to recall it.
So, how can we improve?
Most of us tend to think of our memory as a static entity, similar to a library where books are stored. This is not actually the case. Our memory is mostly dynamic; new books are stored, old books are getting rid of, and some existing books are updated.
The key lies in devising methods we can use to store the books—that is, what we have learned – for the longest period of time.
Hopefully, there are a couple of techniques. However, as we are all different, some techniques may work for some and not for others. What I will share are some fundamental tricks that are easy to apply and have personally helped me.
1 – Understanding
The saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out”. The quality of what you put into a system determines the quality of what you get out of it.
The same goes for memory. If you don’t fully understand what you are taking in, your ability to retrieve information reliably will reflect that lack of understanding.
When you can’t get a logical explanation behind a concept, you will likely experience confusion or blackouts when trying to recall it. Elon Musk says the best way to learn and remember things is to ask for the ‘why’.
Make sure to understand so that you can explain the material to a kid who does not know anything about the topic. If you are not able to explain it in simple terms to a kid, then you have not fully understood the topic. Simplicity reveals understanding. (https://fs.blog/feynman-technique/)
Sometimes, you will actually need to pause, reflect and slowly digest what you have read. Taking your time to understand is fundamental to improving memory.
In the Book, How Google Works, the author shares how the CEO hires his top personnel. During the interview, he would ask the candidate to explain in simple English a complex topic they had mastered. By doing so, they can test their learning and memory capacity.
2. Practice active recall
This is the silver bullet to increase memorization.
After learning some new concept, take the time to actively quiz yourself.
It does not need to be a completed test. Simply ask yourself this question:
What are three main ideas, I got while learning? In doing so, you start actually revisiting in your memory what you have just learned and this helps it stick.
Some people highlight key points and phrases while learning, but never try to recall. That simply won’t work. In highlighting, you tell the brain that this piece of information is important, but you don’t tell it to store it in memory. The key is always associate highlighting with recall so the brain can both know the information is important and store it in memory.
When practicing recall, don’t wait after you have read 20 pages to quiz yourself. Even after just reading 2 pages, it is sufficient to ask yourself: What are 03 main things you have learned up to this point? This helps you break a complex topic into smaller chunks and easily master each chunk. When you assemble these chunks in the future, you will be amazed by how you are now a master of a complex topic. Do you trust me?
Generally, we tend not to want to practice recall as there is some pain associated with it, and it reveals our knowledge gaps, bringing about the emotion of feeling stupid. Yeah, this is true initially, but the more you practice it, the more you will like it.
If you are stuck trying to recall, don’t feel ashamed. Give yourself a maximum of 5 minutes to recall the main points, and then go ahead. Don’t stay there and push yourself. You have 05 minutes to recall 03 things. Whether, you have not reached that goal or gone beyond it, you are done. Get to do the next thing.
Recalling is powerful because it helps you distinguish areas you have understood properly from those where there are still some gaps. You can then relearn, focusing now on those areas you were unable to recall, hence increasing further your comprehension of the topic and your ability to memorize it.
3. Write it down
Studies show there is a direct connection between the hands and the brain.
Try to write in your own words. Translate what you have learned into your world with your own understanding. There is no need to try to repeat exactly what you have read. When you say things using your own comprehension, they stick more permanently because you are comfortable with your own vocabulary.
Recall and writing are closely related. Personally, the 3 main ideas I recall, I put them down in writing. I usually ensure that each idea should not be more than a sentence. One thing I have noticed is that, when writing, some other ideas in which I seemed initially to have forgotten, will pop up and that is how I may end up with more than 3 points.
In real life, both steps are done at once; you recall a main point and write it down. Then repeat for the other 2 main points. Next, you relearn again to better understand the items you were unable to remember. It is a cycle with the techniques reinforcing each other ultimately leading to a better memory.
In the educational world, this is called the Feynmann Technique.
You now have the framework for a better memory. Go and try it out! It may be painful in the beginning; however, the profits are lifelong. You might feel stupid when trying to recall, but don’t worry. Give yourself atmost 5 minutes, and then relearn.