How to Better Retain What You Read

Domain: Personal Development - Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

People tend to forget most of what they've learned in a matter of days or weeks. Reading is no exception and is in fact lower on the list of learning methods that support long-term retention.

The fact is that humans can only hold so much information at any given time and if a piece of information is not repeated or better-yet, utilized, it will quickly be forgotten.

That means that all the books we read to enrich and better ourselves are not being leveraged for their full potential if we are forgetting their contents days later. As Dale Carnegie put it, "Knowledge isn't power until it is applied".

If you're taking the time to read regularly, a few extra steps can help you better retain the most relevant pieces. If nothing else, these methods will allow you to quickly access the information in the event that you do forget it.

This is where I make the distinction between simply reading a book and processing a book. It moves you from just reading to actually absorbing and hopefully growing from what you read.

It also allows you to practice your critical thinking skills in the process.

Take note

The first step (besides the actual reading) is to take notes of the pieces of information that you want to retain. Notes may include helpful strategies, inspiring quotes or anything else that feels particularly relevant to you.

No book is going to be 100% relevant to you, so this step is about picking-out the pieces that you want to remember or apply.

Some people prefer to highlight or write in the book itself. Others prefer to take notes on post-its or even on a separate paper or digital tab. Whatever works best for you. If you are one to donate your books after reading them, separate notes may be better.

Original thought

A great indicator that you're exercising your critical thinking occurs when what you've read triggers your own original thought or concept. These thoughts are usually adjacent to what you've just read but were not expressly stated. Be sure to take note of these original thoughts and ideas as well.

Apply it

You can now take this even further by practicing the ideas or concepts that stood-out to you. This has two benefits…

First, it allows you to test the idea to confirm its validity and personal fit into your life.

Second, it's going to help you retain the concept. You're far more likely to recall something if you've actually don it as opposed to just reading/hearing about it.

Let it simmer

Books can be peculiar in the way that certain pieces of information feel relevant to us at different times or stages of our lives. For this reason, I like to wait to revisit my notes at least a few months later. I find that some of the things I highlighted are no longer relevant when placed against the test of time.

Reflect on what still resonates with you. How do your excerpts or notes mesh with your personal beliefs, perspectives and world views? What is useful? What is not?

Also, what do you disagree with or find challenging? Spend time understanding why it's challenging and whether there is another perspective to consider. This is another way to exercise your critical thinking skills.

Keep it accessible

Even with this notetaking and reflection, you likely will not remember everything. Whatever method you choose for taking notes, make sure it is accessible at a later date. Personally, I keep my notes in a OneNote file so that I can't update them during the reflection process and then refer to them as needed.

While I use this strategy primarily for non-fiction, it can be applied to a number of different formats. I'll still grab quotes or inspiring passages from non-fiction.

I also use this strategy for important information I've gathered from articles, videos, training, podcasts, etc.

This is a highly personalized process that is ultimately there to serve your needs, so don't be afraid to tailor it and make it your own.

Thank you for reading. My hope is always that you've found something helpful and easy to implement.

This week’s action items:

1. Decide on the best method of note taking for you.

2. Practice the ideas and concepts that feel most relevant to you as soon as you can.

3. Revisit the information after some time has passed to gain a deeper understanding of its relevance in your life.