How to Remember (Most) Everything You Learn

Learning is a skill.  But it’s rarely taught.

We spend a lot of time trying to learn new things but we never stop to ask….

“Am I going about this in the best way?”

We all know that older people who keep learning tend to have better mental health and are less likely to lose their memory. In fact, learning a new language or picking up an instrument can keep your brain sharp and flexible as you age. But how can we make the most of our learning?

Let’s dive into how we’ve learned over the centuries and check out some practical tips to help us remember what we learn today.

A Brief History of Learning

During the Middle Ages, universities in Europe became important centers of knowledge, focusing on religion, medicine, and law. Then came the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, which made books widely available. This created a boom in education and knowledge sharing.

Fast forward to today, and the internet has completely changed the way we learn. With just a few clicks, we have access to endless information—right at our fingertips. But with so much information available, how can we make sure we’re not just absorbing facts but actually retaining them?

My Personal Learning Journey

I used to avoid learning new things, especially when it came to technology at work. "If it isn't broken, why fix it?" was my mindset. My schedule was already packed, and the idea of taking on something new felt overwhelming. But then I realized that by resisting new systems, I might be missing out on better, more efficient ways of doing things. So, I decided to change my attitude.

I began to see learning as an opportunity rather than a burden. I reminded myself that every new skill I picked up could make my life easier in the long run. I started small - just a few minutes a day - and approached learning with curiosity instead of dread. And …….it worked. Learning became less of a chore and more of a path to personal and professional growth. Now, I constantly remind myself to embrace change, even when my instinct is to stick to the familiar.

I came across an article that shares some techniques we can use to optimize our learning - it's not a one size fits all but we can try them out to see what works best:

Spaced Repetition

Cramming might help a student pass a test, but they’ll forget most of what they learned within a week. Spaced repetition, on the other hand, involves reviewing information regularly over time. This helps move what they learn from short-term to long-term memory. Instead of cramming, it's better to spread out study sessions over several days or weeks. This way, the student is more likely to remember the material when they need it.

The idea of spaced repetition was discovered by a German psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus, in the late 1800s.

Another option to try is the 80/20 Rule - the Pareto Principle, says that 80% of results come from 20% of the effort.

Take the time before learning something to identify the most important 20%.

For example:

Guitar - the 20 chords used most in popular songs. 

Languages - the 500 most commonly used words.

This helps prioritize, in order to get more done with less time and effort.

The Feynman Technique is another option that is powerful for learning.

Named after a famous physicist, Richard Feynman, this technique is a great way to learn difficult concepts. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: identify a topic you want to understand better

Step 2: try to explain it to a 5 year old

Step 3: study material to fill in the gaps in your knowledge

Step 4: organize what you know and review until it’s clear and simple

By simplifying complex ideas, the Feynman Technique helps you understand better and remember more.

The following one is interesting - study Twice at 2x Speed.  A recent US study showed that students who watched a lecture at double the speed and then again at double the speed a week later scored higher than students who watched the lecture once at normal speed. 

This technique, known as speed listening or speed watching, lets you cover more material in less time while reinforcing what you've learned.

Tip: Many online platforms, like YouTube, let you adjust playback speed easily.

This is one I want to give a try.  It would be fun to test it out.

Learning from Multiple Sources is another option. It's good given that our brain is a complex machine.  If we can get more parts of it firing, we will be more likely to remember what we are learning.  Use books, audio, video and interactive exercises - experiment with different ways of stimulating it.

Fun Fact: Studies show that people who learn using a mix of visual and auditory materials tend to remember information better than those who use just one method.

With all the technology we have - this one would be so easy to implement. 

Handwriting and Typing - to each their own.  But research shows that retention rates improve when we choose pen and paper over mouse and keyboard.

However, everyone learns differently, so it’s important to find what works best for you. Try both methods and see which one helps you remember information better.

Fun Facts About Learning

• The capacity of the human brain has about 86 billion neurons, and each one can connect with thousands of other neurons, creating a huge network for learning and memory.

• Our brains are very adaptable. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections throughout life. This means we can keep learning and improving our brainpower as we age.

• Sleep is important for memory. While you sleep, your brain organizes information you learned during the day, making it easier to remember later.

• Learning a new language can improve your thinking skills, make you better at solving problems, and even delay the onset of dementia.

How to Make It Stick

Be specific about what you want to learn and set goals that you can track. For example, instead of saying, "I want to learn piano," try, "I want to learn three simple songs in the next three months."

Curiosity is key. Ask questions, explore new topics, and keep an open mind. You never know where a new interest might lead.

Learning takes time, so make it a habit. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable.

Take time to review what you've learned and fill in any gaps. If a method isn’t working, don’t hesitate to change the approach.

Teaching is one of the best ways to solidify knowledge. Try explaining what you’ve learned to a friend or family member.

By following these tips, we can develop a learning habit that keeps our minds sharp, and opens up new opportunities

Learning is something we do throughout our whole lives, and it takes some work and curiosity to get the hang of it. Using the right tricks and tips can help us remember what we learn and actually use it. Everyone has their own way of learning, so it's important to try different methods to see what works best.

Continual learning is especially important as we age because it keeps our minds sharp and active. Learning new things can give us joy and purpose, and it helps us stay connected with the world and with others.

To all my family and friends, I hope that you try to learn something new every day, whether it’s a recipe, a hobby, or a fun fact.

Enjoy the challenge of learning and all the good things it brings to our lives - it’s not just fun but very rewarding.

Happy learning!