How to Remember What You Read
Recently, I reread the book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." It had been more than 10 years since I last finished it.
Flipping through the pages, I saw faded highlights, but I couldn't recall much of the content. At best, I remembered only 1 or 2% of the book.
Did I waste my time reading something I've forgotten? Probably not. I clearly remember the first principle of being proactive, the second of thinking win-win, and the last one of sharpening the saw. Of course, the finer details of these principles escape me. The book has helped me in many ways.
I believe that some of the good things we read or experience stick with us, even if not everything. To improve my recall, here's what I propose:
- Reflect after each reading session by writing down what you learned.
- Summarize your key takeaways in one sentence at the bottom.
The act of writing itself aids memory. In my experience, I remember things better when I write them out by hand compared to typing. Writing forces you to actively engage with the material, synthesizing the information and putting it into your own words.
This exercise shouldn't take more than 5 minutes but can significantly improve your recall.