Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, the information you learn just slips away? Maybe it’s for a test, a work assignment, or even just trying to remember details for your personal life—it’s frustrating when all that effort seems to be in vain. But what if there were a way to “lock” that information into your brain, ensuring that it stays with you for the long haul?
For many of us, the struggle to retain new knowledge is a common pain point. I’ve been there myself, countless times, trying desperately to remember what I studied. Whether it was during my college years or as I climbed up the career ladder, the frustration of forgetting key concepts, ideas, or facts seemed endless. I had to find a way to make my brain work smarter, not harder.
In my journey of acquiring new skills, I realized that we are all capable of so much more than we think when it comes to retaining knowledge. With the right strategies and a deep understanding of how our brains process information, it’s possible to remember just about anything. Let me walk you through some of the game-changing techniques that have transformed the way I learn and helped me “lock” information into my brain.
1. The 80/20 Rule: Focus on the Essentials
One of the first techniques that changed my approach to learning was the 80/20 Rule—the idea that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Instead of trying to memorize every minute detail, I focused on the most important 20% of information—the core concepts that serve as the foundation for the rest of what I need to know. By narrowing my focus to the essentials, I don’t overwhelm myself with unnecessary facts. I can use those key principles as building blocks to retain the remaining 80%, simplifying the learning process.
2. The Feynman Technique: Teach to Remember
This technique is all about turning information into a story. Nobel-winning physicist Richard Feynman proved that the best way to deeply understand and retain knowledge is by teaching it to others or explaining it in simple terms. When I apply the Feynman Technique, I take the information I’ve learned and turn it into a story. I visualize the key concepts and associate them with characters, settings, or emotions that make the information more engaging. Whether I’m explaining a legal principle or a scientific theory, the more vivid and creative the story, the easier it is for me to remember the details.
3. Handwriting: The Lost Art of Retention
In today’s digital world, typing has become the default method for taking notes, but handwriting remains a powerful tool for memory. I’ve noticed that when I physically write something down, my brain retains the information much better than if I were to type it. Research supports this: the act of forming words with a pen engages multiple parts of the brain, helping to reinforce the memory. The process of handwriting forces me to slow down and think critically about the information, which in turn helps me absorb it better. Plus, there’s something about the tactile sensation of pen on paper that creates a deeper connection to the material.
4. Learning from Multiple Sources: The Power of Diversity
In today’s digital age, we have access to multiple viewpoints on any subject. Instead of sticking to just one textbook or perspective, I broaden my horizons by learning from a variety of sources—books, videos, podcasts, and articles. This diversity of information allows me to see the topic from multiple angles, making it easier to retain and recall key facts. When you expose yourself to the same material in different ways, you strengthen your memory and enhance your understanding. It’s like getting the full picture, rather than just a single slice.
5. The 20-Hour Rule: Immersion for Mastery
Another key strategy that has worked wonders for me is dedicating 20 focused hours to a subject. This rule is simple: if you immerse yourself in a subject for 20 hours, you’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge that’s easy to retain. The key here is consistency. It’s not about cramming all the information at once; instead, it’s about steady, uninterrupted learning. I break these 20 hours into manageable chunks, spread over days, weeks, or even months, depending on the subject. This deep immersion allows me to go beyond superficial knowledge and truly master the material.
6. Repetition: The Key to Long-Term Memory
Finally, repetition is essential for locking information into your brain. While learning from multiple sources and dedicating focused time to study are great, it’s through regular review and repetition that knowledge becomes permanent. I make sure to revisit concepts regularly, reinforcing the connections in my brain until they become second nature. This isn’t monotonous—it’s a way to solidify and deepen what I’ve learned, making it more accessible when I need it.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Focused Learning
Retaining information doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using these techniques—focusing on the essentials, teaching to remember, handwriting, learning from multiple sources, immersing yourself in the material, and practicing repetition—you can drastically improve your ability to retain and recall information. The key is to be intentional about how you learn and to approach it with a strategy that works for you.
As someone with ADHD, I can personally attest to the power of these methods. It’s not always easy, but by applying these principles consistently, I’ve found myself retaining more and becoming a more efficient learner. If I can do it, so can you.
Want to dive deeper into how to optimize your memory and learning process? Check out my YouTube video “How to Lock Information Into Your Brain (and Never Forget)” for more insights. And if this post has helped you, don’t forget to share it with a friend who might benefit!