How not to forget what you learn?

[tatsumaru]

Hey,

I read a ton of books on all kinds of stuff from chemistry to product management. I am just naturally curious. However I feel that I forget some of the books I read and that seems like a waste because it's like I spent the time reading the book but then 6 months later I am not sure exactly what it said. Sometimes I get self-conscious that I don't have a good memory. I suffer from insomnia which also interferes with memory retention, but I can't do anything about that. What can I do to keep more of that information in my head? Any ideas?

[peanutspathtotruth]

One of the best things I recently did is getting myself a Kindle and the Readwise app, and connecting the app to my Notion system. When I highlight something on my Kindle, the app automatically creates a sub-page for each book and saves all the highlights in my Notion (which is my "commonplace book" or life OS). When you come in later, it's much simpler to sort the highlights coherently. You can also add notes to the highlights directly on your Kindle. 

Also, the app gives you a daily review with your latest highlights, this repeated exposure to the ideas makes them stick better. I love this setup  

This is how it looks like, all automated:

Edited January 21, 2021 by peanutspathtotruth

[seeking_brilliance]

Writing things down has worked since the dawn of... well, written history. 

[Michal__]

Train your concentration. 

Memory = paying attention * healthy brain

[Thought Art]

Here is a video I made talking about note taking, the system is pretty good for remembering notes because you spend time making deeper connection in your own words while reading etc 

I talk a bit about the reMarkable for a distraction free studying experience as well. Any distraction free method works though. I just like the common place book meets distraction free meets ultra portable function of the device.

 

Edited January 21, 2021 by Thought Art