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My long-term memory has always been a bit unreliable. It’s something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember, possibly even a genetic quirk. Rather than dwelling on why my memory isn’t the best, I decided to find ways to improve it. Through trial and error, I stumbled upon a system that has drastically improved my ability to remember what I read and learn from various sources.
Some people seem to have an incredible ability to recall details from their past effortlessly. My wife, for example, can recount vivid details from her childhood, while I struggle to remember much from mine. Despite having a lovely childhood filled with memories of lush green fields, only the significant events stand out in my mind.
In this article, I want to share the techniques that have been working for me and others, helping us recall information more effectively. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know I have a deep love for books. I often buy more books than I can read, wondering if I’ll ever get through them all.
So why do I keep buying books, even when I fear I won’t have enough time to read them? Here are my reasons:
The Love for Books:
- “When I get a little money, I buy books; if any is left, I buy food and clothes.” — Desiderius Erasmus
- I have an obsession with buying books and simply owning them makes me happy, even if I don’t read them immediately.
Building an Antilibrary:
- Despite my poor long-term memory, I excel in short-term recall, which served me well during my undergraduate years. This system isn’t about perfection but improvement.
One notable example is Ryan Holiday, an accomplished author who has an excellent system for recalling information. He reads and writes extensively, yet manages to retain what he learns effectively. Inspired by his approach, I developed my own system, optimized through trial and error.
The System
Taking Notes While Reading:
- As I read, I highlight important points and make notes in the margins. This slows me down but ensures I engage deeply with the material.
