Unlocking Your Superpower Memory: Techniques from the World's Smartest

The Quest for Superpower Memory Recall

Imagine being able to pick up any book, read it, and remember almost everything from it. While it might seem like a fictional superpower, there are real-world individuals who possess an incredible ability to retain information. Unfortunately, I found myself on the opposite end of the spectrum, struggling to recall details from the numerous books, blogs, and newsletters I've consumed over the years. This realization propelled me to explore the memory retention techniques of the smartest individuals and apply them to my own learning process.

The Challenge of Remembering What We Read

Recalling five facts from a non-fiction book we've read in the past year can be daunting for many of us. My personal attempt to summarize "Steal Like An Artist" highlighted my struggle with memory recall, even for books I had recently enjoyed. The reality is, without absorbing and implementing the insights from personal development books, their value diminishes significantly. However, memory capabilities vary greatly among individuals, ranging from poor to exceptional, with most of us having a memory that is messy and often unreliable.

The Journey to Enhanced Memory Recall

In pursuit of improving my memory, I sought advice from Ryan Holiday, an international bestselling author known for his exceptional memory recall. Holiday, who has read over 3,000 books, shared his system for retaining information, which involves taking notes while reading, revisiting and revising these notes, and categorizing them. This analog method of engaging deeply with the material proved to be a significant factor in enhancing memory recall.

Ryan Holiday's System in Practice

1. Take Notes While Reading: Highlight and note down key insights as you read.
2. Revisit and Revise Notes: After finishing the book, go through your notes and transfer the most impactful points onto note cards.
3. Categorize and File Notes: Organize these note cards by themes, effectively creating an 'exterior brain' for storing valuable information.

The Benefits of Going Analog

Holiday emphasizes the advantage of analog reading methods over digital formats like audiobooks and eBooks. The tactile process of highlighting, writing, and sorting through physical note cards engages the brain more deeply, leading to better recall. This hands-on approach not only aids in memory retention but also makes the learning process more enjoyable and meaningful.

My Experiment with Ryan Holiday's System

Inspired by Holiday's method, I embarked on an experiment with his latest book, "Courage Is Calling," using highlighters, pens, post-it bookmarks, and note cards. Although the process significantly slowed down my reading speed, it encouraged a deeper understanding and retention of the book's key ideas. This experiment reinforced the notion that memory retention requires deliberate effort and organization.

The Takeaway: Memory Is a System, Not a Talent

The journey to improving memory recall taught me an invaluable lesson: effective memory retention isn't about natural talent but about having a systematic approach to processing and organizing information. Whether you choose an analog system like Ryan Holiday's or a digital one, the key is to start imperfectly and refine your method over time. Remember, the goal isn't to become superhuman but to enrich your learning experience by retaining more of what you read.

To explore these techniques further and see them in action, check out the original video here.

Conclusion

In a world overloaded with information, developing a robust system to retain, recall, and apply knowledge is more important than ever. By adopting and adapting the strategies of individuals like Ryan Holiday, we can transform our approach to reading and learning, turning every book we read into a building block for personal and professional growth.