As an avid reader and learner, I’m often asked how to retain more information from reading.
Recently, a young college student approached me with this very question.
He was enthusiastic about reading but needed help making the most of the information he consumed. He was feeling overwhelmed by the volume of data.
Here’s what I shared with him:
Firstly, I shared my technique of summarizing each reading with a simple 3-line structure:
- The precondition for reading,
- The crux, and
- The number one benefit of executing what I had read.
This structure helps me filter out the noise and retain only the essential information.
However, it’s important to note that this technique requires expert judgment and may not always be correct.
Once I’ve noted the information, I consciously try to execute it in my imagination or actual practice. By doing this, I’m using my remembered knowledge and making it an integral part of me.
It’s essential to remember that reading more is only sometimes the answer. Relevant reading coupled with proper execution of the gained knowledge is the key to improving our lives.
Lastly, it doesn’t matter what device you use to record your notes. What’s important is the execution of the knowledge you’ve gained. The purpose of reading or any educational activity is to consciously create a situation based on what you know.
So there you have it – my notes on reading and retaining information. Remember, reading can be an enriching experience, but it’s the execution of the knowledge we gain that truly transforms our lives.
