Using Spaced Repetition and Active Recall with Books to Hack Your Brain

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Aug 20, 2023
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Using Spaced Repetition and Active Recall with Books to Hack Your Brain
The only problem with this comparison is that, unlike Neo in The Matrix, we quickly forget nearly everything we read. It's because what we read flows through us like sand through open fingers. So much human potential is stored in nonfiction books, but so little is realized due to mere forgetfulness.
Active recall (also known as quizzing, testing, or retrieval) is the process by which we challenge our minds to retrieve a piece of information rather than passively reviewing or re-reading the same. The passive approach to remembering this information would be to simply re-read that passage from time to time. This is no doubt better than never revisiting the passage at all, but research has repeatedly shown that active recall testing is significantly more effective.
The key to forgetting less is systematic review. And the best way to review is through active recall. Spaced repetition is a technique for spacing out reviews of previously learned material according to an algorithm designed to optimize your limited time for review. Each time you review a piece of information, you supply feedback to that algorithm which estimates the optimal time to show you that information again. Spaced repetition is the literal opposite of cramming which, we probably don't have to tell you, is a great way of passing a test but a terrible way of truly learning something. Until Elon Musk finishes his Neuralink, the combination of books, Readwise, and Mastery is one of the most effective techniques we've got.
Now that we understand the importance of active recall and spaced repetition, let's delve into some valuable writing tips from Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell's insights can help us become exceptional writers and enhance our understanding of the world.
One of Gladwell's top tips is to get out and experience the world. Your knowledge of other domains will not only fuel your creative tank but also generate insights for your writing. Leaving your comfort zone and being open-minded is essential for personal and professional growth.
Gladwell also emphasizes the power of imperfect comparisons. Surprise your readers with strange arguments and unexpected analogies. By providing both candy (something fun to talk about) and a meal (something substantial and heady), you can captivate your readers and give them something to think about and discuss.
Numbers can be a powerful force in stories, but they need context and meaning. Ascribing purpose to data and comparing it to familiar concepts helps make it more relatable to readers. Paying attention to what resonates with your audience and understanding that different people experience the world differently is crucial in creating engaging content.
Curiosity is another trait that Gladwell highlights. Following your curiosity, asking questions, and exposing the secrets of a particular world helps readers gain understanding and empathy.
When describing a person, real or fictional, consider illustrating their physical space. Use objects to tell stories about their memories, priorities, dreams, and routines. This adds depth to your writing and helps readers connect with the characters.
Gladwell advises not burying pithy and great statements in long sentences. Make them stand out to leave a lasting impact on the readers.
While marketing your work is important, the focus should be on writing something worth noticing. Talent finds a way, but it is essential to put in the effort and trust the process. Just like startups need to create something people want, writers need to create something worth reading.
Once you've written something, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to your readers. Welcoming feedback and allowing your ideas to evolve is crucial for growth as an author. Writing down half-baked ideas and working through them on paper helps in making connections and refining your work. The writing process is like an oven that bakes the idea into a delightful final product.
To apply these insights to your own writing journey, here are three actionable pieces of advice:
- 1. Incorporate active recall and spaced repetition techniques into your study routine. Use tools like Readwise and Mastery to optimize your review process and retain information effectively.
- 2. Embrace the power of curiosity and exploration. Step out of your comfort zone, experience different domains, and generate unique insights for your writing.
- 3. Focus on creating something worth noticing. Double down on your efforts to produce high-quality content that captivates readers. Trust the process and allow your ideas to evolve through feedback and revision.
In conclusion, by combining the techniques of active recall and spaced repetition with the valuable writing tips from Malcolm Gladwell, we can enhance our learning and writing capabilities. Remember to challenge your mind, find unique analogies, give meaning to numbers, follow your curiosity, create vivid descriptions, make pithy statements stand out, focus on writing something worth noticing, and embrace the evolution of your ideas. With these strategies in place, you can hack your brain and unleash your full potential as a writer.
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