Why do I forget everything I learn?

There are many reasons why we forget what we've learned, but in modern society, information overload is a common ground for memory erasure. The quicker we jump into a new subject, the faster we lose what we have learned earlier. This is an example of "use it, or lose it".

Yes, it sounds true that as we gobble more information, older information goes out the window, or falls off the cliff.

This is called information overload, also known as infobesity.

We all suffer from this epidemic one way or another, so I have a few suggestions that may help:

• First, start by skimming through a new topic to get a bird's eye view of what you're about to learn.

A quick scan of the subject gives a chance to the subconscious mind to prepare for accepting the new information, and possibly associate it with what you had previously learned.

Then, take a break.

• Second, as you study, slow down and give time to the mind to digest the subject you're reading through. 

Reading out loud certain passages will help to slow down data intake.

Subdivide the topic into manageable chunks and take a break in between them.

When you return from your break, don't feed in more information yet. Revisit the issue in your mind and see how much you can still remember or understand. This is really important.

Try linking the current section of information to the previous episode in your studies, so that your mind can catalog things properly.

If you don't remember something, review or skim through the previous topic. Do not go any further until you revisit the subject.

Everyone learns differently, but one think is true: you need to slow down and manage the information that knocks at your door.

If you let everything in, your memory will "overflow" and you will remember nothing.

• Be present and aware of your actions. 
• Be selective on the data showing up at your door. 

Don't assume you understand the obvious, test each theory in several different ways like a mad scientist. Testing will help you remember because you are active in the learning process, and because you are slowing down and giving your mind time to digest the data.

• Periodically, declare data bankruptcy and start afresh.

For example, if you haven't read your emails for over a month, perhaps they are not important to keep. Select all, skim the titles one last time looking for something you must keep, and then delete all the others.

Starting afresh is good medicine. Declaring data bankruptcy by purging everything unread, is a good practice.

Be a good gardener. Sometimes we just need to let go. 

I hope this helps.

Tony

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