How to better remember and apply what you read in life

1. Capture key points, instructive information and ideas

Most of us, when reading a book or articles on the Internet, mechanically move our eyes along the text and do not make any notes. Useful information is forgotten. If you record what attracts your attention, then it is better to remember and use what you read in life.

Emphasize, highlight and ponder

It's not enough just to underline and highlight pieces of text. To remember information, you have to think it over. For example, when you are finished reading, review the text and notes again and ask yourself, "What is important to me?" This way you will determine which information is worth remembering and which is not.

Break information into categories

When making notes, record where the information can be used and why you liked it. Break it down into the categories you need. For example: “Beautiful phrases”, “Information for work”, “Ideas to be implemented”.

Create a dossier

To better remember the book, create a dossier on it. You can do this in Evernote or elsewhere. Follow this pattern:

Download a book cover.
Write in your own words what the book is about.
List all quotes and key points.
Write down any ideas and thoughts you have as you read.

2. Discuss what you read with your friends

The discussion greatly increases the value of the read.

Choose someone with polarities or outside the box thinking from your environment and discuss the book with them. So you will not only pump your analysis skill, learn to formulate thoughts and remember what you read, but you will also look at the text differently.

3. Write about what you read

One of the best ways to reinforce knowledge is to pass it on to someone. By writing about the book, we not only convey its meaning, but also enrich it with our own ideas and experiences.

4. Ask yourself questions about what you read

Asking ourselves questions about content, we move from passive consumption to active analysis. Parsing 10 pages of a good book will do more good than a cursory reading of 50 articles on the Internet. When you finish your book, ask the following questions:

What is the whole book about?
What and how does the book speak in detail?
Is the content of the book true in whole or in part?
What exactly is true?
Can I apply what I have read to my life?
Was there a similar situation in my life?
What thoughts does the book suggest?

You can passively consume content or actively participate in it. The second option will bring more satisfaction and benefit.

5. Read the book again

Repetition is the mother of learning. When you re-read a book, you discover information that you may have missed or not understood before. In addition, you are rethinking what you have already learned.

6. Bring what you read to life, but start small

One of the main reasons why people do not apply the advice from books in practice is to try to implement everything at once. After reading, you are trying to radically rebuild your life. But it takes a lot of effort, so you get tired and give up halfway through. Having decided that the ideas in this book don't work, you take the next one to find new tips from another guru. The vicious circle is closed.

New habits should enter life almost imperceptibly. The more difficult and time-consuming a new practice is, the more likely you are to abandon it. Therefore, change your life a little, but every day.