Linked – Why We Quickly Forget So Much of What We Learn
The simple answer is that we read something or go to training, but we don’t do anything after that.
I cannot count the number of times I’ve done some training, formal or informal, and then had someone come back a month or two later, and it doesn’t appear that they learned anything from me.
I used to question my ability as a trainer until I realized the truth laid out in the article. If you want to learn and remember what you learn, you need to first write it down and then do it.
If you don’t start acting, you will quickly forget what you learned. Actions commit the learning to memory.
For example, when I learn something new, I usually write about it. That helps me formulate my thoughts around the topic, and thinking about how I would explain it to an audience creates further muscle memory. Then, if I can, I try it out for myself.
Occasionally, I’ll write about a technology or an idea that I can’t try out myself, but I try to be honest about that in my writing. I understand that I’m missing an important part of becoming an expert on the subject—the part where I take action.
The next time you want to do some deep learning. Learn, write, and then do. Time is the enemy. Don’t wait.
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