Chapter 1: The Quest for Better Memory

Improving your memory is a common desire, yet few genuinely work on it.

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I used to be among the many who wished for a sharper memory. Even now, there are moments when I find myself wishing for improvement. However, the issue isn't rooted in the quality of my memory but rather in the understanding of what factors contribute to better recall.

Despite dedicating countless hours to language learning, I often struggle to remember what I've studied. For instance, after investing over 100 hours learning Ainu, a dialect from Hokkaido, I can’t recall a single sentence. Is this due to a poor memory? Not necessarily. It stems from ineffective learning methods.

Conversely, there are certain topics that I can easily recall. For example, I have no trouble remembering how to converse in Japanese or Korean, crafting engaging articles, or even navigating Genshin Impact. This difference arises from the distinct goals I had while learning them.

Section 1.1: Defining Your Intentions

A significant challenge I face is remembering what my friends share about their lives. Yet, there are a few friends whose stories I can easily recall. Recently, I met a friend I hadn’t seen in a year. I was able to discuss numerous details from our time in Japan because I was committed to preserving that connection.

A recent study highlights this idea, revealing that a sense of purpose can significantly enhance memory retention. It stated, “While a sense of purpose and cognitive function improved memory recall, a sense of purpose alone elevated the vividness and coherence of memories.”

When attempting to master a skill solely because others deemed it important, the process can feel laborious and frustrating. Many struggle with languages like Japanese or Chinese for this reason—they lack a clear, personal motivation.

Thus, having a defined purpose not only enriches your life but also bolsters your memory. Before embarking on a learning journey, take time to reflect on your motivations. Find a reason that aligns with your values, making the experience both shorter and more enjoyable.

Subsection 1.1.1: Eliminate Distractions

You may have heard of Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve, which illustrates that we forget a significant portion of what we've studied shortly after learning. If we don’t review the material, we risk losing most of it within days.

While understanding this curve is essential, the true challenge often arises during the initial study phase. For instance, when studying languages, I sometimes feel compelled to remember every new word I encounter. I might jot down the term for “movie ticket” in Burmese, even though it’s not immediately relevant. Unsurprisingly, I forget it within hours.

Instead, focus on learning only what you genuinely need to know. If you're honing your writing skills, prioritize one specific style. If you're tackling a new language, concentrate on the vocabulary that will be most useful to you. Similarly, if you're interested in drawing, tailor your studies to your desired style, whether it's lifelike landscapes or manga.

Avoid filling your mind with random pieces of information that you may never use. Concentrate on what truly matters to you.

Chapter 2: The Power of Interleaving

The first video titled "How to triple your memory by using this trick | Ricardo Lieuw On | TEDxHaarlem" discusses techniques that can significantly enhance memory retention and recall, emphasizing the importance of understanding how memory works.

The second video, "3 Steps To INSTANTLY IMPROVE Your Memory! | Jim Kwik," provides actionable steps to boost your memory through practical techniques that can be applied in daily life.

Interleaving is a surprisingly underutilized method that can greatly enhance your learning experience. This technique involves alternating between related subjects to help your brain categorize and differentiate them. While it may resemble the “spacing effect,” which suggests spreading study sessions over time, interleaving is distinct in its approach.

Research suggests that interleaving can be more effective than simple spaced repetition. By mixing concepts, you avoid the false sense of ease that can come from repetitive exposure to the same material.

For example, when learning a new language, I often choose three different grammar patterns, study their fundamentals separately, and then create exercises that incorporate all three. This method keeps the learning process engaging and challenging.

To effectively incorporate interleaving into your studies, follow these steps:

1. Research the topics you want to master and prioritize the key concepts.
2. Select three foundational ideas and find resources that teach them (websites, textbooks, videos).
3. Dedicate 15–20 minutes to learning each concept individually.
4. Practice exercises that randomly incorporate all three concepts.

However, it's crucial to learn each concept before mixing them. Interleaving should come after you've grasped the basics to maximize retention.