Information retention tends to lessen with time.&nbsp;If the information is repeated more often in the first few times it's reviewed, it tends to stick to a neuron.

Ebbinghaus' Forgetting Curve

In other words, if we review the information just before forgetting it it, we will be able to consolidate it in the memory, in the most optimal possible manner.&nbsp;

Review before you forget

It simply means 7 days, 3 days, 2 days, and today.<blockquote>Let’s say you learned something you want to remember in the long-run. Now, what you should do is read it today (1), tomorrow (2), the day after tomorrow (3), and then on the 7th day from your first reading (7).&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>If you read something today, say, August 10th, you’d re-read it on the 11th, 12th, and the 17th.</blockquote>

The 7-3-2-1 Technique

1. TBR2. Reading Tracker3. Making Notes4. Commit

Implementing this Technique

Draw 6 columns. Title the columns Date, Particulars, and the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 7.Whenever you start reading, make an entry of the topic and the date. Check off the dates as and when you read.&nbsp;Don't shy away from customising your tracker according to your needs.

Reading Tracker

Whenever you come across something new that you want to remember, make it a point to review it later.&nbsp;Add it to your to-do list, set a reminder, set an appointment with your notebooks, do whatever it takes to review it later for sure.

To Be Read

Do not make notes on your first reading.&nbsp;We tend to rewrite almost every little information while learning something for the first time.&nbsp;Take notes on the 7th day, when you know the major ideas of the topic. Note them down on a summary sheet/ cheat sheet for future reference.&nbsp;Less Clutter = Maximum Efficiency

Making Notes

No Commitment = No SuccessApplies to every aspect of life.&nbsp;Everything requires you sticking to do it, until you are done with it. Fix your target, and work towards it regularly.&nbsp;Use creativity, online resources, aesthetic or minimalism [matching your preferences], add some comfort, and make learning fun.&nbsp;

Commit

The above graph is based on the research of Hermann Ebbinghaus, who was among the first scientists to perform experiments to understand how memory works. The research is maybe 100 years old but it’s…

Use the 7–3–2–1 Method to Improve Your Long-Term Memory

Natasha Nonami