(Read Time 10 min)

You know that frustrating feeling when you've just consumed a great piece of content, be it a book or a podcast, and suddenly, you realize you've forgotten most of it? You're not alone.

In my own journey of lifelong learning, I hit a stumbling block. I discovered Hermann Ebbinghaus' groundbreaking "forgetting curve" from his 1885 book on memory. It revealed a startling truth: within just an hour of learning something new, we forget about 50% of it. By the end of the week? A whopping 90% can vanish from our minds. This felt like pouring hours of effort into a sieve, watching valuable knowledge simply drain away.

But instead of letting this deter me, I saw it as a gauntlet thrown down in challenge. Determined to reverse this trend, I dove into developing a practical framework. Through trial and error, I tailored a set of learning habits that have supercharged my retention rates.

And the results? They've been nothing short of transformative. If you're seeking a way to truly hold onto what you learn, you're in the right place.

Let me guide you through this powerful approach.

The Knowledge Pyramid

Before we dive into these four steps, you must have an understanding of The Knowledge Pyramid. The Knowledge Pyramid also known as the DIKW Pyramid (Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom), represents a hierarchical model of the transition from raw data to wisdom. By delving into this model, we can gain deeper insights into knowledge retention, enhancing our grasp on the core 4 framework discussed below.

The pyramid framework helps to differentiate between various levels of understanding, from the most basic to the most sophisticated. Here's a breakdown of each layer of the pyramid:

1. Data:

   
   

   • Definition: Data is a set of unprocessed facts, symbols, or raw bits without context. Essentially, data points are objective and uninterpreted.

   • Example: A single measurement of temperature, a list of numbers, symbols without specific meanings.

   
   

2. Information:

   
   

   • Definition: Information emerges when data is processed, organized, or given structure. It answers basic questions like who, what, where, and when.

   • Example: A weather report is information. It takes raw temperature data, and other data like humidity or pressure, and presents it in a structured, meaningful way.

   
   

3. Knowledge:

   
   

   • Definition: Knowledge is the result of understanding patterns within information. It comes from experience, insights, and the apprehension of patterns. Knowledge answers "how" questions.

   • Example: Knowing how the weather behaves during different times of the year in a specific location based on consistent patterns in weather reports.

   
   

4. Wisdom:

   
   

   • Definition: Wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on knowledge. It's not just about knowing something, but also about understanding the broader implications and applying that understanding in practice. Wisdom helps answer "why" questions.

   • Example: Deciding when to plant crops based on the understanding of seasonal weather patterns, their implications, and long-term effects.

   
   

Significance of the Pyramid:

• The DIKW Pyramid emphasizes the progression of understanding from merely collecting data to making informed decisions.

• As you move up the pyramid, the volume of data decreases, but its usefulness and value increase.

• It serves as a guide for businesses and individuals to understand where they are in terms of their decision-making processes. For instance, merely having data isn't enough; one needs to process it and understand it to make it actionable.

The Knowledge Pyramid has been both influential and somewhat controversial, with some critics arguing that the distinctions between the levels aren't always clear or that the linear progression is an oversimplification. However, it remains a useful tool in many contexts, especially in the fields of information science, management, and knowledge management.

Now armed with the Knowledge Pyramid context, lets dive into my 4 core ways to maximize my learning and information retention:

1. Multi-Sensory Learning (DATA)

I used to only read books or listen to podcasts or audio books. Now, I engage multiple senses by doing both. I listen to a podcast and watch it at the same time. I read a physical book while also listening to the audio book. I watch the digital course and listen to the audio. It is no longer passive-learning, it becomes active.

This multi-sensory approach puts me right at the foundational level of the Knowledge Pyramid (discussed below) and helps to make the learning experience far more enriching and memorable.

Action Step: Next time you pick a topic, find multiple ways to consume it. If you’re reading a book, also listen to the audio book. If you listen to a podcast, watch the video version too. Engage as many senses as you can to reinforce the material.

2. Note-Taking is Essential (INFORMATION)

I used to assume that my brain could handle all the information thrown its way. But now, I take notes religiously. I no longer like to listen passively to podcasts or books or anything in that matter.

If I find the topic intriguing, I must take notes along with the multi-sensory approach. The act of writing what I've consumed into my own words and organized structure, changes the data into valuable information and personalizes the content for me. It takes what is audio or visual and makes it tangible for me.

Action Step: Equip yourself with a dedicated notebook or a digital note-taking tool. Whenever you’re consuming information through multiple senses, jot down key points, thoughts, or questions. Make it a habit to rephrase in your own words, solidifying your understanding.

3. Review, Review, Review (KNOWLEDGE)

Ebbinghaus was right—revisiting information is crucial. So, I set aside time to review my notes. This not only allows me to climb to the 'knowledge' level of the pyramid but also combats the forgetting curve effectively. I review all my notes throughout the week right before I go to bed.

Why right before bed? Because I am moving from my highest brain waves states of alpha & beta down into my theta state where I can grasp the knowledge in a deeper sense. It can go into the subconscious mind to move further up the knowledge pyramid.

Deep Rest and Meditation

One unconventional method I've found extremely beneficial as you review, review, review is entering a state of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR)—almost like a form of hypnosis. It's as if this allows my brain to process and engrave the information deeper into my memory. You personally take yourself from Alpha/Beta brain wave state down into a deep theta state but you still are able to have an intense amount of focus.

From this state, I can visually see and review all my note and go through them piece by piece engraving. Allowing me to go further into the Knowledge & even Wisdom portion of the knowledge pyramid

Action Step: Dedicate a few minutes after your learning sessions to sit or lay quietly, meditating or just resting with closed eyes. I do 6 deep breathes and exhale all the way on the last one. I do this a few times until I am in a fully rested state. Use this time to review and reflect on what you've learned and allow your brain to process the information without distractions. Also of course take time throughout the week to schedule dedicated review sessions. Multiple times a week, revisit your notes.

4. DO and TEACH: The Ultimate Test (WISDOM)

They say if you can't teach it, you don't know it. This is the actual doing.

After I feel like I've absorbed the information, I put what I've learned into practice and then teach it—by writing a blog post about it and turning that blog post into a YouTube video to teach it.

The key here is putting your new knowledge into practice. Yes, you can teach it but to really grasp and understand the topic, you must put it into practice in order to get real life experience and feedback.

For example, someone can teach about how to make a million dollars but if they haven't put the knowledge into practice and made a million dollars themself, their content doesn't have depth or credibility.

I feel I hit the pinnacle of the Knowledge Pyramid, reaching the level of 'wisdom' when I have put knowledge into practice and I am able to teach what I learned in a clear, personal way.

Action Step: Share and put into action what you've learned. If that's not feasible, start a learning video journal, where you record yourself teaching the topic. Remember: the objective is to reinforce your understanding by articulating it.

Quality Over Quantity:

You might think it's impressive to read 50 books or consume 300 podcast episodes in a year. But my goal is quality, not quantity. It used to be quantity over quality. I'd rather delve deep into a single book for three months, taking notes and truly internalizing its core concepts, moving through the knowledge pyramid rather than skimming through a dozen without any lasting impact.

Action Step: Rather than setting broad goals like “read 20 books this year,” focus on deeply understanding subjects. Choose one topic or book or podcast topic and truly immerse yourself in it. Dedicate time to understand, discuss, and even debate the concepts.

In Closing:

My journey through learning has been transformed by taking Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve seriously and applying the layers of the Knowledge Pyramid to my learning and study routines.

If you really want to deep dive into memory retention, make sure you check out the book Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsley. His techniques will blow your mind even more.

As a result, I'm not just learning; I'm remembering and applying what I've learned. It's about not just scaling the pyramid, but also fortifying each level so I can truly say I've conquered the forgetting curve.

You can too. You got this. Keep going.