You ever read a book, close the cover, and then think…
“Wait. What did I just read?”
You’re not alone.
Most of us are forgetting what we learn way faster than we realize. In fact, research shows we lose 50% of what we learn within an hour — and up to 70% within 24 hours.
So how do we fix that? How do we read so we remember more, retain longer, and actually apply what we learn?
Let’s break it down — starting with your brain.
Your Brain Wasn’t Built for Binge-Reading
The average person can only focus deeply for 10 to 40 minutes at a time. After that, attention drops off fast.
That’s why one of the best techniques to read more effectively is the Pomodoro Method:
🕒 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off.
This cycle not only fits your natural focus rhythm, but also uses a clever brain trick…
Primacy and Recency Bias: Hack Your Memory
Your brain naturally remembers:
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What happens first (primacy)
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What happens last (recency)
By using short, focused reading bursts, you’re creating more starts and stops — which means your brain gets more firsts and lasts to remember.
More memory hooks = better retention.
Read F.A.S.T.E.R. — The Jim Kwik Method
If you want to truly retain and apply what you read, Jim Kwik offers a powerful framework called F.A.S.T.E.R. Here’s how it works:
🧠 F – Forget
Forget your distractions, your limitations, and what you think you know about the topic. Come in fresh.
✍️ A – Act
Reading isn’t a passive activity. Take notes, highlight, ask questions. The more you engage, the more you remember.
😄 S – State
Your emotional state affects your memory. If you’re bored or tired, your brain won’t hold onto much. Get excited. Be curious. Emotion + information = long-term memory.
📚 T – Teach
Teach what you learn. When you explain something to someone else, you don’t just understand it — you own it.
📅 E – Enter
Enter time into your schedule to learn. Don’t wait for the “right moment.” Consistency creates momentum.
🔁 R – Review
Before starting a new chapter, review the last one. Go over your notes. Spaced repetition helps your brain transfer short-term info into long-term memory.
Ask Better Questions to Learn Better
If you want to remember more, ask more questions before and after you read:
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How can I apply this?
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When can I use it?
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Why does this matter to me?
Questions direct your focus — and focus is the key to retention.
Final Thought
Reading isn’t just about getting through pages. It’s about transforming how you think, feel, and act.
So if you’re tired of forgetting everything you read — try reading faster... by slowing down and being intentional.
📌 Let me know in the comments: What book do you want to actually remember?