Memorization is often shunned in favor of online search engines.
However, memorization can help foster mastery of any endeavor ranging from financial analysis and writing, to business management and public speaking, for example.
The smaller facts, ideas, and theories we memorize can facilitate broader comprehensions of whatever topics we wish to master – this according to much of the leading-edge cognitive science and cognitive psychology research.
Let’s first assume that we wish to master, say, gardening, without having to constantly research plant names and other, associated aspects.
When we master plant and gardening details in this way – placing this information on “autopilot” – we then free what scientists term our “working memories” toward focusing on broader garden design.
The Leitner System
The “Leitner system” can help us make memorization shifts.
Conceived by its namesake, German commentator Sebastian Leitner (1919-1989), the “Leitner system” is simply a more involved method of using index cards with a question written on one side and an answer on the other (also known as “flashcards”).
The Leitner system works this way:
Following the first few times we create and use our gardening “flashcards” stored in a “Box 1” (each, again, with a various fact on one side and an answer on the other), we will begin to correctly answer the questions posed by the cards.
When cards are repeatedly answered correctly in Box 1 over the course of many days, we can then promote the cards we know well into a “Box 2.” Those that we have any difficulty answering correctly in Box 2 are moved back to Box 1. Conversely, those in Box 2 that we are successful with are then moved to a “Box 3.”
The key lies in the cards we store in Box 1 that we don’t know well. They should be reviewed at least daily, while those that we know better in Box 2 should be reviewed every three or four days.
The cards in Box 3 that we know best of all should be reviewed every five days.
Eventually, all the cards in Boxes 1 through 3 are answered with ease, and can then be placed in storage for their infrequent review.
The Leitner system can be used for many pursuits: The more we have mastery of details surrounding our businesses, for example, the less time will we spend speaking to our digital assistants, and wasting other time – and instead focus on our visions and strategies, as humans’ laser-like minds are naturally meant to do.
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