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Unlocking the Secrets to Superpower Memory Recall

Just picture this: you’re flipping through a book, and every nugget of wisdom sticks like glue. Sound like a superhero skill? Well, some folks out there seem to have this uncanny knack for storing info. Me? Not quite there yet. I’ve devoured countless books and articles, but ask me what I remember… crickets. Time to tackle this brain blind spot and learn from the memory maestros.

Oh, before I forget, big shoutout to our pals at Squarespace for sponsoring this chat. We’ll circle back to them later.

Are You a Memory Marvel or a Forgetful Fred?

So, if I tossed a book your way—something you read this year—could you rattle off five facts? Could you break it down for a buddy? Let’s put me to the test. I recently read “Steal Like An Artist.” It’s all about borrowing inspiration and putting your twist on it. But, uh, what else? Ideas should be simple, got that much. Beyond that, I’m drawing a blank. Kinda makes you wonder if reading all these self-help books is worth it if you can’t hold onto the gems inside.

Memory: A Mixed Bag

Turns out, memory is a mixed bag. Some folks have it, some don’t, and others are photographic machines. The average Joe is stuck with a memory that’s about as reliable as a soggy noodle. We remember the standout moments—like that time you took a football to the face. That tidbit from a self-help book? Meh, it fades. But hey, can we flip the script? I had to find out.

I stumbled upon a guy who’s read over 3,000 books. “How on earth do you keep track?” I asked. “Well,” he chuckled, “I don’t count. Seems a bit like tallying up old flames, don’t you think?” Fair point. Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of “The Obstacle Is the Way” and “Ego Is the Enemy,” has a memory that could put an elephant to shame.

Picking Ryan Holiday’s Brain

“Thanks for chatting, Ryan,” I said. “Sure thing,” he replied. Back in 2019, I was amazed at how he could pull quotes and tales from his mental vault with ease. “Eisenhower said this, William James said that, and oh, don’t forget Marcus Aurelius and Confucius…” My head was spinning. I needed his secret sauce, stat!

“Ryan, I read a book and then poof! Memory gone. Help me out here.” He chuckled, “Hey, be kind to yourself. If you snagged two life-changers from a book, that’s a win! Books are meant to take you on a ride and leave you with a little something special.”

Cracking the Code with Ryan’s Method

Ryan shared his secret: “I started in publishing, learned from Robert Greene. As I read, I fold pages, jot down thoughts, highlight the gold. Later, I transfer the juicy bits to note cards. I sort them into themes, creating a kind of external brain.” Intrigued, I decided to give it a whirl with his latest, “Courage Is Calling.” Armed with highlighters, pens, and note cards, I dove in.

Three steps to memory mastery: jot notes while reading, revisit them later, and file them neatly. This system taps into how our brains decide what to keep. We naturally cling to frequently or recently used info, or stuff we’ll need for decisions. Becoming a memory maestro means putting in the effort—reading, noting, and using that info. Ryan’s system? It’s like a personal brain assistant.

While he digs audiobooks and eBooks, Ryan suggests going old-school. “Screens are great, but sitting with a book in your hands? That’s where the magic happens,” he said.

Testing the Waters

So, I wrapped up “Courage Is Calling,” notes aplenty. It slowed my pace, but hopefully, these ideas stick like honey. Now, the task: transfer those notes to cards. Speaking of tasks, a nod to Squarespace for making life easy. Whether you’re crafting a memory blog or something entirely different, they’ve got you covered. From picking a domain to setting up shop, it’s a breeze. Fancy a Memory Mentorship? With Squarespace, the sky’s the limit. Ready to launch? Head over to squarespace.com and get started!

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