Our brains are incredible organs, capable of processing vast amounts of information in a matter of seconds. However, despite their remarkable ability, our brains have limitations. One of the most significant limitations is our ability to remember the details of the content we consume. Our brains aren’t made to remember everything, and unless you’re one of the rare individuals with a photographic memory, it’s likely that the details you encounter will fade quickly.

Have you ever read an article, only to forget its content moments after you finish it? Or recognized a movie title but been unable to recall the plot? If so, you’re not alone. Forgetting non-essential information is a common experience because our brains have limited capacity for immediate recall. Our brains can only remember the most crucial information necessary for our survival, leaving us with a blurry picture of non-essential information.

The human brain is not designed to handle massive amounts of data. We receive stimuli every day, and if we processed and remembered everything, it would make it difficult for us to function. Instead, our brains sort through our experiences, filtering out what’s significant from what’s insignificant.

When we encounter new information for the first time, our brains go through a process called encoding. However, our brains are better at encoding information when it can associate new information with pre-existing experiences. The first time we encounter new information is like passing strangers on the street. Our neurons process that we’ve encountered someone, but that’s it. There’s no recognition, and after we leave the situation, we probably won’t remember who we saw.

However, some people have a knack for remembering everything they see. How do they do it? It’s not that they have extraordinary memories, but they actively engage with the information. By processing information actively, they can experience the details multiple times in a short time, which helps them remember the information. They synthesize the information, making it their own, and revisit it often to build neuron connections.

The more we engage with the content we consume, the more readily we’ll remember it. Each time our neurons revisit the same subject, it becomes easier for them to make new connections. Think of it like taking a walk through the woods. At first, there is no path, but if you take the same route every day, you’ll create a trail. You’ll be able to move quickly and easily in a place where you used to have to move slowly. Your brain handles memory the same way. You want to build a well-worn path for your neurons.

The first time we encounter something, we’ll likely forget many details. There’s too much new information to absorb, and we can’t make meaningful connections. It’s helpful to revisit the content several times to help remember the details. Once we know what happens, we can appreciate the specifics better.

However, replaying or rereading content isn’t enough to remember it. Rote memorization doesn’t help us make meaningful connections. Instead, we need to apply the information. Passive observation doesn’t facilitate neuron connections, which is why application is essential. When we apply a concept or practice to our lives, it becomes easier to internalize the information. It’s the combination of repetition and application that solidifies neuron connections.

When we engage with content purposefully, it’s easier to remember it. Before reading a book or watching a movie, have a question in mind that you’d like to answer. If you don’t have a purpose, your default mode is to get to the end. When you spot related chapters or ideas, find ways to connect them. Highlight them, write notes, or clip the sections that are related. Taking notes by hand is an especially valuable way to help you remember important concepts.

Remembering everything we consume is impossible, but making meaningful connections with the content can improve our recall. Watching movies and reading mindlessly is a waste of time. We need to engage with the content to make the most of the learning opportunity. By actively processing information, revisiting it, and applying it to our lives, we help build neuron connections and make lasting memories.