Unlock What You Already Know: The Power of Looking Back | by Tim McKay | Jester Creative | Dec, 2023 | Medium
Unlock What You Already Know: The Power of Looking Back
Written by Tim McKay, Editor for Jester Creative
Hey there! Have you ever felt like you're sitting on a treasure trove of skills and knowledge that you haven't fully tapped into? We all have that craving for growth and understanding, but sometimes we find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available to us. Well, today we're here to tell you that the answer lies in looking back and unlocking what you already know.
The Problem with Information Overload
In this age of information overload, it's easy to consume more knowledge than we can effectively manage. We buy books, enroll in courses, attend conferences, and yet, we still feel like we haven't made the most of what we've learned. Sound familiar?
The truth is, we often neglect the knowledge we've already acquired in our pursuit of new information. We leave it on the shelf, untouched and unutilized. We have articles, books, and courses saved or bought, but they remain untouched, collecting dust. Why is that?
The Importance of Going Back
If you're not already taking notes, now is the time to start. Taking notes when you encounter useful content is the first step to getting the most out of what you learn. But it's not just about taking notes; it's about having access to them and being consistent in your note-taking practice.
Whether you use tools like EverNote, Notion, OneNote, or even just Google Docs or Word, find a system that works for you and stick with it. The key is to curate your knowledge before you can unlock its full potential. And to do that, you need to go back.
Think about high school. Do you remember most of what you learned? Probably not. But that doesn't mean it was all useless. The knowledge you still use, the foundations you built upon, those are the valuable nuggets that stick with you. And the same goes for the knowledge you've accumulated over the years.
The Importance of Exercise
Knowledge is like a muscle that needs to be exercised to grow. So, here's what you can do:
Step 1: Edit your Notes
Go back to your notes and revise them. Put the information in your own words, highlight key parts, add headings, and cut out unnecessary fluff. By reworking your notes, you make them easier to read and understand. It's also helpful to add your own thoughts and ideas as you go. This not only reinforces your understanding but also helps you remember the content more effectively.
Step 2: Practice What You Learn
Put what you've reviewed into practice. Try applying at least one element of what you've learned on the same day. Redo exercises or questions related to the material or search for additional exercises online. As you practice, refer back to your notes and consider making cue cards. The goal is to generate new content and build new connections in your mind.
The Importance of Imitation
Imitation is a powerful way to learn. Just think about how much faster you can learn a new language by spending time with native speakers. The same principle applies to other skills and knowledge areas. Find ways to imitate those who excel in the areas you want to master. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, and transcribe spoken content. By imitating, you reinforce your learning and internalize the information more effectively.
Copywork
In the world of writing and marketing, copywork is the practice of copying written content by hand. It may sound tedious, but it's an effective way to absorb and understand the nuances of great writing. If you prefer typing, you can still engage in copywork by typing out the content. The process of copying forces your brain to pay closer attention and strengthens your connection to the material.
Sign Off
So, instead of constantly seeking new knowledge, take a moment to look back and unlock what you already know. Edit your notes, practice what you've learned, and imitate those who inspire you. By doing so, you'll be amazed at the results.
Remember, learning is a journey, and it's not just about acquiring new information. It's about making the most of what you already have. So, use this superpower wisely and watch yourself excel in ways you never thought possible.
You can read the original post on our website here.
https://jestercreative.com/unlock-what-you-already-know-the-power-of-looking-back/
