How to Retain What You Learn

Man, you ever learn something cool, feel like a genius for a hot minute, and then totally blank on it a week later? Like, where’d it go? I was stoked when you guys vibed with my last post about learning stuff fast without losing your mind. So, I figured I’d hit you with the sequel: how to make sure that stuff you learn actually sticks. No fluff, just real talk and some tricks that actually work. Let’s do this.



Why Your Brain Dumps Stuff

First off, your brain’s not broken—it’s just picky. Some old scientist dude, Ebbinghaus, figured out we forget half of what we learn in a day and, like, 90% in a week if we don’t do something about it. It’s called the forgetting curve, and it’s why you can’t remember the periodic table from high school. Your brain’s like, “Nah, I don’t need this unless you prove it’s important.” These tips are how you prove it.



1. Space It Out Like a Pro

Cramming’s a trap. You might ace a test, but good luck remembering anything a month later. Instead, try this thing called spaced repetition. It’s like nudging your brain every few days to keep the info fresh. I started doing this when I was learning to cook, and it saved me from burning another batch of cookies.

Here’s the deal:

• Grab some flashcards. Apps like Anki are dope, or just use sticky notes. Write a question (like, “What’s 7x8?”) on one side and the answer on the other. Flip through them daily, then every few days as you get the hang of it.
• Plan your reviews. After learning something, hit it again the next day, then in three days, then in a week. I use my phone calendar to remind me.
• Mix it up. Don’t just drill one topic. Toss in random stuff to keep your brain awake.



2. Explain It Like I’m Five

Nothing makes stuff stick like trying to explain it to someone else. It’s this trick called the Feynman Technique—some super-smart physicist guy swore by it. You break down the idea so simply a kid could get it. I did this with my buddy when I was learning about taxes. He still doesn’t care, but I’ll never forget it.

Try this:

• Pick something you’re learning, like how Wi-Fi works.
• Pretend you’re telling it to a little cousin. If you’re stumbling, you don’t know it well enough yet.
• Write it down or say it out loud. I sometimes fake-teach my cat. She’s not impressed, but it works.



3. Make It About You

Your brain’s a sucker for stuff that feels personal. If you tie new info to your life, it’s like gluing it in place. They call it elaborative encoding, but I just call it “making it mine.” When I was learning about stars, I started thinking about how they’re like the twinkly lights at my favorite dive bar. Now I can’t forget them.

Here’s how:

• Connect it to something you love. Learning history? Think of it like a Netflix series you’re binging.
• Use it IRL. If you’re learning Photoshop, mess around with your Instagram pics right away.



4. Get Weird With Pictures and Tricks

Your brain eats up images and goofy shortcuts. That’s why mnemonics and visuals are clutch. I used to suck at remembering names, but now I picture crazy stuff, and it’s like magic.

Some ideas:

• Make a mental movie. Learning about dinosaurs? Imagine a T-Rex stealing your burger.
• Use silly phrases. To remember the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior), I think “HOMES.” Easy.
• Draw it. I sketched a diagram of my car’s engine once, and now I actually get what’s under the hood.



5. Quiz Yourself, Don’t Just Read

Rereading notes feels productive, but it’s kind of fake. You’re not really learning—you’re just skimming. Instead, test yourself. It’s called active recall, and it’s like a workout for your brain. I started doing this with trivia nights, and now I’m the guy who remembers random facts about ‘80s movies.

Do this:

• After reading something, shut the book and write down what you remember.
• Use apps like Quizlet to make quick quizzes.
• Get a friend to grill you. My sister loves asking me Spanish words just to mess with me.



6. Sleep’s Your Secret Weapon

No joke, sleep is where the magic happens. Your brain sorts and stores stuff while you’re out cold. I used to pull all-nighters for exams, and I’d bomb half the time. Now I study, crash, and wake up feeling like I’ve got it locked in.

How to nail it:

• Study a bit before bed, then sleep. Your brain’s working while you’re dreaming about pizza.
• Get 7–8 hours. If you’re short, a nap’s better than nothing.
• Ditch your phone before bed. That blue light screws you up.



7. Keep It Fun

If learning feels like a chore, your brain’s going to bail. Make it fun, and it’ll stick like gum on your shoe. I got into brewing coffee because I turned it into a game, experimenting with beans like a mad scientist.

Try this:

• Ward yourself. Learn a chapter, then watch a YouTube video or grab a snack.
• Chase what’s cool. If you’re studying biology but get nerdy about sharks, dive into that.
• Talk about it. I rant about what I’m learning on Reddit, and it makes me remember.



Bonus: Use Tools Like Grok

Tools like me can help. Ask me to explain stuff in a way that clicks, make you a quiz, or sum up a book. Just don’t let me do all the heavy lifting—use me to make your learning pop.



Wrap It Up

Making stuff stick doesn’t have to suck. Space out your reviews, explain it like a story, tie it to your life, get visual, quiz yourself, sleep like a champ, and keep it fun. Pick one or two of these and run with them. You don’t need to be perfect—just keep at it.

What are you trying to learn right now? Drop it in the comments, and tell me which tip you’re going to try. If you dug my last post on learning faster, share this with your crew. Let’s keep the good vibes going!