Wow, time goes by fast!  We learn, then instantly forget!  Does it have to be this way?  Do we have to re-live tough lessons over & over again?  Albert Einstein defined insanity as: doing the same thing over & over again & expecting different results.  I don’t think its because we want to be foolish.  For me, I just forget!  Here are four thoughts on how to remember what you’ve learned: 

1. Record what you’ve learned.  Take account of things you’ve picked up.  Journal, blog, tweet, take a picture, draw an etchasketch or whatever.  Just don’t forget by not writing it down or recording it in some way!  Take 20 minutes a day to record your thoughts, reflections, memories or anything you’ve learned.  Guys, call it a journal if you think someone will dog you for having a diary, ha!  Just record what you’ve learned!

2. Reflect on what you’ve learned.  Think back on when you learned something, when you made it through a hard time, when you overcame an obstacle.  Don’t forget what you’ve learned!  Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old.  I ponder on all your works and think about what you have done.”  The biblical author is remembering what God has done in the past.  The verse before says, “I am losing hope; I am paralyzed with fear.  Even in the midst of complete desolation, he remembers a saving act of the past that gives him hope and leads him to faith! Always reflect on what you’ve learned.

3. Redefine your values based on what you’ve learned.  Look back in life at what you treasure the most.  Family? Career? Faith? What is it?  Look at your calendar over the last week.  Does this match up?  Take some time to reflect and redefine your values. Make some goals for the week, based on your clarified values.  When you live live out of your clearly defined values, you are much more likely to achieve the things that are most important to you!

4. Remind yourself what you’ve learned.  Think of a way to create a physical reminder for yourself or your family about a time or event that made you grow stronger.  Remind yourself of your values.  Create something you can look at frequently to remind yourself, even if it is on your laptop screen or mirror at home.  I’ve known people that will write note cards to themselves and carry them around; I make notes to myself on my phone to look at all the time.  Whatever works for you, just create a visible reminder for what you’ve learned.

Record, Reflect, Re-clarify, Remind- whatever you do…..remember!  How do you remember?  Do share.  Next post I will share your ideas and some more ways to remember!