Memory improvement techniques have fascinated both experts and everyday people alike, and now a new six-step method called the “RECALL” method is promising to help people remember nearly everything they read. Developed by Reiley Dunlop, a self-proclaimed smart skills coach, the RECALL method has gained traction on social media as a simple, structured approach to boosting memory retention.
Dunlop shared that the RECALL method is designed to help people remember information quickly and easily. According to him, by following these six simple steps, people can drastically improve their ability to recall details. Consultant neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad also adds that memory relies heavily on attention, concentration, and a focus on the material being memorized. When these elements are in place, the brain has a better chance of retaining information for longer periods.
The RECALL method, as Dunlop explains, stands for:
- Register
- Engage
- Connect
- Actively review
- Link
- Leverage
Dunlop insists that following each step carefully makes the brain more likely to retain information, making it less likely to forget.
Register: A Starting Point for Memory
The first step, “Register,” emphasizes the importance of being present and consciously deciding to retain the information. Dunlop believes that much of what we forget simply never made it to our “mental filing cabinet” in the first place. Registering information intentionally puts you in a state of focus. This aligns with Dr. Kumar’s belief that one’s ability to pay attention significantly affects memory.
Engage: Creating Mental Stimulation
In the second step, “Engage,” Dunlop advises actively interacting with the material. He recommends mentally questioning or visualizing as you learn, making the experience more vivid. Dr. Kumar echoes this, noting that the brain retains information better when there is curiosity and interest. Engaging with content in a dynamic way helps us create stronger mental pathways, thereby making it easier to recall later.
Connect: Making Links with Existing Knowledge
The third step, “Connect,” involves linking new information to what you already know. This method isn’t new but is an often-overlooked part of memory retention. By finding associations with existing memories or knowledge, you create a network of ideas that makes it easier for the brain to locate and retrieve information. Dunlop explains that when you connect ideas, the brain files them together, so recalling one can trigger the others.
Actively Review: Strengthening Recall through Repetition
The fourth step, “Actively review,” involves periodically revisiting the information after learning it. By reviewing regularly, you shift memories from short-term to long-term storage. Dr. Kumar agrees that revisiting and reinforcing information repeatedly is essential. Through this repetition, the information becomes familiar, and the brain learns to retain it longer.
Link: Creating Mental Associations
The fifth step, “Link,” takes the connection idea further by forming creative mental associations that give the information more meaning. For example, visualizing certain images, patterns, or symbols can help strengthen memory. Dunlop says that these associations allow the brain to follow a trail of ideas leading back to the information you’re trying to remember. The idea of linking can also include storytelling techniques where creating a “story” around information enables it to stay rooted in memory.
Leverage: Applying and Using Information to Reinforce It
Finally, the sixth step, “Leverage,” is about using the information in practice, which could mean teaching it to someone else, using it in conversation, or finding ways to apply it practically. Dunlop believes that when information becomes useful, it stays accessible in your memory. Dr. Kumar points out that utilizing knowledge in real-world contexts is one of the best ways to reinforce it.
A Reliable Memory Tool?
The RECALL method is a structured way of approaching memory improvement, and while it isn’t a magic formula, experts say the principles behind it are well-grounded in neuroscience. By consciously registering, engaging, connecting, reviewing, linking, and leveraging, you train your brain to create deeper associations and stronger mental links.
Memory, Dr. Kumar reminds us, is not just about storing information but retrieving it efficiently. Techniques like the RECALL method can serve as a useful framework for those who find themselves forgetting important details. For students, professionals, or anyone looking to improve their memory, methods like RECALL encourage an active approach to learning.
In a world filled with information, such strategies are valuable tools to ensure that we retain what matters most. The next time you want to commit something to memory, think of RECALL as a toolkit to store and access your knowledge efficiently.
Dunlop’s RECALL method appeals to a broad audience because it doesn’t require extensive training or complicated routines, making it accessible for people of all ages. By incorporating intentional actions and active participation into the learning process, Dunlop suggests that individuals can start noticing an improvement in memory retention almost immediately. For those who may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information in the modern world, this method brings clarity and structure, turning memory recall into a step-by-step process rather than relying on sheer willpower.
Dr. Kumar highlights that memory is a skill that can be nurtured and strengthened with consistent practice. The brain, much like any muscle, benefits from repeated exercise, and the RECALL method works by creating a pattern of learning that reinforces neural pathways. When practiced regularly, this approach helps transform short-term knowledge into long-lasting memories, a transformation that becomes particularly useful in academic and professional settings where retaining large volumes of information is essential.
Moreover, the RECALL method encourages individuals to develop a more mindful relationship with learning. Rather than simply skimming through information, it invites users to slow down and actively interact with content. This approach not only strengthens memory but also enhances comprehension and engagement, making learning a more fulfilling experience. Studies on neuroplasticity support this by showing that the brain forms stronger connections when individuals are fully engaged and motivated to understand the material.
In a time when attention spans are shorter and distractions are everywhere, methods like RECALL are valuable because they teach focus and persistence. By requiring users to engage with information at multiple levels, from initial registration to practical application, it combats the effects of “information fatigue.” Dunlop and other memory experts emphasize that when information is processed with intention and repetition, the brain becomes better at retaining it.
For people who struggle with remembering everyday details—such as where they placed their keys or recalling someone’s name—Dunlop recommends applying the RECALL method to daily situations. By consciously practicing these steps with small bits of information, memory recall can gradually improve, making it easier to handle larger, more complex tasks. The RECALL method isn’t just for students or professionals; it’s adaptable for anyone looking to enhance their memory in practical, day-to-day ways.
As research continues to explore how memory works, new techniques and methods like RECALL could play a significant role in cognitive health. In the long term, these memory-strengthening exercises may even help delay the onset of age-related memory issues. As Dr. Kumar notes, by keeping the brain actively engaged, we not only retain information but also promote overall brain health, which can be a key factor in maintaining cognitive function as we age.