6| Retaining - Remembering what you learned.

How do you improve your ability to grasp the content quickly? How do you remember what you've learned? 

• Every time before studying go for a 30-45 minutes walk or a run, based on your physical condition. This will refresh your blood circulation and boost your energy, your cognitive performance. Think of this as a computer reset button.  
• Develop a habit of always having a study material with you no matter where you go. A smartphone app, quick prep chart (2 sheet document - currently developing for you, check back later), flash cards and a notebook are easy to carry with you to work. If you prefer to keep all your notes in an electronic format consider using Evernote or Google docs, the former is very user-friendly and lets you save images and diagrams along with your notes.    
• At home, make sure to use large visuals such as whiteboard(s), flip charts, writable wall.    
• Clean up your study space! Your desk should have the PMP exam prep material handy.
• Limit the distraction. Turn off Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and all other time killers that can compete for your attention. You have to dedicate all 100 percent of your time during the blocked time. Read my previous blog on time slots and duration.
• Re-read the study books and material. Reading out loud may help the auditory learners.  
• Alcohol?! Yes, forget alcohol for the duration of your study time (12 weeks). It's been proven that alcohol slows down cognitive performance and negatively impacts the ability to remember things. Do you want to remember the formulas such as the one for Communication Channels = n(n-1):2; where n=number of people on project?