Repetition: why it is so important!

From our childhood years up until high school or longer (actually it’s eternal for some people) we keep hearing the word repetition. I think it’s in the top 10 most commonly used words. What’s all this fuss about? Well, this fuss is a very justified one.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Latin used to say “repetition est mater studiorum”, which means: repetition is the mother of all learning. There are several reasons why this is the case. I will name a few with the hope of convincing you to start revising.

Here we go...

With repetition comes internalization. It is when we make something ours as if we own it. And if we own it, we know it very well. This is a very significant effect of repetition, which makes us learn new things and make them part of our everyday lives.

By repeating you let the information sink in. It is true that every time we repeat a piece of information, we experience a level of deeper learning. In turn, this leads to better understanding and forming a more sophisticated train of thought.

Repetition has an impact on our consciousness. When we read something over and over again, we do it consciously at first. After several times, things become more automatic and this piece of information moves from the conscious to the subconscious. It’s like driving a car. Have you ever actually thought of stepping on the brakes before hitting them? No. Why? Because you have done it a million times before. The same applies to learning. After several times of repetition, the information is second nature to your brain.

Repetition also has psychological effects. It can act as a natural boost. Having conquered new knowledge makes us feel comfortable, competent and self-worthy. I am pretty convinced I need to revise something right now. Aren’t you?

Repetition has a great effect on the brain too. When we learn new things, the brain makes new synapses (connections of the nerve cells) and new paths are formed. This helps us memorise better and faster, improve our cognitive skills and keeps our nervous system in optimal levels.

Finally, repetition has the power of convincing. However odd it may sound, repeating something many times can persuade your brain that it is actually true, no matter whether it is or not. Personally, I am really glad that the motivational phrases I keep repeating every morning when I wake up are doing something.

I hope these reasons are enough to get you to repeat new information you learn every time. If you like this article, like it and share it with your friends. Comment down below and let me know how important repetition is for you.