Have you ever felt stupid in the company of other people? Do you feel embarrassed when you don't know the answer to a question? We have all experienced the feeling of knowing nothing. Of course, it's impossible to know everything, but as smart as you are, you can start improving today by actively focusing on developing certain skills.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Improving Your Mental Skills
Step 1. Improve your memory
Intelligence is largely made up of the ability to remember things well. Observing an event or paying attention to what you are told is not enough - the secret is to keep that information in your head. Associate what you want to memorize with items you already remember. This way, the new notions will be easier to remember. Develop a personal and unique technique for connecting memories together. With a lot of practice, you will quickly learn ways to learn and remember new information faster. After the initial difficulties, this tip will help you tremendously.
Step 2. Become more curious
Why do some people know so much? A good memory is only part of the answer. You also need curiosity: by never caring about what you don't know, you won't learn much. Work on becoming more curious, reminding yourself that by developing this quality you will broaden your horizons and become smarter.
Step 3. Exercise your mind in different ways
Many people are good at activities they naturally excel at or at what they do every day. Commit to learning new skills, thinking differently, and you'll get smarter. Pick something you'd like to do (like playing the accordion), or a topic you're not familiar with (maybe math) and focus on that. At first, you may be uncomfortable and feel even less intelligent than before, but if you study and practice regularly, you will gain more confidence and create new neural connections.
Step 4. Meditate
If you had the opportunity to practice meditation on a regular basis, then that alone could improve everything else naturally as well. It is scientifically proven that meditation not only improves concentration but also makes you feel happier overall.
Here is a tip on a simple but profound meditation practice: simply become aware of your breathing. That is, the cycles of inhalation and exhalation, the intervals between the two movements, the movement of the belly, etc. Read this article to learn more about the topic
Part 2 of 4: Learn Smarter
Step 1. Study more efficiently
If you feel troubled when your teacher questions you or if you get poor grades in exams, you may not be studying enough. Even if you consider yourself a scholar, improving your preparation method can bring you great benefits. You can find more information in the following articles:
- How to Study More Effectively, How to Study and How to Learn Effectively;
- How to study for exams
Step 2. If you go to school, do your homework, and if you go to university, review the lesson
Homework is for practice, and the review helps you assimilate what you just learned. By engaging in these activities, you will become more confident on the matter.
- Above all, remember not to consider the time you spend on homework as study. Studying means reflecting deeply on a topic and reaching a level of understanding that favors memory.
- Don't procrastinate, don't do your homework at the last minute, and don't copy a classmate's work. You wouldn't learn anything that way; you would immediately forget what you wrote. It won't do you any good when you are in a professional environment, where you will have to remember and use your knowledge.
- Don't learn things unwillingly, otherwise you will have a lot more effort. Find a way to make them interesting and approach studying as a fun opportunity. By doing so, you will learn faster and remember better.
Step 3. Read a lot
Almost all human knowledge can be found in books, magazines or on the net. Become an avid reader and you will get to know a lot of new ideas and information. If you read slowly, try to get faster. You can also write notes and look up words you don't know in the dictionary.
If you read slowly, accept your flaw and don't try to scroll through the words faster, with the risk of not understanding the text. Spend time reading non-stop and ask that no one bother you. Read by focusing on quality and not quantity, setting small goals, with related rewards, for each section you complete
Step 4. Visit your local library often and borrow books that interest you
The topic is not so important, but the simple reading. Always keep a good book on hand.
Step 5. Do your research
Curiosity without resourcefulness is like a car without fuel - it won't get you anywhere. Fortunately, if you want to learn something new, you almost always have the solution at hand. If you see a word you don't know, look it up in the dictionary. If you wonder how airplanes fly, look for a book on that subject. If you want to know the latest political events, buy the newspaper. Go online and deepen your knowledge of the world.
Step 6. Learn to look for things
Knowing how to use search engines or an encyclopedia, you can find the information you are looking for faster and more effectively. Good research skills will foster your curiosity, because you will be able to access knowledge more easily. If you are not a skilled researcher, you can ask a librarian or teacher for advice, or continue practicing on your own. Alternatively, you can read the "Help" section of your computer programs and your browser.
Step 7. Try to figure things out for yourself
Intelligence is not just culture. We can all learn to perform our daily tasks better and more efficiently at work, at home or at school. If you don't know how to do something, resist the temptation to ask another person to take your place or help you. In most cases, you will be able to figure it out on your own, with trial and error, or thanks to your own research. While it will take longer to understand something without asking someone for help, this way you will learn a lot more and be able to remember better. Above all, you will test your ability to solve problems, rather than your ability to "follow orders".
Part 3 of 4: Improve Your Intelligence By Bonding With Other People
Step 1. Get help
Trying to solve problems yourself is often the best choice, but in some cases you don't have the time to do it, regardless of your commitment. Do not give up; ask someone for advice. Make sure you pay attention to his words and ask any questions that come to your mind so you don't have to ask the same thing twice.
Most people "love" to receive questions on a subject they are experts in. You will show them that you value their opinion and experience, which they can pass on to you. If someone reacts badly to your request for help, it often means that they don't feel confident in their knowledge or that they don't have time; either way, it's not a decision that concerns you personally, so you can ask again in the future or, if you think that person is feeling insecure, try to reassure them by telling them that you value their advice
Step 2. Teach others
To teach someone something, you need to know that subject well. When you try to illustrate an idea or skill to another person, not only will you remember the subject better, but you will find that their questions will help you discover how well versed you really are in a particular area. However, don't shy away from teaching something if you don't know it well; you will learn in class and there is nothing wrong with saying "Wow, I don't know the answer to this question, let's find out together!". By not being defensive, you give a sign of maturity and can improve your emotional intelligence.
Offer to pass on what you know. Knowledge must be shared to create a better world. Don't hide under a stone; share your experiences, talents and abilities with others, so that they too can feel more confident and capable
Part 4 of 4: Fun Methods to Increase Intelligence
Step 1. Learn a new word every day
Browse the vocabulary and find an unfamiliar term, then practice using it throughout the day. When you read, if you find a word you don't know, deepen its meaning.
Step 2. Find a hobby you are passionate about
Many people improve their intelligence by trying to become better at something they already know how to do. For example, a programmer who knows C ++ not only looks smarter, but is also better at his job.
Step 3. Surround yourself with intelligent people
Getting together with brilliant and experienced people in their fields will help you broaden your knowledge. Don't feel inferior; feel gratitude for the exceptional resources you can draw upon!
Step 4. Read the latest news
By staying up to date on current events, you will know what is happening in the world. You can inform yourself while exercising.
Step 5. Practice writing
Writing allows you to creatively express your knowledge. Whether you are writing fantasy tales or historical accounts of World War II, taking pen in hand is a great idea. Try to exercise your brain and write something down every day, whether it's your emotions or a phrase that describes the weather. In some cases, by writing down what's on your mind, you will find new original ideas.
Step 6. Learn a new language
It's a great way to get smarter. Children who learn two languages (or more) have more gray matter than those who don't, and their brains develop more neural connections. Gray matter is responsible for processing information, memory, eloquence and sensory perception. By knowing a second language, you will also improve your empathy towards others, an important component of your emotional intelligence.
Step 7. Spend time alone, away from distractions
Loneliness is the ideal condition to reflect, to think deeply and to rest. On your own you have the opportunity to metabolize everything you have learned during the day or the week and identify the most important problems for you. You will also be able to find calm, relieve stress and get to know yourself better. Carve out a few moments of tranquility every day away from everyone.
Advice
- Get enough sleep. Some researchers argue that the brain creates new neural connections during sleep. For example, if you don't know how to complete a math equation and "sleep on it", you may have found the solution when you wake up.
- If you are young, have breakfast. This is a very important meal because it provides the brain with the fuel it needs to function at its best. As the years go by, breakfast becomes less important, but make sure you always start the day with a lot of energy.
- Be active. Movement is an essential component of human life. Sitting all day does not allow you to lead your life to the fullest. Go out several times a day, find time to work and play on the computer compatible with your schedule, not vice versa. Remember, Mens sana in corpore sano.
- Some psychologists argue that there are multiple types of intelligence, such as social (interacting with people) and physical (coordination and athleticism) intelligence. It also improves those aspects; even if they are unable to make you "smarter" in the strict sense of your IQ, they can lead to a happier and more complete life.
- Classical music can help you learn new knowledge and study. We might as well try!
- Use resourcefulness. Getting involved can be scary, but it's an extremely useful quality. Read and study more than what is asked of you, try to analyze the topics from all angles and keep an open mind. Notice the things that can be improved and find ways to correct, change and overcome the status quo. Whether you are an entrepreneur, an inventor, a parent or you want to improve relationships with colleagues, by taking the initiative you will be able to break the routine, solve problems and make the world a better place.
- Television can be an effective means of learning if you choose your programs wisely and don't watch too much. Find well-informed educational programs, documentaries, and news articles. Don't watch television more than a couple of hours a week. Don't make it a habit to sit in front of the TV when tired; in those moments you have to sleep or do something that can give you new energy.
- Some fields and domains are considered "smarter" than others. This is a pity, because all areas of knowledge are fundamental and only by combining many different perspectives is it possible to solve humanity's most serious problems. Find your passion and explore it 100%; only by learning a subject to perfection can you make your contribution to improve the world.
- Learning new things is not easy, but you have to try to overcome the initial fear and still take the first step. By learning new topics you will improve your intelligence and you will remain alert, dynamic and curious. Make a commitment to move beyond initial resistance and you will wonder why you didn't start earlier.
- Consider taking lessons from a tutor. Taking private lessons can greatly improve your knowledge, much more thoroughly than reading or watching instructional videos can.
Warnings
- Don't look at what others have, focus on what you have and what you can offer. If you pay attention to how smart others are, you will limit your chances of getting smarter.
- Don't feel disappointed in your failures; pat yourself on the back for trying and try again. Continue until you achieve success.
- Don't prioritize your ego when trying to get smarter. Arrogance or the habit of acting with superiority are manifestations of resentment and anger, because things are not as you would like. Express your anger more constructively; try to transform negative energies into positive to achieve your goals.
- The abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs can damage brain cells; this can make you unable to concentrate and reduce your thinking ability and contribute to society in an appreciable way.
