First and foremost, having a high IQ does not equate to success. Lewis Terman proved this in a 57-year-long study in which he selected several high IQ subjects and observed them and their life. What he found was that while many of them were successful, they did not fare any better in life than those with average intelligence.
Anyone can unlock their inner genius. Knowledge is finding the right answer and knowing it. Intelligence is the ability to ask the right questions. You can obtain knowledge, much like anyone else. Here are 8 ways to unlock your bit of genius.
1. Be more curious about the world.
Curiosity is intrinsically tied to intelligence, and those who are curious yearn to know and to learn, and to understand. Being curious enables us to learn new skills and stay open to new experiences. If you want to be more intelligent, this is a great place to start.
2. Be introspective.
Daydream, meditate, and observe your thinking. By doing these things, you can better understand your thought patterns and learn more about yourself. By learning more about yourself, you will be more able to understand how you can learn more.
3. Make health a priority.
To be more successful in any endeavor, you must prioritize your health. Make physical activity a priority – otherwise, you will be more prone to anxiety, you will have less energy and your brain simply won’t function the way it could, if you got your blood and oxygen moving freely throughout your body. Thirty minutes of exercise each day can increase both mental focus and productivity.
4. Touch base with your inner child.
Children are open to new experiences and view the world with wonder. Touch base with your inner child by re-exploring your old favorite activities, and by healing your inner child.
5. Journal.
Many of the most successful people in history kept a journal. By reflecting on your days, and your thoughts, you can learn more about yourself and increase your productivity. I highly suggest bullet journaling.
6. Meditate.
Meditation can increase your intelligence because it allows you to draw awareness to your strengths and weaknesses. The point isn’t to silence your mind- it’s to understand it. Try sitting down in a quiet place, uninterrupted. Sit comfortably for 5 minutes. Focus on your breathing. As thoughts arise, categorize them.
7. Replace distraction content with learning content.
How often do you find yourself watching television, or scrolling through Facebook? If the answer is too often, try replacing distraction content (Facebook scrolling for hours) with how-to videos, SkillShare classes, or books that teach you something new.
8. Spend time with people who value intelligence.
There’s an old saying that says that you are who you surround yourself with. And much can be said about the truth in this saying. Spend time with people that align with what you want to be (more intelligent and more successful) and I promise, doors will open for you.
9. Stay busy.
Anything that keeps your mind busy, but allows you time to think is a great activity for opening up your mind and thinking. Spend time organizing your home, cleaning it, and doing tasks. Try to stay busy regularly.