24 Daily Habits That Will Boost Your Intelligence
The inner workings of the human brain are still one of humanity's great mysteries.
As neuroscience has advanced, we've learned that we can train our brains to think more clearly, be more positive, and better express creativity.
In fact, Steve Jobs famously trained his brain using Zen mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, enhance clarity, and boost his creativity.
What if you could actually train your brain to be smarter?
A recent Quora thread posed the question: What are some of the easy things that people can do to keep improving their intelligence?
Over 100 professionals weighed in with their favorite tactics for making themselves smartereasy to practice habits they work into their daily routine. Business Insider columnist Skye Gould then took those suggestions and created the infographic below.
You probably have "Things to Do" lists. I know I usually have one going on my desk. But have you ever made an "I Did" list, itemizing your daily accomplishments? It's a different way of framing the tasks you achieve each day, and it can actually help make you smarter.
Writing down what you learn is another tactic that only takes a few minutes, but it can help you better retain information and reinforce what you've taken away from a meeting, conference, structured lesson, etc.
Some of the suggestions are more fun, like "Use a word-of-the-day app." This is a noncommittal way of building your vocabulary, and becoming smarter, in just the few seconds it takes you to check the app.
Each of the ideas below is designed to enhance your intelligence. Although no one tactic will send your IQ through the roof, combined they can help you stay sharp and even become smarter, one day at a time.
Check it out:
Article Source: http://www.inc.com/larry-kim/adopt-these-24-daily-habits-to-make-yourself-smarter-infographic.html
Image Source: http://www.thewestonforum.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2013/06/weston-brain.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Tactic (n.) ~ an action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end
2. Retain (v.) ~ continue to have (something) keep possession of
3. Noncommittal (adj.) ~ (of a person or a person's behavior or manner) not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action
4. Mindfulness (adj.) ~ the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something
5. Reinforce (v.) ~ strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel or material
6. Devil’s advocate (idiom) ~ a person who expresses a contentious opinion in order to provoke debate or test the strength of the opposing arguments
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is a “devil’s advocate”? Why do you think that playing a devil’s advocate would make you smarter?
2. Tell me three things that you have accomplished today.
3. Give three habits that you think you need to stop doing and discuss why.
4. “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are hanging out with the wrong crowd.” What is your understanding of this sentence? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your opinion.
5. Please give examples of a productive hobby.
