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Intelligence is a unique trait that everyone possesses in their own way. Being smart isn’t always innate; it can be developed over time through learning and mental exercise. Interacting with intelligent individuals can be enlightening, revealing attributes that set them apart.

One common thread among smart people is their adherence to a specific routine. They cultivate lifestyle habits that prioritize mental well-being. Renowned entrepreneurs and academics who have reached the pinnacle of their fields demonstrate that habits shape who we become. This concept is expressed in the saying, “Your way of life determines who you are.”

Based on interactions with intelligent individuals and insights from books on notable scholars and business leaders, here are the top 10 habits of highly intelligent people:

1. Ask Questions and Seek Answers

As the German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer once said, “Knowledge is dialectical by nature and can only be acquired by those who ask questions.” This highlights the importance of curiosity and inquiry in the learning process.

Avoiding questions due to fear of appearing stupid can lead to missed opportunities for growth. Human learning is inherently curiosity-driven, and asking questions is a natural part of the process. When faced with uncertainty or unclear information, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. Conduct additional research during your spare time to deepen your understanding. Instead of watching TV, utilize online resources to explore topics that interest you.

By embracing curiosity and asking questions, you’ll engage in a fun and rewarding mental workout that can help you discover new levels of intelligence.

2. Cultivate a Reading Habit

Consistent behaviour is the foundation of success. Nowadays, with everything being digital, it’s simple to become engrossed in social media and watch videos that are amusing but don’t really add much to the discussion. Although relaxation and leisure are indispensable, it is not recommended that you allocate all of your leisure time to social media. Reading is a suitable alternative because it keeps your brain working at its best and is intellectually stimulating.

Regular reading helps keep your brain up-to-date, facilitating the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. To expand your mind, try writing various topics, such as books, inspirational manuscripts, lengthy articles, educational magazines, and articles.

Over time, even a brief chapter of reading can result in substantial cognitive development. It’s now easier than ever to access a wide variety of written works thanks to smartphones, tablets, and the internet.

3. Surround Yourself with Intelligent and Like-Minded Individuals

Our environment and social circle significantly influence our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviour. The saying “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are” highlights the impact of peers on our lives.

While it’s acknowledged that friends can have a negative impact, surrounding yourself with intelligent and like-minded individuals can have a profoundly positive effect. They can stimulate mental growth, introduce new knowledge, and foster a love for learning. You don’t have to hang out with people who are inherently more intelligent than you. Rather, concentrate on locating people who can offer distinct viewpoints, knowledge, and thought-provoking observations. Speaking with intelligent people will allow you to absorb new information and cultivate a positive learning style by allowing your behaviour and attitude to impact you.

4. Practice Reflective Thinking

Human nature dictates that we occasionally get distracted, which can hinder our understanding of new information. To combat this, it’s essential to develop the habit of reflective thinking. Taking time to ponder what you’ve learned is a crucial aspect of the learning process. With this routine, you can:

• Connect new information to existing knowledge
• Anticipate potential consequences or outcomes
• Think critically and make informed decisions

By adhering to this approach, you will enhance your capacity to resolve issues in the future and develop a more profound understanding of complex concepts. This principle is also applicable to conversations. Intelligent people tend to avoid unnecessary conversations and focus on the topic at hand. Learn how to listen attentively and speak thoughtfully. More can be accomplished with fewer words.

5. Regular Exercise

You may wonder how exercise relates to intelligence, but physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing cognitive abilities. It’s essential to recognize the interconnectedness of our brain and body. Physical health and energy levels significantly impact our mental well-being and positivity. Physical development is just as important as developing our cognitive faculties because these two things are closely related.

Discipline is essential for creating good habits and new insights, and regular exercise can help you develop it. To reap the benefits, incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule. Some examples of this include going for a walk or a run, or joining a local gym. Any type of exercise will improve your physical mobility and stimulate your intelligence and general well-being.

6. Prioritize a Balanced Diet for Optimal Brain Function

A well-nourished brain is essential for clear thinking and peak performance. Glycogen is the brain’s ideal fuel source, but a balanced diet rich in vital vitamins and minerals is crucial for optimal cognitive function. Make sure you aim for a diet that includes:

• Lean protein sources (lean meats, fish, dairy products)
• Complex carbohydrates (whole grains)
• Healthy fats (nuts, seeds)

You can also practice mindful eating by eating only until you’re satisfied, and most importantly, by limiting junk food intake. A balanced diet has a significant impact on overall health, as poor nutrition can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and increased risk of chronic health issues.

7. Keep a diary and track important things

Research has shown that dedicating a few minutes each day to reflecting on experiences and thoughts can significantly enhance cognitive abilities. Every experience, no matter how challenging, holds value and can contribute to personal growth and intelligence. To get the most out of reflection, try writing in a diary for a short while every night to capture your ideas, feelings, and realizations from the day. Thereafter, take some time and make sure you record your ideas, questions, and progress. Long-term, you would gain from this idea. This is because keeping a journal has several advantages for improving cognitive development, including:

• Enhancing language and communication skills
• Expanding vocabulary and introduces new words
• Fostering critical thinking and reflection

You may develop a more in-depth understanding of the world and yourself by making journaling a daily habit. This will ultimately lead to an increase in intelligence and personal development.

8. Embrace Experimentation and Calculated Risk-Taking

Through history, we can see that wonderful things often happen when people push past their initial fears and doubts. I know from my experience that practice and hard work can pay off. Intelligent individuals typically demonstrate a willingness to take calculated risks and view failure as an opportunity for growth.

That old saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained” is true. It is impossible to acquire a new skill or concept without attempting to apply it. As an example, you can’t learn to play an instrument without practicing, and you can’t understand a hard equation without working through it. Here is where taking calculated risks is beneficial.

By adopting a growth mindset, you can cultivate your resilience and adaptability by taking calculated risks and embracing experimentation, which will unlock new knowledge and skills.

9. Apply and Share Knowledge

Acquiring knowledge is only half the battle; applying and sharing it with others is what unlocks its true value. Intelligent individuals recognize that sharing knowledge doesn’t diminish their value, but rather increases their worth. Sharing knowledge with others with similar interests or experiences can be beneficial in many ways. Most importantly, you can acquire the knowledge of, offering new perspectives and valuable insights that can assist you in making more informed decisions.

Don’t limit yourself to just sharing knowledge with coworkers. Get out there and interact with people you know, online communities, and social networking sites. You will assist others and improve your comprehension and memory of the material by sharing your ideas and experiences.

10. Learn More About What Other People are Going Through.

True intelligence encompasses not only academic knowledge but also emotional intelligence and empathy. Understanding the challenges and experiences of others is crucial for building strong relationships and making informed decisions.

Intelligent individuals recognize the importance of empathy, which enables them to better understand those around them. By cultivating empathy, you’ll strengthen your social skills, enhance your relationships, and become a more effective decision-maker. Focus on making sure you listen actively and carefully to others if you want to develop empathy.

11. Engage in Cognitive-Stimulating Games for Enhanced Brainpower

Research has shown that engaging in games that challenge the mind can significantly improve cognitive performance. A 2019 study found that individuals who played thought-provoking games demonstrated superior cognitive abilities compared to those who didn’t.

Games that promote creative thinking and problem-solving are an excellent way to spend your leisure time. These games not only sharpen your mental faculties but also bring joy and happiness. Consider trying games like Crosswords or Sudoku. These games are great for adults and kids of all ages. Adding games that challenge your mind to your daily routine will help you think more clearly and have fun at the same time.