Do you want to be a smarter person or just seem smarter? The second motive is easier to achieve than the first. Whatever the reason, whether it's to improve your intellectual abilities or simply to benefit from being intellectual, your wish can be realized by taking the following steps.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Increase Intelligence in a Useful Way
Step 1. Cultivate the motivation to continue learning for life
Many people believe that intelligence is static and cannot be improved in any way. However, research proves that this opinion is not true. People with low levels of intelligence may not be geniuses, but intelligence can be improved. However, the process is not as simple as learning some new vocabulary. You need to put the time and energy into learning how to interact with others and be critically wise.
Step 2. Do the activities you are most interested in
Research shows that learning activities give the best results when a person studies the subject that he is most interested in. A love for a particular subject keeps you motivated to understand it in depth. A focused and continuous learning process like this is very useful in increasing intelligence. For that, try to master several subjects in depth, instead of understanding many subjects, but only at a glance. Did Albert Einstein have the same talent for studying physics, anthropology, linguistics, geology, animal behavior, and literary criticism? Certainly not. As the saying goes: "Learning is absurd, like flowers don't happen"; You don't understand anything if you study a lot, but half-heartedly.
Step 3. Challenge yourself
You will try harder when faced with challenges. After all, the learning process should be enjoyable, not torturous, but this is impossible to experience if there is nothing to strive for. So, challenge yourself to master new things by exploring the science that you don't understand.
Step 4. Understand how you think
This ability is called metacognition which means understanding of the information processing system itself. Intelligent people are very skilled in this. Metacognition helps you understand how you learn and implement it in your daily life. For example, knowing that you can get the best results if you study alone, don't study with a friend during your final exam.
Step 5. Take care of your health
Many people do not realize that the brain is an important organ that needs to be cared for like any other organ. Similarly, healthy skin due to bathing every day and healthy lungs because not smoking, a healthy brain because it is well cared for is able to function more optimally than a neglected brain. In addition, the ability to process information effectively will increase if you get a good night's sleep every day, exercise regularly, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Step 6. Learn the language
This step is useful for training the brain to accept new ways to understand the meaning of words and improve intuitive and cognitive abilities in understanding language. Deepening language knowledge improves skills in using mother tongue. In addition, memorizing new words is useful for improving memory skills.
Step 7. Learn to play an instrument
This exercise is useful for activating some parts of the brain to carry out various cognitive thinking processes and get to know new ways of receiving and conveying information. In addition, playing a musical instrument can improve memory skills and reduce stress. This is very much needed to increase intelligence.
Step 8. Read the news
Knowing recent events doesn't necessarily increase intelligence, but intelligent, curious individuals need to interact with other people in their daily lives. Proposing new ideas can mean improving existing ones. For that, you need to find as much information as possible about the current problem and how to solve it. Keep in mind that new information may not necessarily be true. Gather information from a variety of sources and don't assume it's true just because it's written in the newspapers.
Step 9. Don't rely too much on technology
The ease of obtaining information today makes life more comfortable, but has the potential to make people dumber. For example, when compared to older generations, the neural network used to read maps in millennials is weaker. This is because many millennials rely heavily on GPS when finding their way, while their parents have to use printed maps if they need to find an address. Likewise, if they forget the meaning of a certain word, many immediately search on Google without trying to remember. Instead of increasing the ability to memorize information, they can get it easily. Reduce dependence on cell phones and use your brain more often.
Step 10. Have an open mind
Don't dismiss a new idea because it seems scary, different, confusing, or goes against your perspective. The discomfort that occurs when you think about two opposing perspectives is called cognitive dissonance. Be prepared to change your mindset. Great thinking is shown by a willingness to admit mistakes.
Step 11. Don't be afraid to sound stupid
Curiosity is not the same as neglect. Intelligent people always ask questions. As wise individuals, they are aware that they do not know everything. When learning a new skill, it's natural that you haven't mastered it well. The more often you do something you haven't mastered, the more proficient you will become. Accept ignorance as an entry point to experience new things and develop yourself.
Method 2 of 2: Giving a Smarter Impression
Step 1. Use words that sound great
Anyone can pronounce a new word by looking it up in a dictionary, but you'll sound smart if you say some impressive words with good grammar. Download the app to search for a new word or write it on a card. Learn grammar so you can communicate in correct sentences. Look for wise sentences and then use them in a discussion. However, impressive words make you sound smart when used correctly. For example, saying the word "clandestine" is unimpressive if you don't know what it means or can't pronounce it correctly.
Step 2. Be modest and introspective
Just as people begin to doubt a young man who insists on rejecting racism as a proponent of racism, you will be in doubt if you continue to impress others by showing how smart you are. You will be considered wise if you are humble and speak sparingly. A good opportunity to show this is when someone makes a negative comment in a group discussion. If you correct or ridicule them right away, you will come across as mean rather than intelligent. So, make the most of the situation. It's a good idea to be quiet for a while after he's finished speaking. When the atmosphere starts to feel awkward, then you speak. This move makes you seem reluctant to respond to embarrassing comments and prefer to ignore them so they don't feel embarrassed.
Step 3. Take care of your appearance
People who always dress neatly and speak politely seem more intelligent than those who complain all the time and look shabby. Also, it's a good idea to wear glasses. This message may sound a bit strange. If you want to appear smarter, people with glasses seem smarter than those who don't.
Step 4. Use the initials of the middle name
Again, this message may make you wonder, but research shows that putting your middle name first makes you sound smarter. For example, instead of writing Frank Reginald Miller's full name, write Frank R. Miller. If you want to prove it yourself, include 1 letter of the middle name's initials so that you seem smarter.
