20 daily habits that will make you smarter

What are some of those easy things that anyone can do to keep improving their intelligence? The answers include the more obvious ones like reading, writing things down and not watching too much television. There are also a bunch of other smart, intuitive practices that can make us smarter. Here are some of them.

 1. Come up with 10 ideas every day.

This can be anything—how to solve a problem at work, ideas for a project or getting your life out some mess. Exercising those ideation muscles is good work.

2. Read newspapers.

These will help you become more aware of the important things happening around the world. You’ll learn to form your own opinions and connect the dots between seemingly unrelated things. You’ll also have a lot more to talk about at parties or with friends.

3. Play devil’s advocate.

Take something you recently learned and generate a unique opinion on it that wouldn’t immediately come to mind. Try to support it with evidence, and be open to the idea that new evidence will change your opinion. Repeat this every day, and you’ll become much better at thinking outside the box. If you’re feeling stuck, try reading and critically evaluating the editorial section of papers. They will help you understand how other people form arguments and express their opinions.

4. Read a chapter in a fiction or nonfiction book.

Aim to read a book a week. You should always find time to read, whether on your daily commute or while you’re waiting in line. Fiction books are great for understanding characters and getting absorbed into another perspective, while non-fiction books are great for introducing you to new topics, from politics to psychology.

5. Watch News-night, Men, On the Spot, Fourth Estate and other TV shows that involve debates.

Cutting on the time you spend watching TV is key towards becoming more intelligent. However there are many TV shows that will not only equip you with new oratory skills but also spark off a debate in your own mind. The most interesting thing about this, is you get all these opinions which you feel can contribute to the debate but they all end up as idle thoughts. This trains you and your mind to be patient, even with your opinions and ideas. It is also impossible for the show to end without you learning something new. This can even be a new word.

6. Subscribe to feeds of interesting information.

Follow interesting voices on Facebook and Twitter, so that you get to always learn something new when you look at your news feed. For example, if you want to keep up with the latest in fashion and lifestyle; follow Satisfashion UG. Caroline Mutoko is very popular on Youtube thanks to her videos which tackle a range of issues from technology, politics, feminism to business and personal branding. Go on to follow people you draw inspiration from on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

7. Share what you learn with other people.

If you find someone to debate and analyze ideas with, you can add to each other’s knowledge and gain new perspectives. Also, when you can explain ideas to someone else, it means you’ve definitely mastered the concept. You can even share what you learn without directly talking to someone. Many people like to start blogs so they can engage others in online dialogue.

8. Write an “I Did” list.

At the end of each day, write what you completed. This will help you feel better about all the things you accomplished, especially if you’re feeling discouraged. It will also help you reflect on how productive you were and how you can re-structure your to-do lists for the next day.

9. Write down what you learn.

You can start a blog or go the traditional way of using a note book to help you keep track of everything you learn. Not only will this be a great way to keep a record of everything you’re doing, but it’s also a good source of motivation to keep you accountable. You will want to learn more if you know that at the end of the day you’ll have to write about it.

10. Stimulate your mind.

Going on a daily run is a great way to get your brain flowing and to keep your mental health in shape. It’s also a great way to think through difficult decisions or process new information.

11. Talk to someone you find interesting

Even if they’re strangers, don’t be afraid to approach them. Ask about their interests and how they discovered them. Oftentimes, you learn the most from people you barely know.

12. Hang out with people who are smarter than you.

Spend as much time as you can with smart people. Every day, you should strive to have a coffee date or walk with someone who inspires you. Always be humble and willing to learn. Ask as many questions as possible. If you are always around people who are more knowledgeable than you, you’ll have no choice but to learn more.

13. Challenge yourself

“Getting out of our comfort zone always makes us wiser.” Every day, push yourself a little further. Try public speaking, lead a meeting by volunteering a proposal at work, or reach out to someone you really admire by sending a quick letter or email.

14. Take photos of things that interest you.

If you can’t travel every day, at least try to find something new within your neighborhood and photograph it. Taking photos is one of the major traits of fashionable people remember. Instead of filling your phone with selfies, create boards of things that interest you. This can be interesting fashion, art or even food. You have no idea how many concepts you’ll get  from  these boards. Take cue from Joram Model Management’s Pininterest here.

15. Play “smart” games.

Some games, like chess and Scrabble, expand your mind. Challenge yourself when you play them. For example, play Scrabble without a dictionary. You can also solve puzzles via games like Sudoku.

16. Set aside some time to do nothing.

Oftentimes, sitting in silence can help you get inspiration and reflect on your day.

17. Apply what you learn.

If you recently learned a new skill, make sure you are using that skill in your life as often as possible. Learning by doing is one of the most effective ways to become smarter.

18. Exercise and eat a healthy diet.

Opt for brain foods to fuel your thinking, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals that will make you sluggish. When your energy dips, take a walk. “The more blood flowing into your brain, the better your performance.

19. Socialize

Go out and meet people. These can be your old friends or people who work within the same industry as you but probably work with different firms. Get to know what they are talking about; share ideas and opinions on issues that affect you all.

20. Use your smartphone

There’s a reason it is called a smartphone. Browse the internet and read about things you might want to know. Stay ahead of everyone by subscribing to trends so that you get alerts as soon as something new related to the subject develops. The world moves so fast lately; you must be just as fast to keep up.

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