12 Everyday Habits That Make You Smarter

Summary

The TopThink video script introduces twelve everyday habits that can enhance intelligence. It emphasizes that intelligence is not fixed and can be developed through practices like meditation, high-exposure learning, physical exercise, questioning, and reflective writing. The script also highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with intelligent individuals, engaging with music, reading, reducing screen time, and fostering creativity to stimulate the brain and improve cognitive abilities.

Takeaways

• 🧘‍♂️ Meditation can significantly enhance memory, concentration, and even IQ, with meditators scoring 20% higher on average in IQ tests compared to non-meditators.
• 📚 The High-Exposure Method involves daily exposure to a variety of productive materials, which can inspire innovative ideas and reveal growth opportunities.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Physical exercise, such as cardio and strength training, promotes neuron growth, thereby increasing brainpower and intellectual performance.
• 🤔 The habit of questioning everything fosters a deeper understanding and unique perspectives, contributing to smarter thinking.
• 📝 Einstein’s Principle of Learning emphasizes that the ability to explain concepts simply is a sign of true understanding and mastery.
• 🧠 Intelligence is influenced by the company one keeps; surrounding oneself with intelligent people can elevate one's thinking.
• ✍️ Reflective writing helps in organizing thoughts, problem-solving, and transforming one's thinking process.
• 🎵 Playing a musical instrument activates various brain areas, improving memory, motor skills, and overall brain connectivity.
• 📖 Bite-sized reading, such as reading just two pages a day, can change the brain's structure, enhancing knowledge and cognitive performance.
• 📱 Reducing screen time can improve attention span, memory, and imagination, thus contributing to better cognitive performance.
• 🎨 Creativity and intelligence are closely linked; engaging in creative activities can enhance cognitive performance and generate innovative ideas.

Q & A

What are the twelve everyday habits discussed in the TopThink video that can make a person smarter?

The twelve habits are: 1) Meditation, 2) The High-Exposure Method, 3) Physical exercise, 4) Questioning everything (The Illusion of Knowledge), 5) Einstein’s Principle of Learning, 6) Surrounding oneself with intelligent people (Intelligence Is Contagious), 7) Reflective Writing, 8) Reinventing distractions, 9) Playing a musical instrument (Activate Your Musical Brain), 10) Bite-sized Reading, 11) Reducing screen time (Outsmart Your Devices), and 12) Unlocking imagination through creative activities.

How has intelligence been shown to influence our lives according to the video?

Intelligence has been shown to positively influence almost every aspect of our lives, including professional success, achievement of long-term goals, success in relationships, earning respect, and contributing to societal development.

What does the High-Exposure Method involve and how can it help in expanding intelligence?

The High-Exposure Method involves flooding the brain with productive materials daily, such as reading about current events, engaging with interesting people, and staying informed about one's industry. This constant exposure to new information can inspire innovative ideas and reveal opportunities for growth.

How does physical exercise contribute to intellectual performance according to the script?

Physical exercise, particularly activities like cardio and strength training, promotes the growth of neurons, which transmit signals within the brain. Growing new neurons expands and complexifies the brain, effectively increasing brainpower.

What is the significance of questioning everything in the pursuit of intelligence?

Questioning everything helps develop a deeper and more unique point of view. It encourages curiosity and critical thinking, which are key to gaining a better understanding of the world and fostering intelligence.

What does Einstein’s Principle of Learning imply about the mastery of a concept?

Einstein’s Principle of Learning implies that if you cannot explain something simply, you probably do not understand it well enough. Mastering a concept involves being able to explain it in simple terms to others.

Why is it beneficial to surround oneself with intelligent people?

Surrounding oneself with intelligent people is beneficial because it can challenge one's thinking, inspire learning, and elevate one's intellectual development. Intelligence is considered 'contagious' in the sense that it can influence and inspire those around it.

How can reflective writing help in processing complex ideas or problems?

Reflective writing allows individuals to express their ideas concretely, making sense of the thoughts in their heads. It aids in problem-solving and gradually transforms one's thought process by pursuing new conclusions.

What is the concept of 'Reinventing Your Distractions' and how does it contribute to intelligence?

The concept of 'Reinventing Your Distractions' involves substituting common time-wasters with activities that challenge the mind or teach something new. This can contribute to intelligence by making even leisure activities educational and thought-provoking.

How does playing a musical instrument affect the brain and contribute to intelligence?

Playing a musical instrument triggers emotional responses and increases activity in various parts of the brain, including the motor, auditory, and visual cortexes. It also improves communication between the brain's hemispheres, enhances memory, and sharpens motor skills, thereby contributing to intelligence.

What is the impact of excessive screen time on cognitive performance and what can be done to mitigate it?

Excessive screen time can shorten attention span, worsen memory, and dull imagination. To mitigate these effects, one can reduce screen time by stepping away from devices for a few hours daily, which can boost energy, concentration, and motivation to learn.

Why is unlocking imagination through creative activities considered important for intelligence?

Unlocking imagination through creative activities is important for intelligence because creativity allows for the generation of new ideas, thinking outside the box, and solving problems in innovative ways. Engaging in creative hobbies can enhance cognitive performance and nurture interesting ideas.