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.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Enhancing Intelligence Through Everyday Habits

The video from TopThink introduces twelve daily habits that can boost one's intelligence. Intelligence is portrayed as a valuable trait affecting various life aspects, including career success and societal development. Historical figures like Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking are highlighted for their contributions to human progress. The video emphasizes that intelligence can be developed rather than being an innate quality, and it encourages viewers to adopt habits that stimulate the mind and push intellectual boundaries.

05:03

🧘‍♂️ Meditation and High-Exposure Method for Cognitive Growth

The first two habits discussed are meditation and the high-exposure method. Meditation has been shown to enhance memory, concentration, and even IQ, with meditators scoring 20% higher on IQ tests compared to non-meditators. They also demonstrated increased creativity and better performance under pressure. The high-exposure method involves daily exposure to a variety of productive materials, as practiced by successful individuals like Warren Buffet. This method encourages constant learning and idea generation by staying informed about current events and industry trends.

10:06

🏃‍♂️ Physical Exercise and The Illusion of Knowledge

Physical exercise is the third habit that contributes to intellectual performance by promoting neuron growth, which in turn expands and complexifies the brain. The fourth habit, 'The Illusion of Knowledge,' encourages viewers to question everything and develop a curious mindset. This habit challenges the tendency to accept information at face value and promotes a deeper understanding of the world by asking questions and seeking unique perspectives.

🤔 Einstein’s Principle of Learning and The Impact of Social Circles

Einstein's principle of learning, which states that simplicity in explanation indicates true understanding, is the fifth habit. It suggests that one should be able to explain concepts simply to others as a test of mastery. The sixth habit discusses how intelligence is influenced by the company one keeps, suggesting that surrounding oneself with intelligent individuals can elevate one's own thinking and learning.

✍️ Reflective Writing and Transforming Distractions

The power of reflective writing is the seventh habit, which allows individuals to concretely express and make sense of their thoughts, aiding in problem-solving and personal growth. The eighth habit encourages viewers to reinvent distractions by substituting mindless activities with those that challenge the mind or teach something new, thereby turning potential time-wasters into learning opportunities.

🎵 Musical Brain Activation and Bite-sized Reading

Playing a musical instrument is the ninth habit, which has been shown to have a profound effect on brain activity and cognitive functions, including memory and motor skills. The tenth habit promotes bite-sized reading, suggesting that even reading just two pages a day can significantly impact brain performance and connectivity, making it an effective way to accrue knowledge without being time-consuming.

📱 Reducing Screen Time and Unlocking Creativity

The eleventh habit advises reducing screen time to improve cognitive performance, suggesting that even a 20% reduction can lead to increased energy, concentration, and motivation for learning. The final habit, unlocking imagination, highlights the link between intelligence and creativity. It encourages engaging in creative activities to enhance cognitive performance and foster innovative thinking, recommending at least fifteen minutes a day for such pursuits.

Keywords

💡Intelligence

Intelligence is the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge, solve problems, and think critically. In the video, it is presented as a multifaceted attribute that positively influences personal, professional, and social aspects of life. It is highlighted that intelligent individuals often achieve more in their careers and relationships, and have historically driven societal development.

💡Habits

Habits refer to regular practices or routines that can be developed over time. The video emphasizes twelve everyday habits that can enhance one's intelligence. These habits are presented as actionable steps that anyone can incorporate into their lifestyle to improve cognitive abilities and overall intelligence.

💡Meditation

Meditation is an ancient practice involving focused attention and awareness to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. The script mentions that meditation has been scientifically linked to increased intelligence, improved memory, and better concentration. It is suggested as a simple exercise to boost one's IQ and creativity.

💡High-Exposure Method

The High-Exposure Method is a strategy employed by successful individuals like Warren Buffet to rapidly expand intelligence. It involves exposing oneself to a wide range of productive materials daily, such as reading about current events and engaging with industry insights. The method is presented in the video as a way to inspire innovative ideas and identify growth opportunities.

💡Neurogenesis

Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons, or nerve cells, are generated in the brain. The video script explains that physical exercise stimulates neurogenesis, which in turn can enhance intellectual performance. This concept is used to illustrate that intelligence can be developed not only through mental activities but also through physical ones.

💡Questioning

Questioning is the act of posing inquiries or seeking answers. The video encourages the habit of questioning everything as a means to gain a deeper understanding of the world. It suggests that asking questions, even those that may seem naive, can lead to unique insights and a more critical perspective.

💡Mastery

Mastery refers to the state of having complete proficiency or command of a subject. The script cites Albert Einstein's principle of learning, which states that if one cannot explain a concept simply, they do not understand it well enough. Mastery is presented as a key to retaining knowledge and making new connections, which is crucial for expanding intelligence.

💡Social Influence

Social Influence is the effect that other people have on an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The video posits that surrounding oneself with intelligent people can elevate one's own thinking and intellectual development. It suggests that intelligence can be contagious, and being in the company of smart individuals can inspire and challenge one to think more deeply.

💡Reflective Writing

Reflective Writing is the practice of writing to explore one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The video highlights its power in solidifying ideas and working through complex problems. It is presented as a tool for problem-solving and transforming thought processes, contributing to the development of intelligence.

💡Distractions

Distractions are things that divert attention from a task or goal. The script suggests that distractions do not necessarily have to be detrimental to intelligence. Instead, it proposes the idea of reinventing distractions by substituting mindless activities with those that challenge the mind or teach something new.

💡Musical Brain

The 'Musical Brain' refers to the cognitive and neurological benefits of playing a musical instrument. The video cites studies showing that playing music engages various areas of the brain, leading to improved memory, motor skills, and emotional responses. It positions learning and playing an instrument as a powerful way to enhance intelligence.

💡Bite-sized Reading

Bite-sized Reading is the concept of reading small amounts of material on a regular basis. The video suggests that even reading just two pages a day can lead to significant cognitive benefits, such as increased brain performance and connectivity. It offers a manageable way to incorporate reading into one's daily routine to foster intelligence.

💡Screen Time

Screen Time refers to the amount of time spent looking at screens, such as those of phones, computers, and televisions. The script warns of the negative impacts of excessive screen time on cognitive performance and suggests reducing it to improve focus and learning. It is presented as a habit that, when adjusted, can contribute to a smarter lifestyle.

💡Imagination

Imagination is the faculty or action of forming new ideas or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses. The video emphasizes the link between intelligence and creativity, suggesting that engaging in creative activities can enhance cognitive performance and generate innovative ideas. It encourages viewers to unlock their imagination as a means to think more intelligently.

Highlights

Intelligence positively influences almost every aspect of our lives, with highly intelligent people achieving more success in various areas.

Intelligence can be developed by stimulating the mind and pushing intellectual limits, rather than being solely an innate trait.

Meditation has been proven to enhance memory, improve concentration, and even raise IQ, with meditators scoring 20% higher on average in IQ tests.

The High-Exposure Method involves flooding the brain with productive materials daily, inspiring innovative ideas and revealing growth opportunities.

Physical exercise promotes neuron growth, expanding and complexifying the brain, thereby increasing brainpower.

Questioning everything, even if it seems popular or conventional, can lead to a deeper and more unique understanding of the world.

Einstein's principle of learning emphasizes that true understanding comes from the ability to explain concepts simply to others.

Surrounding oneself with intelligent people can elevate one's thinking and intellectual development.

Reflective writing helps process complex ideas and problems, transforming thought patterns over time.

Reinventing distractions with mentally stimulating activities can turn time-wasters into learning opportunities.

Playing a musical instrument enhances various brain functions, improving memory, motor skills, and inter-hemispheric communication.

Bite-sized reading, such as reading two pages a day, can significantly enhance brain performance and connectivity.

Reducing screen time can improve attention span, memory, and imagination, boosting cognitive performance.

Developing creativity through activities like writing or painting can enhance cognitive performance and foster new ideas.

Albert Einstein was initially considered a slow learner but went on to win a Nobel Prize, demonstrating that intelligence can be developed over time.

The greatest minds in history, including artists, philosophers, scientists, and engineers, changed the world through discipline and courage in using their intelligence.

Intelligence is not fixed; anyone can train themselves to think and create like the smartest people in history with the right habits.

Transcripts

Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink. Today,  we will learn about twelve everyday habits  

that make you smarter. Now, let’s begin. 

Few traits are more personally, professionally,  and socially valuable than intelligence.  

In simple terms, intelligence is the ability  to understand knowledge, solve problems,  

generate ideas, and think critically about  the world around you. In all its forms,  

intelligence has been the subject of hundreds, if  not thousands, of psychological studies. Time and  

time again, it’s been proven to positively  influence almost every aspect of our lives. 

The most intelligent people tend to climb higher  on the professional ladder and are more likely to  

achieve meaningful, long-term goals. They tend  to find more success in relationships and earn  

more respect from the people they meet. On  a grander scale, highly intelligent people  

are mainly responsible for the development of  our society. Creative innovators like Steve  

Jobs laid the foundations for generations  of human progress. Geniuses like Albert  

Einstein and Stephen Hawking transformed how we  understand the world, even the entire universe. 

From artists and philosophers to scientists and  engineers, the greatest minds through history  

were able to change the world forever because  they had the discipline and courage to use their  

intelligence to the fullest. They learned,  worked, and experimented day in and day out,  

constantly searching for inspiration  and questioning everything they knew.  

Some of these people were naturally gifted,  but others were average thinkers, just like  

anyone else; yet they climbed to the top of their  fields and eventually changed the world. How? By  

expanding their intelligence each and every day. Most people don’t realize that intelligence isn’t  

set in stone. For instance, Albert Einstein was  called a “slow learner” by one of his teachers,  

yet he won a Nobel Prize in Physics and became one  of the most renowned geniuses in history. In other  

words, high intelligence isn’t something you’re  necessarily born with. Instead, you can develop  

your intelligence by stimulating your mind and  consistently pushing your intellectual limits. 

With hard work and the right habits, anyone can  make intelligence their superpower. Anyone can  

train themselves to think and create like the  smartest people to ever live. In this video,  

we’re going to explore the many powerful ways you  can expand your mind. Whether you’re naturally  

gifted or just average, these twelve everyday  habits can make you smarter than you think. 

1. Meditation Increases IQ For thousands of years, people from  

around the world have used one simple exercise to  increase their intelligence. The ancient practice  

of meditation has been scientifically proven  to enhance your memory, improve concentration,  

and even raise your intelligence quotient, or IQ. In one study, avid meditators were asked to take  

an IQ test, and their scores were compared to  people who never meditated before. On average,  

meditators scored 20% higher than non-meditators.  They were also more creative and performed better  

under pressure, staying calm and focused  when others began to waver. Meditate for  

a few minutes every day, and you may think,  concentrate, and solve problems like never before. 

2. The High-Exposure Method 

According to billionaire Warren Buffet, it’s  possible to rapidly expand our intelligence every  

single day. Using the so-called high-exposure  method, many ultra-successful people like Buffet  

were able to climb to the top of their fields. Here’s how it works. Every day, they flood their  

brains with as many productive materials as  possible. They read about current events,  

talk to interesting people, and keep tabs on  their industries. They’re constantly encountering  

new information, which inspires innovative  ideas and reveals opportunities for growth. 

While you can’t possibly know everything, that  doesn’t mean you can’t try. Expose your brain to  

all kinds of inspiring materials every day, and  you’ll start generating more ideas than ever. 

3. Make Your Neurons Powerful Reading and studying aren’t the  

only ways to grow your intelligence. Studies  have also shown a strong correlation between  

intellectual performance and physical exercise. Activities like cardio and strength training  

promote the growth of cells called neurons, which  transmit signals within your brain. Growing new  

neurons expands and complexifies your brain,  literally increasing your brainpower every day. 

4. The Illusion of Knowledge Most people don’t question the  

world around them. They take things at face value  and believe whatever they’re told, but simply  

asking more questions can make you smarter. Get in the habit of questioning everything,  

no matter how popular or conventional  something seems. Be curious every day  

and ask as many questions as you can. Even if it  sounds stupid, every question you ask gives you a  

deeper and more unique point of view. 5. Einstein’s Principle of Learning 

Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain  something simply, you probably don’t understand it  

well enough.” When we learn new things, we tend to  paint in broad strokes, learning enough to answer  

questions or get good grades but not enough  to understand or master each concept fully.  

Without mastery, we struggle to retain our  knowledge or create new and bigger connections. 

That’s why Einstein developed this simple test.  To figure out whether you’ve mastered a concept,  

explain it to another person in as  simple terms as possible. If they  

don’t understand what you’re saying, you  may need to refresh your memory or expand  

your understanding. Because the person who can  explain something simply... is the wisest of all. 

6. Intelligence Is Contagious You’re only as intelligent as the people you  

surround yourself with. This isn’t a hard and fast  rule, but your social groups do have a significant  

impact on your intellectual development. If you surround yourself with people who  

aren’t particularly smart, you may not  feel challenged or learn anything new.  

On the other hand, if you spend time with  people who are as smart or smarter than you,  

one conversation can elevate your thinking. Talking to brilliant people isn’t always  

easy — sometimes, it’s downright intimidating  — but intelligence is contagious. Make friends  

with the smartest person you know, and  their intelligence will rub off on you. 

7. The Power of Reflective Writing Our thoughts are fleeting and limited. We  

can only juggle so much information in our heads,  so it’s often difficult to mentally process big  

ideas or work through complicated problems. This  is especially true in our personal lives. We can  

think about what direction we’re headed or the  sources of our anxiety, but these problems are  

often too complex to resolve by thinking alone. That’s why many people journal or write about  

their lives. In writing, we can express  our ideas concretely, making sense of all  

the thoughts swirling around our heads. In a  sense, you’re problem-solving every time you  

put pen to paper, pursuing new conclusions,  and gradually transforming how you think. 

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t  have to be a talented writer to write  

every day. Feel free to express your ideas in  whatever way makes sense to you. Every day,  

write just one paragraph about your life, and  you may start to see things in a whole new way. 

8. Reinvent Your Distractions Our lives are full of distractions  

and time-wasters, but these mind-numbing  activities don’t have to stifle your  

intelligence. If you want to become smarter, make  your distractions work for you. In other words,  

substitute common time-wasters for activities that  challenge your mind or teach you something new. 

For example, instead of watching a mindless TV  show, turn on a thought-provoking documentary.  

You’re still avoiding your work, but at least  you’re learning something in the process. 

9. Activate Your Musical Brain Studies show that playing an instrument,  

like a piano or guitar, has an incredible  effect on the human brain. In one study,  

researchers scanned the brains of musicians as  they played. Turns out that playing an instrument  

is like giving your brain a full-body workout. The music itself triggers emotional responses in  

the amygdala and cerebellum. At the same time,  activity skyrockets in your motor, auditory,  

and visual cortexes — but that’s not all. Learning  an instrument also improves communication between  

the hemispheres of your brain while enhancing  your memory and sharpening your motor skills. 

The list goes on and on, so if you want to  get smarter, start learning an instrument.  

Whether you’re an amateur or professional, playing  music can train your brain like never before. 

10. Bite-sized Reading 

Few activities enhance your intelligence,  like reading a book. Not only is reading  

an incredible way to accrue knowledge, but it  actually changes the structure of your brain.  

MRI scans showed increases in brain performance  and connectivity after reading a single book. 

The problem for many people is motivating  themselves to sit down and read, but it doesn't  

have to be a time-consuming chore. To experience  the many rewards of this healthy habit, all you  

need to do is read just two pages a day. It may  not sound like much, but this bite-sized habit can  

expand your knowledge and change your brain. 11. Outsmart Your Devices 

How many hours do you spend staring at a  screen each day? Spending too much time  

on your devices can have a negative impact on  your cognitive performance. Too much screen  

time shortens your attention span, worsens  your memory, and even dulls your imagination. 

So, try stepping away from your devices for at  least a few hours daily. Lowering your screen time  

by as little as 20% may give you a much-needed  boost of energy and concentration. You’ll not  

only feel more focused, but you’ll have more  motivation to learn, grow, and expand your mind. 

12. Unlock Your Imagination Often the most intelligent people  

are also the most creative. Creativity allows  us to generate new ideas, think outside the box,  

and solve problems in ways others might  not. So, if you want to be more intelligent,  

spend some time exploring and developing the  free-thinking and innovative side of your brain. 

For example, take up a creative hobby like  writing, painting, or crafting with your hands.  

Studies have shown that these activities  enhance cognitive performance and nurture new  

and interesting ideas. So, let your creative  mind wander and explore for at least fifteen  

minutes each day. Unlock your imagination,  and you might learn to think in a new way. 

Thank you for watching TopThink  and be sure to subscribe because  

more incredible content is on the way.