Get Smarter in 2012!

Do you assume that people are either smart or not so smart, and that’s just the way it is? Do you think that IQ is set in early childhood, and nothing will change it? If so, smarten up! Your brain has an amazing ability to grow and improve—a property called neuroplasticity—throughout your life. There are even specific steps for increasing intelligence. In fact, cognitive scientists can list them for you.

Although different experts may propose different lists, there are some concepts about which they agree. One basic recommendation is to learn new things that are difficult for you, whether that is another language, how to play a musical instrument, or a deep understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Another general guideline is to confront ideas—political, cultural, religious, whatever—that contradict your long-held beliefs. You may still feel the same way in the end, but you will have exercised your brain by examining other viewpoints. Physical activity also affects mental ability. Even mild exercise, such as walking, stimulates production of a molecule that helps build new neurons and synapses.

Improving short-term memory appears to be a key to raising overall intelligence. To sharpen yours, try building a “memory palace,” which associates new pieces of information with vivid mental images. Or simply write down your to-do list in longhand; studies show you’re more likely to remember the list. Keep in mind that IQ can also decline. Watch hours of reality TV, surround yourself with people who are just like you, read as little as possible, and avoid new experiences, and you may find out just how much!

Image credit: ©Andrea Danti/Fotolia

Related Links

  • 31 Ways to Get Smarter in 2012
    Learn background information about intelligence and see how many of these recommendations you already practice, or see how many you can work into your daily life.
    (Source: Newsweek, January 9 and 16, 2012)
  • 5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Intelligence
    If 31 ways to get smarter is too many, try 5.
    (Source: Pick the Brain; accessed January 31, 2012)
  • Method of Loci
    Read how people through the centuries have used the memory palace concept to remember vast amounts of information.
    (Source: Wikipedia; accessed January 31, 2012)
  • No Gain from Brain Training
    Are you hoping to increase your brain power by using commercial brain-training programs? Read why those efforts may be wasted.
    (Source: Nature, April 20, 2010)

46 Comments

  1. funny bunny says:

    im a not so funny bunny HAHA

  2. Kroniki says:

    Well hello there miss’

  3. Kroniki says:

    This is pretty cool(:

  4. BOB GREY says:

    good

  5. BOB says:

    WOW this is so cool J.K

  6. shawn says:

    shut up

  7. shorty says:

    thats what its all about

  8. :DDD I eat you! says:

    Hmmm… And this is going to help my social life???

  9. dork says:

    ok

  10. ddexter says:

    its good

  11. shun the man says:

    woww this is very awesome, MAN is this a good website or what? I got smart quick in exactly 3 days 4 hours and 33 minutes

  12. kiara says:

    that was the most awsome thing thst i read in my life

  13. lazarick matchem says:

    lolol

  14. kendall smith says:

    awesome bdg

  15. MOOKEYEI says:

    I DO MOST OF THE THINGS THAT THEY SUGGEST. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE LESS YOU READ THE LOWER YOUR IQ WOULD BE

  16. TRAYVIONTAE says:

    I THINK IT IS GOOD TO WORK OUT TO BE HEATH.

  17. tiann says:

    i think that it is a good ideal because a lot of people in the world dont know that. And plus its useful because i know people want to be smart

  18. angel says:

    this is an very educational site it tells you alot about your education.

  19. dericia says:

    I BELIVE THAT THIS IS A TRUE ARTICLE WHO AGREES WITH ME

  20. lazarick says:

    i think it is cool. how it tell us how to get smart

  21. ZAVION says:

    U SHOULD READ LEST FOR YU BRAIN.AND YOU SHOULD EXRASIZIES SOMTIMES OR MORE3 OFFTINE.

  22. Tre'V'ion says:

    ya this website is cool. It talks about how you can help your brain grow.

  23. Rediemeer says:

    ehh..this is okay, this what i do at home

  24. james says:

    geting smart makeing your salf smart about u do and life

  25. chrisshay says:

    this was a GOOD story and a GREAT thing for people to know .

  26. dayjon says:

    i thought it was ok.

  27. jalynn says:

    this is some good reading and this is what i had learned to-day yeah oooooooooooo 🙂

  28. sade says:

    i think this was great thing for people to know and i will try that and i might get smarter than i am

  29. Angello says:

    I think this is a good idea for kids who choose to get smarter.Also people who choose to give up on school they also should read this.

  30. CAPREON says:

    THIS A GOOD THING
    YOU CAN USE THIS I WILL WHO WILL USE IT?

  31. sade says:

    I think that this is a great thing that people should know and i’m going to do this to night and i might get smarter then i am now

  32. marvin johnson says:

    itz time to get smart n quit the foolishness

  33. essence says:

    its cool its kind of like an inspiration to me

  34. wowwwwwwwwwowwwwwwwwwowww says:

    wat idont get this

  35. 355421 says:

    I think it will chage

  36. Badger says:

    dont get this either.

  37. milkyas yo lo says:

    wow

  38. Suzan says:

    This is what I think considering this passage to be unrealistic!!!
    My main reason as to why I think this is because human beings should recognize themselves as their true selves and not focus or believe any ad(s) or such that may ruin people’s esteem.

    REAL TALK!!!

    • Shivaji says:

      Take a long slow drive through dnreffeit neighborhoods and check out the color schemes along the way this helps in the real world Personally I like earth tones have fun!

  39. Gaff ft says:

    Awsome