7 Simple Habits That Make You Smarter Every Day
It’s hard to believe that nearly a decade has passed since I completed my master’s degree in 2015. When you’re no longer in a structured educational environment, continuous growth and learning become your responsibility. Many people stop learning once they finish school, but whether you lean toward being street smart or book smart, personal and professional development should be ongoing. Incorporating a few intentional habits into your daily routine can boost your intellectual capacity and help you stay ahead.
Read Every Day
Reading remains one of the most effective ways to broaden your knowledge base and expand your thinking. You don’t have to tackle something like *War and Peace* to reap the benefits. Any kind of reading — be it business books, industry articles, or even fiction — can enhance your vocabulary, spark new ideas, and expand your worldview. It’s equally important to read content you may disagree with to challenge your perspectives and foster critical thinking. Whether you’re reading for business, education, or leisure, the goal is to keep your mind engaged and continually evolving.
Ask Questions
Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools for learning. But in our busy lives, we often dismiss questions when they arise. I suggest keeping a dedicated file or notes section on your phone to record these questions and revisit them later. As children, we’re naturally curious about everything. Trust me, as a mom of a 3-year-old, I’m constantly reminded of this! His endless questions have actually inspired me to reignite my own curiosity and seek answers more actively. Adopting this habit helps you stay connected with the world and can lead to valuable insights in both your personal and professional life.
Challenge Assumptions
Playing devil’s advocate, though sometimes uncomfortable, can be an effective way to sharpen your thinking. My husband is an expert at this, and while it can be frustrating, it’s also a great way to think critically and avoid unexamined assumptions. Questioning the status quo — even if it’s something you generally agree with — helps you view situations from different angles and make more informed decisions.
Surround Yourself with Intelligent People
The company you keep directly impacts your mindset, outlook, and growth. Successful individuals often attribute part of their success to spending time with people who challenge them intellectually. There’s a well-known saying: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Surrounding yourself with people who are smarter or more experienced than you encourages personal growth, fostering new ideas and elevating your performance. The people around you shape who you become, so choose wisely.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity has a well-documented effect on cognitive performance. Consistent exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that enhances learning, memory, and focus. This is why we often feel more clear-headed and energized after a workout. Making exercise a regular part of your routine, ideally three to five times a week, can significantly impact both your physical and mental performance.
Leverage Podcasts for Growth
Just as you should spend time with smart people in person, you can also tap into this resource virtually. Educational podcasts are a great way to learn from thought leaders and industry experts. One of my personal favorites is *Science Rules!* with Bill Nye, which mixes entertainment with informative discussions on a wide range of topics. When you feel like zoning out with reality TV, consider opting for a podcast that offers real value and knowledge instead.
Use Mind Maps to Boost Creativity
Mind mapping is a valuable tool for enhancing creativity, productivity, and memory. It mirrors the way your brain organizes information and helps you generate ideas, recognize patterns, and retain information more effectively. For anyone looking to streamline their thinking or spark new ideas, mind mapping is an excellent practice to incorporate into your workflow.
The key to continual growth lies in the habits you cultivate. By making learning a priority and weaving it into your everyday life, you’ll naturally become sharper and more capable — both personally and professionally.