Intelligence goes beyond simply excelling in school; it’s a continuous journey of learning and growth. Even after completing formal education, there are endless opportunities to expand your knowledge and enhance your intellect.
Developing successful habits is crucial for self-improvement, and getting smarter is a key focus area.
Here’s a list of 30 habits you can start incorporating into your life today to become a more informed and capable individual. These success habits are essential for boosting your intelligence!
Habit 1: Read Non-Fiction Books Regularly
Commit to reading non-fiction books every month to expand your knowledge and perspectives. Consider getting a Kindle Unlimited subscription to save money—there’s a wealth of informative non-fiction books available!
Habit 2: Stay Updated on Current Events
Make it a daily habit to follow the news. Identify a few reliable sources that provide information in a way that works for you. Staying informed is key to success!
Habit 3: Take Online Classes on Topics of Interest
Explore your hobbies and interests by taking online courses. Many platforms offer free classes, allowing you to learn new skills and deepen your understanding of subjects you love.
Habit 4: Play Brain Games
Stimulate your mind by playing brain games on your phone. Sudoku is a great example, but choose any game that challenges you mentally and helps improve cognitive skills.
Habit 5: Use a Weekly Planner
Stay organized and plan your week effectively. My favorite is the Blue Sky Planner Classic, but any planner that suits your style will help keep you on track.
Habit 6: Journal Daily
Writing in a journal every day keeps your mind active and helps you reflect on your thoughts and experiences. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for personal growth.
Habit 7: Expand Your Vocabulary
Make a habit of learning a new word every day using apps or email subscriptions. Expanding your vocabulary will improve your communication skills and understanding of the world.
Habit 8: Deep Dive into Relevant Topics Monthly
Take the time each month to thoroughly educate yourself on topics that matter to you. Gaining a deeper understanding of important issues will make you more informed and insightful.
Habit 9: Keep a Weekly Budget
If you don’t have a budget, start simple and build from there. A weekly budget planner helps you stay financially organized and in control of your spending.
Habit 10: Develop a Morning Routine
An efficient morning routine sets the tone for a productive day. Use this time to read the news or a chapter of a book to kickstart your success.
Habit 11: Challenge Yourself Regularly
Push yourself out of your comfort zone by trying new things. Whether it’s a new hobby or a task that scares you, challenging yourself helps you grow and learn.
Habit 12: Master the Art of Game Planning
Learn how to make effective game plans for both personal and professional challenges. Having a clear strategy boosts your chances of success.
Habit 13: Maximize Your Commute Time
Use your commute to learn by listening to audiobooks or podcasts. Transform this otherwise idle time into an opportunity for growth and knowledge.
Habit 14: Limit Screen Time
While technology is helpful, mindless scrolling can waste valuable time. Set limits on your screen usage to stay focused and productive.
Habit 15: Audit Your Social Media Regularly
Social media can either uplift or drain you, so regularly review who you follow. Keep it positive by unfollowing accounts that don’t contribute to your growth.
Habit 16: Watch Documentaries
Broaden your horizons by watching documentaries on a variety of topics. Regularly switch up the subjects to keep learning about different areas.
Habit 17: View Problems as Learning Opportunities
Shift your mindset to see challenges as opportunities to grow. Adopting this perspective can lead to smarter decisions and greater success.
Habit 18: Research Reliable Sources
Ensure your knowledge is based on facts by only using trusted sources for both personal and professional research.
Habit 19: Ask for Help When Needed
No one has all the answers. Learning to ask for help when you need it is crucial for self-improvement and achieving your best.
Habit 20: Make Daily Goal Lists
Setting daily goals keeps you focused and productive. It’s a small habit that adds up to big achievements over time.
Habit 21: Improve Your Writing Skills
Strong writing skills are essential for communicating your ideas clearly. Practice writing regularly—starting a blog is a great way to improve!
Habit 22: Prioritize Travel
Traveling exposes you to new cultures and ideas, helping you grow personally and intellectually. Make it a priority to experience different parts of the world.
Habit 23: Learn from Criticism
Embrace constructive feedback and use it as a tool for self-improvement. Here’s a guide on how to effectively learn from criticism!
Habit 24: Listen to Educational Podcasts
Find podcasts that both entertain and educate. There are countless options out there that can help you expand your knowledge on the go.
Habit 25: Build Mental Endurance
Push your limits by reading longer books or playing challenging strategy games. Building mental endurance is key to long-term personal growth.
Habit 26: Make Social Events Productive
Add a productive twist to social gatherings. Try incorporating word games or swapping movie nights for educational documentaries.
Habit 27: Learn a New Language
Thanks to apps and YouTube, learning a new language has never been easier. Broaden your horizons by mastering a second (or third!) language.
Habit 28: Write Down Annual and 5-Year Goals
Writing down your short- and long-term goals helps you stay focused and motivated. It’s a powerful habit that keeps you aligned with your dreams.
Habit 29: Get Comfortable with Public Speaking
Public speaking is a vital skill. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become—don’t shy away from opportunities to speak in front of others.
Habit 30: Share Your Knowledge
Teaching others what you know reinforces your understanding and reveals any gaps in your knowledge. Sharing is not only beneficial to others, but it also helps you grow!
Creating new success habits will truly help you become a more informed person and a smarter version of yourself!
Best of luck learning to implement these new success habits!
Amazing Piece.