1. Keeping a curious mind
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein
If you open your mind and never stop learning, your mind will stretch and be open to more knowledge. You will relate and connect ideas, theories and concepts better.
Embrace opportunities to learn something from people who have a deeper knowledge in certain areas.
2. Observe
There is a difference between seeing and observing. When you see, you take something at its face value. When you observe, you analyse what you see. When observing, you will notice all the things that you have overlooked for a long time. Absorb what is around you, and do not stop imagining.
3. Listen
Observing and listening come hand in hand. When listening to the sounds around you, you absorb a part of the world. You start to take notice of what people are talking about, and through listening and analysing, you learn how individuals act and think. This will be a valuable soft skill when you are in the workforce.
You can also practise this habit by listening music genres you do not usually listen to.
4. Experiment
At Making Sense, we encourage students to experiment. Experimenting is not only limited to chemistry labs, but also the habit to step outside your comfort zone.
To experiment is to try out new things, to take up courses to gain new knowledge.
If you do not step out of your comfort zone and begin to experiment with new things, you may miss something that can change your life or your mind. When you step outside the zone, you will not only improve and expand your knowledge, but you will also be a better conversationalist.
5. Keep your body in shape
A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. When you exercise, you increase your blood flow to your brain. Exercising also triggers a surge of proteins that can help stimulate the growth of neural connections in the brain.
6. Figure out your fears
One of the biggest roadblocks to personal growth is your fears. If your fear is organic chemistry, take that first step to conquer that fear. Immerse yourself in chemistry theories, or enrol yourself in chemistry tuition. Once you start to make sense of your irrational fears, you will realise that there are not many things in the world to be afraid of. In this process of self-searching, you will gain more wisdom.
Part of the secret of the effectiveness of these methods is to implement them every day; they should become your habit. Once these methods are ingrained as part of your daily life, you will start to discover yourself getting sharper and smarter.
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