There are 2 different types of IQ.
The genetic kind we are all born with and is a hard ceiling for how intelligent you can get.
And functional IQ which is how smart you act day-to-day.
The second one is one of the best investments of your time you can make.
Doing these few things for me has been like taking the limitless drug (from the movie, look it up) and can unlock potential like little else.
Train your working memory.
I have a bit of an advantage on this one as I have what is called hyperthymesia (I am self and chatgpt diagnosed… but it fits the definition) but there is a lot you can do to improve your working memory.
— Do calculations in your head instead of using a calculator
— Memory games like LumosityRead DEEP
Reading books are better than blogs or tweets (except mine of course ;-) )read stuff that challenges you… classic literature, complex non-fiction, philosophy, economics, systems thinking etc… and biographies of successful people, even ones you don’t like.Metacognition
Literally think about why you think.
Ask: “Why did I think that?” and try to trace the thought back to the trigger that sent you down that path.Learn new skills
Coding, musical instruments, painting… anything that forms neural pathways… this is kind of what I am doing with this newsletter… learning how to write and forming new neural pathways.
Lifestyle
Better sleep, nutrition, and manage your nervous system. Supplements based on your own biomarkers but a few general ones include - DHA, choline, magnesium, phosphatidylserine, lion’s mane etc…Targeted nootropics
Creatine, L-Theanine + caffeine, Bacopa, Lion’s Mane, phosphatidylserine (the #1 supplement ever IMO)Be around smarter people.
That thing about you are the 5 people you surround yourself with is cliché and not totally accurate but does have a truth in it.Join masterminds, or other groups where you meet smart people, especially people smarter than you.
Teach what you learn.
Teaching, despite what people in Facebook comments say, is a wonderful way to get smarter because you have to have a good grasp on something to be able to teach it.
Ultimately the goal is the strengthen and create new neural pathways. This sounds a bit like bro science I know… but there is nothing on that list that isn’t good for you either way.
Try some of these out and watch your potential unlock.
Till tomorrow.
— Chris