I’m going to level with you, being smart is great but reaching your full potential as a person? That’s a whole different ballgame.
While intelligence has always been one of the more valuable assets in society, maximizing your capabilities will take a combination of hard work, dedication, and discipline. And when you reach these heights, you’ll be indestructible. Sound appealing enough for you?
In this article, I will discuss the 11 key habits that highly intelligent people practice to reach their full potential. Ready to join the ranks? Let’s dive in!
1) Daily reading
Highly intelligent people make it a habit to read daily – and I hate to break it to you but, reading your Twitter feed doesn’t count.
They read books (both fiction and non-fiction), articles, and even the occasional comic strip, you know… for balance.
Reading expands their knowledge, enhances their vocabulary, and keeps their minds active like a high-functioning muscle.
And let’s be real, reading a good book is way more satisfying than watching a reality show about people who can’t find love on a desert island.
And don’t forget, reading is a major aspect of personal growth…
2) Pursuing personal growth
Here’s a shocker: highly intelligent people are always striving to improve themselves.
They set goals and work hard to achieve them. They seek out opportunities to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and develop fresh interests.
Personal growth is essential for success, and highly intelligent people understand this. So, instead of spending all your free time watching dog or blooper videos, try learning a new language or taking a cooking class.
Who knows, you might just discover a new talent! One that’s a bit more stimulating than animal reels on YouTube.
3) Practicing critical thinking
Another quality of intelligent people is the ability to think critically. They are able to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make logical decisions.
They are not easily swayed by emotions or biases, and they are not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom or media.
So, the next time you’re tempted to believe that the moon landing was faked or that the Earth is flat, take a step back and do a thorough evaluation of the evidence.
And maybe, just maybe, don’t trust everything you see and read on social media. It’s called clickbait for a reason!
4) Embracing failure
Here’s the thing: highly intelligent people understand that failure is a necessary part of the learning process.
They are not afraid to take risks and make mistakes because they know that failure can lead to valuable lessons and insights.
They view failure as an opportunity to grow and improve, rather than a setback. So, when you inevitably fail at something, remember that even highly intelligent people make mistakes – and that’s okay.
And hey, at least you’ll have a good story to tell at parties.
And speaking of parties, intelligent people surround themselves with good company. This brings me to my next point…
5) Surrounding themselves with like-minded people
From my experience, we tend to enjoy being around people on the same wavelength as us.
ly intelligent people seek out others who share their interests and values. They surround themselves with people who inspire them, challenge them, and support them.
They recognize the importance of having a strong support system and a network of people who can help them achieve their goals.
So, instead of hanging out with people who bring you down, try surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people who encourage you to be your best self.
And don’t rule it out, maybe you’ll find a new BFF who loves a good true crime documentary binge as much as you do.
6) Taking care of physical and mental health
Smart people know that health is wealth! They understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and minds. They make it a priority to exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and manage stress.
They also prioritize their mental health, taking time to meditate, practice mindfulness, or seek therapy when needed.
When you feel tempted to binge-watch Netflix all night, remember that taking care of your health is essential to reaching your full potential. That means a good night’s sleep too.
But hey, a little Netflix never hurt anyone – just don’t forget to stretch between episodes.
7) Being curious
Another key trait of smart people is they have a natural curiosity about the world around them.
They are constantly asking questions and seeking answers. Curiosity is a powerful tool for learning, and highly intelligent people use it to their advantage.
They seek out new experiences, try new things, and explore new ideas. So, when you’re feeling bored or uninspired, try asking yourself some curious questions. And do your research.
Eventually, you will learn some fascinating things – or end up down a Reddit rabbit hole for days. Which is pretty much the same thing.
8) Being open-minded
I’ll be honest, for me, intelligence and open-mindedness go hand in hand. Smart people are not afraid to challenge their own beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints.
They recognize that there is always more to learn and understand about the world around us. So, instead of dismissing someone else’s opinion, try listening and engaging in thoughtful dialogue.
Chances are, the more open you are, the more worldly and informative you become.
9) Being persistent
Real talk: Persistence is a key sign of intellect.
Intelligent people are willing to put in the work and stay committed, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. Persistence is key to achieving our goals, and highly intelligent people use it to their advantage.
Perhaps when you feel the urge to give up, remember that success requires persistence and hard work! And don’t forget to reward yourself.
Persistence comes in many forms including taking action…
10) Taking action
Highly intelligent people don’t just sit around and talk about their goals–they actually put them into action.
They are proactive and take initiative, rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them. They understand that success requires action, and they are not afraid to take risks and make things happen.
When you have a eureka moment, don’t just sit on it – take action and take the steps to make it happen. You’ll never know if you don’t try! Take the plunge, my friend.
And while you’re at it, it’s a good move to keep track of time…
11) Managing time effectively
Intellectuals understand the importance of managing their time effectively.
They prioritize their tasks and use their time efficiently to achieve their goals. They set deadlines for themselves and hold themselves accountable for meeting them.
But in the same breath, they also recognize the importance of taking breaks and taking care of their mental and physical health.
If you feel the temptation to procrastinate or overwork yourself, remember that managing your time effectively is essential to success and good health!
So buy that Moleskin planner already, it’ll be worth the investment!
Conclusion
Highly intelligent people tend to have certain habits and behaviors that maximize their potential and help them reach their goals. But just because they’re highly intelligent doesn’t mean they’re serious all the time.
Truly smart people are all about balance too.
By having a little fun, trying new things, and infusing self-care into their daily routines, smart people keep things interesting, happy, and hopeful. And this may sound a tad ironic… but if you want to fulfill your potential as the highly intelligent person you already are, use these gifts wisely!
