Is It Possible to Increase Your IQ?
The purpose of an IQ test is to measure how intelligent you are compared to others. But intelligence is a very complex concept [1] and it is culturally relative as well.
In theory, an IQ test measures your ability to solve new problems, independent of your level of knowledge. In other words, it shouldn’t depend on your education level or the circumstances you grew up in. Scoring well on an IQ test should just mean that you are a very quick learner and you’re able to apply new knowledge to various types of problems.
But in practice, your IQ will depend on some of your experiences as a child as well as an adult. It’s worth remembering that childhood malnutrition and other factors can cause problems in the brain’s development.
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What Exactly Can Your IQ Tell You About Yourself?
IQ tests usually cover a few different types of problem-solving but leave other types out. Most experts agree that your IQ is not sufficient as the sole measure of your ability to do well when it comes to solving real-life problems. [2]
However, working on your IQ can be one good way to improve your performance in all walks of life. Many people think that your IQ is entirely genetic and it’s impossible to increase it. The good news is that they’re wrong.
Self-Improvement Is Possible
So what can you do to maximize your IQ?
- Step One: Make Sure There’s Nothing Preventing You From Using Your Intelligence
In many cases, people simply do not live up to their full potential when it comes to problem-solving.
Confidence issues are a part of that. To complete the problems in an IQ test, you have to stay calm and be willing to experiment. Just like in life, some people are simply too shy and hesitant to do that.
Physical health is another important factor. Sleeping badly can make it difficult for your brain to perform as well as it should. A bad diet is another potential problem.
Long-term drug abuse can affect your cognition as well. [4]There are a few other external factors that can keep you from reaching your full potential. [5]
So before you start working on improving your IQ, make sure you know whether there are any other factors you need to work on.
- Step Two: Practice Is the Key to Improving Your IQ
Researchers say [6] that you can improve your IQ if you frequently get the chance to apply your problem-solving skills.
By deciding to practice for IQ testing specifically, you are doing yourself a favor. Not only will you gain the specific skills that can boost your score, you are actually developing your brain. You will do better even if you’re faced with a completely new kind of challenge.
But there are other, even more important conclusions you should keep in mind. People who have jobs that require thinking and creativity will eventually perform better in many different situations.
Thus, you shouldn’t settle for a routine with no mental challenges. Even if your job isn’t good for improving your IQ, you can take up a hobby that helps.
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- Step Three: Don’t Forget to Develop Other Skills You Need to Solve Problems
Your IQ doesn’t necessarily depend on your memory or your knowledge. But these are both areas that you can work on. Boosting them will help you become a better problem-solver.
In many cases, having a good memory can be more important than instantly thinking of new solutions.You can do a number of things to improve both your short-term and your long-term memory. From doing crossword puzzles to trying out memory apps, you can keep your brain fit and ready to absorb new information.
Mnemonics are another great way to improve your cognitive abilities. You already know that they can help you retain new information. But coming up with a mnemonic requires making new mental connections, so it is actually a great mental challenge that requires creative thinking.
What about knowledge? Learning and thinking are frequently impossible to separate.
In order to solve a problem, you first need to understand it and to know about the options available to you. Conversely, learning about new concepts can improve your IQ. After all, it’s a cognitive challenge to connect new knowledge with the things that you already know.
So don’t be afraid to read widely and to look into the questions that interest you.Deepen both your general and your specialized knowledge. Take up a new language or other skill to improve your neuroplasticity.
- Step Four: Don’t Give in to Time and Habit
Once your brain has developed fully, your IQ is likely to stay fairly stable.
But many people find intellectual challenges more intimidating as they age and leave school and studying behind. Don’t let this happen to you. Test yourself daily and avoid any brain-destroying habits.
Hence, you should give yourself mental exercises in order to protect your brain’s sharpness and prevent cognitive decline. Physical exercise can help too. Make sure your brain always gets enough oxygenated blood to work with.
Is Having a High IQ Important?
Having a high IQ alone isn’t enough to bring you success and fulfillment. There are numerous other skills that you can work on as well. It’s possible to improve your empathy, your social insight and your levels of practical knowledge.
On the other hand, many find it very reassuring to know that their IQ isn’t completely settled. IQ testing can be a serious disappointment, and getting a relatively low score can hinder people from reaching their full potential later on in life.
So instead of focusing on your score, think of IQ tests as a new opportunity. They can measure your performance when it comes to one very specific area. If you work on that performance, you can be more successful in other areas as well.
See: Science Based Signs of Intelligence
A Final Word
There’s one more thing you should take into account. Intellectual challenges are fun when you take them on with no external pressure.
It can be entertaining and exciting to test your IQ and read up on the ways psychologists want to help people increase their intelligence [7]. It may give you some new insights into your own strengths and the ways you can improve yourself in the future.
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[1]https://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/what-is-an-iq-test/
[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-dance-connection/201109/the-truth-about-your-iq
[3] http://time.com/3841225/can-missing-an-hour-of-sleep-take-points-off/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3120118/
[5] https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/under-the-influence/201204/intelligence-is-not-just-genetic
[6] http://www.businessinsider.com/actually-you-can-change-your-iq-if-you-work-hard-enough-2011-11
[7] https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/improving-intelligence
