Seven Habits That Unexpectedly Contribute to My Intelligence

Core Concepts

Certain everyday habits, such as limiting entertainment consumption and prioritizing physical exercise, can unexpectedly enhance one's cognitive abilities and overall mental well-being.

Abstract

The author shares seven habits that they believe have contributed to their intelligence and personal growth, despite not being the typical activities associated with academic or career success.

Not Binge-Watching Entertainment: The author avoids excessive consumption of entertainment media like social media and Netflix, finding it simplifies their mindset and allows them to focus on what they deem important. This contrasts with the majority of people they meet who engage heavily with such entertainment.

Exercise: The author recognizes the cognitive benefits of regular physical exercise, which they prioritize as part of their lifestyle.

The author acknowledges that their unconventional path, including not attending university or following a traditional career, has allowed them to travel the world and live out their dreams in their 20s. They believe the habits they have cultivated, rather than formal education or a linear career progression, have been instrumental in their personal growth and development.
The author cites the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt through behavior, as the underlying principle behind the cognitive benefits of their habits. They trust these habits to continue shaping their intelligence and overall well-being.

Stats

I didn't go to university, I never followed a career path, and I hadn't made more than $30k a year until a few years ago.
I usually only watch YouTube for learning purposes and series on Netflix a few times a year. Unlike 95% of the people I meet, I don't use social media.

Quotes

"Every behavior we engage in changes our brain; it's neuroplasticity."

Key Insights Distilled From

Seven Habits I Didn’t Realise Make Me Smarter

by Andy Murphy at medium.com 07-08-2024

https://medium.com/mind-cafe/seven-habits-i-didnt-realise-make-me-smarter-01d99001518e

Deeper Inquiries

How can individuals incorporate more unconventional habits into their lives to enhance their cognitive abilities and overall well-being?

Incorporating unconventional habits into one's life can significantly enhance cognitive abilities and overall well-being. Some ways to do this include:

Limiting Screen Time: Similar to the author's approach of avoiding binge-watching entertainment and social media, reducing screen time can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
Practicing Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can improve attention span, memory, and emotional regulation.
Trying New Activities: Stepping out of one's comfort zone and trying new activities or hobbies can stimulate the brain, promote creativity, and enhance problem-solving skills.
Prioritizing Sleep: Getting an adequate amount of quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall well-being.
Regular Exercise: Physical exercise not only benefits the body but also the brain by improving cognitive function, reducing stress, and enhancing mood.

By incorporating these unconventional habits into their lives, individuals can boost their cognitive abilities, improve their overall well-being, and lead a more fulfilling life.

What potential drawbacks or limitations might arise from the author's approach of avoiding mainstream entertainment and social media?

While avoiding mainstream entertainment and social media can have its benefits, there are potential drawbacks and limitations to this approach:

Social Isolation: By not engaging with popular culture and social media, individuals may feel socially isolated or out of touch with current trends and conversations.
Limited Networking Opportunities: Social media can be a valuable tool for networking and connecting with others, so avoiding it entirely may limit opportunities for professional or personal growth.
Missed Learning Opportunities: Mainstream entertainment and social media can also provide educational content and diverse perspectives, so avoiding them completely may result in missing out on valuable learning experiences.
Potential for Narrow-mindedness: By only focusing on what one deems important and avoiding exposure to different viewpoints, individuals may become narrow-minded and less open to new ideas.

It's essential to strike a balance between avoiding mainstream entertainment and social media while still staying connected and informed to avoid these potential drawbacks.

In what ways could the author's experiences and insights be applied to improve educational and career development systems to better support diverse paths to success and fulfillment?

The author's experiences and insights can be applied to improve educational and career development systems in the following ways:

Encouraging Diverse Learning Experiences: Educational systems can promote diverse learning experiences beyond traditional academic paths, such as travel, hands-on experiences, and self-directed learning.
Emphasizing Personal Growth: Career development systems can focus on personal growth, self-discovery, and pursuing passions rather than solely on traditional career paths or financial success.
Promoting Work-Life Balance: By valuing experiences and personal fulfillment over monetary success, career development systems can encourage individuals to prioritize work-life balance and overall well-being.
Supporting Alternative Paths: Educational and career development systems can provide support and resources for individuals pursuing unconventional paths to success, such as entrepreneurship, creative endeavors, or non-traditional careers.

By incorporating the author's insights into educational and career development systems, a more holistic approach can be taken to support diverse paths to success and fulfillment for individuals.