Whether you’re studying a tough subject, learning a new skill, or preparing for an important exam, you probably feel, at one time or another, that everything would be easier if only you were smarter. Yet, while traits like high working memory and processing speed may be significantly influenced by genetics, most qualities associated with high IQ individuals can be adopted by anyone. Here are seven of the most important ones:
1. INTELLECTUAL HUMILITY
2. CURIOSITY
3. COACHABILITY
4. PUNCTUALITY
5. RESPONSIVENESS
6. CRITICISM
7. PERSISTENCE
INTELLECTUAL HUMILITY
The journey to becoming smarter often begins and ends with the same realization: you’re not as smart as you think. Receptivity to learning admits that there is at least a little and probably a lot to learn. Once you resist the false confidence of the Dunning–Kruger Effect–that cognitive bias wherein the less people know, the less likely they are to recognize their ignorance or incompetence–you’ve made yourself open to learn.
CURIOSITY
The next step to becoming smarter has to be a desire to actively learn more, active being the operable term. Learning is the residue of inquiry, of determined questions that lead to answers that spawn more questions. Passive learning doesn’t stick, nor does learning subjects, skills, or strategies you have no interest in. On the other hand, if you really want to know something and are curious about exploring it, you’ll be able to expand your understanding in significant ways.
COACHABILITY
Ever notice how the most accomplished athletes or performers rely heavily more heavily on coaches than their less distinguished competition? Self-directed inquiry is critical to learning, but so is guided instruction–as long as you are coachable. Learners learn more deeply and quickly when they are willing to follow instructions, put in the required effort, and accept constructive criticism. Thin-skinned students need not apply! Real progress requires the kind of deliberate practice that results in lots of mistakes, which turn into lots of opportunities for improvement in those humble enough to receive the hard-earned lessons.
PUNCTUALITY
A habit for showing up on time and ready to work hardly corresponds to the “absent-minded professor” stereotype sometimes associated with high IQ individuals. But punctuality is, in fact, a fundamental learning skill: you can’t learn if you don’t show up. Avoid the urge to overthink this trait. Just arrive on time and eager to learn.
RESPONSIVENESS
Being responsive means reacting quickly, positively, and appropriately. Superior learners articulate their questions with clarity and purpose, but also answer questions in the same way. A willingness to communicate openly with teachers facilitates greater growth as a learner.
CRITICISM
Being critical of others is often a failing. Being critical of the world and what you know of it, however, can lead to deeper understanding. Exceptional learners avoid taking anything they are taught at face value. Instead, they question the validity of everything they hear, see, and learn. When criticism motivates further research and pursuit of evidence, reasoning, and examples to support observable truths, it becomes an invaluable trait for students. Also, don’t hesitate to be critical of yourself at times if that inspires you to reevaluate your knowledge, progress, and learning journey.
PERSISTENCE
Winston Churchill, a big thinker who definitely understood learning and preparation, famously asserted, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Perhaps the most important trait in anyone who dares to attempt great things is the willingness to persevere through failure and adversity. Deliberate practice pushes us beyond our current limits in order to expand those limits, but we can only reap the benefits of those bruises if we willingly keep at it.
Do you bring these traits to your learning experiences? What other qualities do you rely on as a learner?
Mike Bergin