In an age where information is abundant but attention is scarce, having a sharp mind is more valuable than ever. Whether you want to enhance your problem-solving skills, improve memory, or simply think faster, working on your IQ can give you a competitive edge. Let’s dive into practical and engaging ways to improve your IQ across various dimensions.
Who doesn’t want to improve their IQ? Before that, let’s understand what IQ means and how it is assessed. I was inspired by Vikas Divyakirti Sir to research further on this topic, and here we are with this article. Thank you so much, sir. Without any further adieu, let’s start the article.
IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a measure of a person’s cognitive abilities in relation to their age group. It is often assessed through standardized tests that evaluate various cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, mathematical ability, verbal comprehension, spatial reasoning, memory, processing speed, abstract thinking, and pattern recognition.
However, intelligence is multifaceted, and there are other types of IQ that cannot be measured through standard tests. These include:
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions as well as those of others. EQ plays a crucial role in interpersonal relationships and leadership. This is why Sheldon (a fictional character) from the Young Sheldon web series, relied on his friends to navigate the world despite having a staggering IQ of 187. To put things into perspective, Einstein’s IQ was around 160. The world record holder’s IQ is 276, which belongs to YoungHoon Kim.
- Social Intelligence: The capacity to navigate social situations effectively, understand social cues, and build meaningful relationships.
- Creative Intelligence: The ability to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and approach problems in novel ways.
- Practical Intelligence: Sometimes referred to as “street smarts,” it involves the ability to solve real-world problems and adapt to everyday situations.
Improving your IQ isn’t just about becoming smarter; it’s about enhancing your ability to solve problems, think critically, and adapt to new challenges. Let’s dive into practical ways you can boost your cognitive abilities across different domains.
1. Logical Reasoning: The Art of Thinking Clearly
Logical reasoning is the backbone of critical thinking. It helps in making well-structured decisions.
Activities to Try:
- Solve puzzles like Sudoku, Nonograms (my personal favorite these days), and logic grid puzzles.
- Play games like Chess, Go, or the card game Set.
- Tackle riddles and lateral thinking puzzles.
YouTube Channels:
- TED-Ed Brain Teasers — Engaging logical puzzles.
- MindYourDecisions — Math-based logic puzzles.
- Veritasium — Logical concepts in science.
Apps/Websites:
- Lumosity, Brilliant, Puzzling.StackExchange
2. Mathematical Ability: Train the Numbers Game
Math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about patterns, structure, and problem-solving.
Activities to Try:
- Solve daily math problems (Algebra, Probability, Arithmetic).
- Practice mental math techniques like the Vedic Math or Trachtenberg System.
- Play number-based games like the 24 Game or Math Riddles.
YouTube Channels:
- Numberphile — Fun mathematical insights.
- 3Blue1Brown — Visual math explanations.
- Mathologer — Problem-solving with math.
Apps/Websites:
- Brilliant.org (I prefer the app version) or Prodigy Math Game
3. Verbal Comprehension: Master the Art of Words
A rich vocabulary and strong comprehension skills are essential for clear communication.
Activities to Try:
- Read books on various topics like philosophy, science, and literature.
- Use word-of-the-day apps to expand your vocabulary.
- Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles.
YouTube Channels:
- TED-Ed — Language and comprehension skills.
- BBC Learning English — Vocabulary and grammar.
- CrashCourse Literature — Deep reading skills.
Apps/Websites:
- Grammarly, Duolingo, Merriam-Webster Word of the Day, and Vocabulary.com (Here’s my collection of 250+ C1 and C2 level words that I share with IELTS Aspirants around the world. Sign in to Vocabulary.com with your Google ID and then click this link: Becoming a WordSmith).
4. Spatial Reasoning: Visualize to Materialize
Spatial intelligence is crucial for tasks that require an understanding of space and dimension.
Activities to Try:
- Solve jigsaw puzzles and 3D games like Tetris.
- Practice drawing geometric shapes and visualizing them in 3D.
- Learn to solve the Rubik’s Cube (I recommend this video: Click here).
YouTube Channels:
- Think Twice — Spatial puzzle tricks.
- HowToSolve — Rubik’s Cube tutorials.
- MinutePhysics — Visual explanations of spatial concepts.
Apps/Websites:
- GeoGuessr, Block Puzzle, Polysphere
5. Memory: The Art of Retention
A good memory enhances learning efficiency and recall ability.
Activities to Try:
- Use the Memory Palace technique.
- Play memory games like Simon Says, Concentration, and Dual-N-Back.
- Memorize poems, speeches, or random lists daily.
YouTube Channels:
- Ron White Memory Expert — Memory improvement tips.
- Anthony Metivier’s Magnetic Memory Method — Advanced memorization.
- The Great Courses: The Learning Brain — Neuroscience-backed tips.
Apps/Websites:
- Peak, Lumosity, Elevate
On a side note, my mentor taught me a simple yet effective trick to improve the ability to recall minute details from the past. All we have to do is, every day before we sleep, try to recall the entire day from morning to night—step by step—every single thing we did throughout the day.
Start by remembering which foot touched the ground first, the hand we used to brush our teeth, the people we met, what clothes those people wore, the places we visited, the vehicle we used, the registration number of the vehicle we drove, and so on. Write down all the keywords that come to mind on a rough page—handwriting and organization don’t matter. Just jot down everything in keywords.
Once that is done, go through your messages, call logs, and social media chats. Without opening them, try to recall the conversations you had over the phone or via text. After completing this activity, go to sleep and set an alarm to repeat the exercise at the same time and place the next day.
Do this for a week, and you’ll start noticing that your brain captures minute details more efficiently, significantly improving your memory and recall abilities.
6. Processing Speed: Think Fast, Act Faster
Faster thinking improves decision-making and efficiency.
Activities to Try:
- Play games like Typing Racer, Blink, or Speed Math.
- Solve timed puzzles like speed Sudoku.
- Try reaction-speed exercises like online reflex tests.
YouTube Channels:
- BrainCraft — Boost mental speed.
- Dr. Beau Lotto’s Optical Illusions — Exercises for fast thinking.
- Smarter Every Day — Brain processing speed.
Apps/Websites:
- Monkeytype (This website is not for learning how to type, just to check your WPM (Words Per Minute) in typing) and Human Benchmark
7. Abstract Thinking: Explore the Big Ideas
Abstract thinking enhances creativity and philosophical insight.
Activities to Try:
- Discuss thought experiments (e.g., Schrödinger’s Cat).
- Solve lateral thinking puzzles.
- Write down random words and connect them creatively.
YouTube Channels:
- Vsauce — Deep concepts in science and philosophy.
- Kurzgesagt — In a Nutshell — Big ideas simplified.
- The School of Life — Philosophy and abstract thinking.
Apps/Websites:
- Thinkr, Conceptis Puzzles
8. Pattern Recognition: Find the Hidden Order
Pattern recognition is vital in fields like math, science, and even art.
Activities to Try:
- Solve number sequences (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 16, ?).
In this specific example — 2, 4, 8, 16, ? — the sequence follows a multiplication pattern, where each number is multiplied by 2 to get the next number:
- 2 × 2 = 4
- 4 × 2 = 8
- 8 × 2 = 16
- 16 × 2 = 32
So, the next number in the sequence is 32.
Solving number sequences like this improves pattern recognition and logical reasoning skills, both of which are essential for boosting IQ. Go as further as you can in this list.
- Play games like SET, Spot It!, or Mastermind.
- Try AI training datasets for pattern recognition.
YouTube Channels:
- Maths Town — Pattern puzzles.
- Patterns in Everything — Hidden world patterns.
- Tibees — Patterns in numbers.
Apps/Websites:
- Elevate, Mathematician’s Pattern Book
I’ve been recommending Elevate App to my students to help improve their listening, reading, writing, speaking, memory, and vocabulary skills. This app is a game-changer. It also offers math lessons for those who are interested.
Final Thoughts: Make IQ Growth a Daily Habit
Improving your IQ is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is consistency. Incorporate puzzles, reading, and conversations with intellectually stimulating individuals into your daily routine. Track your progress, meditate for mental clarity, and most importantly, have fun with the process. Your brain is a muscle — the more you use it, the sharper it gets. Let the journey to a better you begin today!
This article was authored by Jaison Elcy Jose and fine-tuned with the help of ChatGPT. Thank you for reading till the end.
If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love the other ones too: https://boringacademy.com/jaisonelcyjose/
#IQImprovement #BrainTraining #CognitiveSkills #PersonalGrowth #Neuroscience #MemoryBoost #MentalWellness #LearningAndDevelopment #SkillEnhancement #MindsetMatters #ContinuousLearning #BrainHealth #ProductivityHacks #SelfImprovement