The age-old question: “Are we stuck with the intellect we’re born with, or can we actually do something to become a bit smarter?” While intelligence is a complicated concept, and IQ scores are just one way of trying to measure it, the good news is that there’s growing evidence that you can sharpen your IQ. It’s not about magic pills or overnight dream-comes-true transformations, but rather about consistent effort and engaging your brain in the right ways.

What’s IQ?

IQ, short for Intelligence Quotient, gives a score on your reasoning skills, memory, and analytical thinking. It’s been used for ages to indicate someone’s intellectual potential. However, it’s crucial to understand that your IQ score isn’t the be-all and end-all of intelligence. It’s a snapshot, not the whole picture.

Creativity, emotional intelligence (EQ), and just plain common sense are all vital ingredients for success in life and are not measured by IQ tests. Your background, circumstances and genetic history also play a significant role. Many employers now recognise the importance of EQ as well as IQ, seeking a combination of both when hiring—what some call a “consulting skillset“. This more holistic approach considers not just cognitive ability, but also a job candidate’s communication skills, teamwork, and overall fit within the company culture.

Steps to Improve Your IQ

So, if you’re keen to improve your IQ, what can you do? Plenty, it turns out. Evidence suggests that consistently engaging in activities that challenge your brain across various cognitive domains can actually make a difference to your IQ score. Think of it like exercising your muscles—the more you use them, the stronger they get. It’s about stimulating different areas of your brain, pushing your cognitive boundaries, and building new neural pathways.

So, how do you train your brain, then? Don’t just think about remembering facts; memory exercises can also bolster reasoning and language skills. Jigsaws, Sudoku, and even a good old-fashioned game of pairs can all contribute. Also, executive control exercises help you with decision-making, focusing your attention, and getting organised—all vital for fluid reasoning.

You can try a game of Scrabble, Pictionary, or even simple brainteasers. Don’t forget to improve your understanding of spatial relationships; work on mazes, build 3-D models, or even just try visualising different points of view. Understanding how things relate to each other is key to language and higher-level thinking. This could involve simple exercises like comparing objects (“full cup vs. empty cup“) or learning a new language.

Whether you’re learning to play an instrument or simply immersing yourself in music, it can do wonders for your brain. Studies show a link between musical training and improved executive function. You should also start reading more often: books are a store of knowledge and wisdom. You can develop your cognitive abilities by reading, the benefits are even more amplified when book reading becomes a part of parental bonding activities. And of course, never stop learning. Formal education is proven to have a direct impact on IQ. Continuing education, in any form, is beneficial to human intelligence.

Don’t Forget the Basics

It’s also worth remembering that some more fundamental aspects of your lifestyle can impact your cognitive function. Regular exercise gets the blood flowing to the brain, releasing those feel-good endorphins. Mindfulness and meditation are proven to encourage brain activity and boost cognitive function.

Please do not forget to prioritise sleep: Aim for those all-important seven to nine hours a night to allow your brain to consolidate memories and function at its best. You should also maintain a healthy, balanced diet which is crucial for brain development and function.

Final Thoughts

While IQ scores offer one perspective on intelligence, they’re by no means the defining aspect of your intellectual ability. Furthermore, the best approach for boosting your brainpower seems to be a holistic one—a mix of learning new things, challenging your brain with different activities, and looking after your overall health and well-being.

It’s about striving for continuous development, not just chasing a number. Ultimately, a well-rounded approach that incorporates intellectual stimulation, emotional intelligence, and a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to unlock your full potential.

What are you waiting for then? Let’s build and reach higher IQ.