Adopt these 10 habits and you’ll become a little bit smarter every day

Would you like to feel a bit smarter every day?

A black and white close-up of a man with a beard gazing intently at the camera. He has one finger touching his temple and appears deep in thought. His serious expression is highlighted by the high contrast of the lighting.

In a world of constant distractions, becoming smarter isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about small, daily habits that compound over time. By incorporating these ten simple practices into your routine, you’ll nurture your intellect, broaden your horizons, and cultivate a sharper mind. Ready to embark on a journey of continuous growth and self-improvement? Let’s dive in.

1. Read something that expands your mind.

A woman sits in bed, comfortably propped up with white pillows, reading a book with a blue cover. She is wearing a gray long-sleeved top, and a lit lamp on a nightstand casts a warm, cozy glow. A shelf with decor and a candle is in the background.

Last week, I stumbled upon a fascinating article about quantum entanglement. As I delved deeper into the subject, I found myself lost in a world of mind-bending concepts and groundbreaking discoveries. That’s the power of reading—it can transport you to new realms of knowledge and understanding.

Reading isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s about expanding your mental landscape. Whether you prefer non-fiction books, thought-provoking articles, or even well-researched fiction, make it a point to read something that challenges your intellect every day. This habit will expose you to fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and novel concepts.

Over time, you’ll build a rich tapestry of knowledge that enhances your critical thinking skills and fuels your creativity. So, grab that book you’ve been meaning to read or explore a topic you know little about. Your brain will thank you for the mental workout.

2. Write something.

A older woman with long, blonde hair sits at a wooden table outdoors, writing on documents in a folder. She is wearing a light purple shirt and has a smartphone placed on the table next to her. Trees and a grassy area appear in the background.

The pen is mightier than the sword, and it’s also a powerful tool for sharpening your mind. Writing, in any form, engages multiple cognitive processes simultaneously. It forces you to organize your thoughts, articulate your ideas clearly, and often leads to new insights.

Don’t worry about crafting the next great novel—start small. Jot down your thoughts in a journal, compose a blog post about a topic you’re passionate about, or even try your hand at poetry. The act of writing helps solidify concepts in your mind and improves your ability to communicate effectively.

As you make writing a regular habit, you’ll likely notice improvements in your vocabulary, critical thinking, and overall cognitive function. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress. So, pick up that pen or open that blank document, and let your thoughts flow onto the page. You might be surprised by the clarity and creativity that emerge.

3. Be curious.

A woman with light brown hair wearing a brown turtleneck sweater and gold hoop earrings is seen in a side profile shot. She is resting her chin on her hand and looking thoughtfully into the distance with a backdrop of lush green foliage.

Curiosity is the spark that ignites intellectual growth. It’s the driving force behind innovation, discovery, and personal development. Cultivating a sense of wonder about the world around you can transform everyday experiences into opportunities for learning and insight.

Ask questions—lots of them. When you encounter something new or puzzling, resist the urge to simply accept it at face value. Instead, dig deeper. Why does it work that way? How did it come to be? What are its implications? This inquisitive approach not only helps you gather information but also trains your brain to think critically and make connections between different ideas.

Embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner, always eager to understand more about the world and yourself. By nurturing your curiosity, you’ll find that each day brings fresh opportunities for growth and discovery, keeping your mind agile and engaged.

4. Explain concepts to others.

Two men enjoying coffee together at a modern café. One man, wearing a plaid shirt, holds his cup mid-conversation and smiles at the other man, who wears a maroon shirt and also has a coffee cup in hand. A smartphone lies on the table between them.

Teaching is a powerful tool for learning. When you explain a concept to someone else, you’re not just sharing knowledge—you’re reinforcing and deepening your own understanding. This process, often called the “protégé effect,” forces you to break down complex ideas into simpler terms and identify gaps in your own comprehension.

Next time you learn something new, challenge yourself to explain it to a friend, family member, or even an imaginary audience. Start with the basics and gradually build up to more complex aspects of the topic. You’ll likely find that this exercise highlights areas where your understanding is solid and others where it’s a bit shaky.

Don’t be discouraged if you struggle—this is a valuable opportunity to identify what you need to review or research further. By making a habit of teaching others, you’ll not only help them learn but also solidify your own knowledge and improve your communication skills.

5. Get active.

A person is jogging on a road at dawn or dusk, wearing a red long-sleeved top, black leggings, and running shoes. The sun is rising or setting in the background, casting an orange glow and creating a misty atmosphere among the trees along the roadside.

Physical activity isn’t just good for your body—it’s a potent brain booster too. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new neural connections, and releases mood-enhancing endorphins. All of these factors contribute to improved cognitive function and mental clarity.

You don’t need to become a gym rat or run marathons to reap the benefits. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. Whether it’s a brisk walk in nature, a dance class, or a game of tennis with friends, the key is consistency. As you incorporate more movement into your life, you may notice improvements in your focus, memory, and overall mental agility.

Plus, physical activity can be a great opportunity to practice mindfulness or work through complex problems. So lace up those sneakers and get moving—your body and brain will both thank you for it.

6. Reframe failure as a learning opportunity.

A man with short hair and a beard, wearing a denim shirt, is sitting on a couch in a brightly lit room. He is looking pensively to the side. The background features shelves with books and decor items.

Failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s a detour that can lead to greater wisdom and resilience. By shifting your perspective on failure, you can transform setbacks into stepping stones for personal growth and intellectual development.

When things don’t go as planned, resist the urge to beat yourself up. Instead, approach the situation with curiosity and openness. What went wrong? What could you have done differently? What valuable lessons can you extract from this experience? This mindset not only helps you bounce back faster but also trains your brain to think more critically and creatively. Each “failure” becomes a data point, informing your future decisions and strategies.

As you practice this reframing, you’ll likely find yourself becoming more adaptable, innovative, and resilient in the face of challenges. Remember, some of history’s greatest discoveries and innovations arose from initial failures.

7. Embrace new experiences.

A woman and a man sit beside a green tent in a hilly landscape. Both are smiling and appear to be enjoying their time outdoors. The surroundings are lush with green grass and scattered bushes. The sky is clear, and the atmosphere seems peaceful and relaxed.

Routine may be comfortable, but it’s in novelty that our brains truly thrive. Exposing yourself to new experiences creates fresh neural pathways, enhancing cognitive flexibility and creativity. It’s like giving your brain a playground to explore and grow.

Step out of your comfort zone regularly. Try a cuisine you’ve never tasted before, visit a museum exhibit on a topic you know little about, or attempt a hobby that’s completely foreign to you. These novel experiences don’t have to be grand or expensive—even small changes to your daily routine can have a significant impact. As you accumulate diverse experiences, you’ll find yourself drawing unexpected connections between different areas of knowledge, leading to more innovative thinking.

What’s more, the act of navigating unfamiliar situations hones your problem-solving skills and builds confidence. So go ahead, say yes to that invitation you’d usually decline, or take that class you’ve been curious about. Your brain will relish the stimulation.

8. Seek out diverse perspectives.

Four people are standing and chatting against a brick wall. One person is talking with hand gestures, while the others are listening and smiling. They appear to be enjoying a conversation in a casual indoor setting.

In an era of echo chambers and personalized content, actively seeking out diverse viewpoints is more crucial than ever for intellectual growth. Exposure to different ideas challenges your assumptions, broadens your understanding, and cultivates empathy and critical thinking skills.

Make a conscious effort to diversify your information diet. Read news from various sources, including those you might not typically agree with. Engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds, cultures, or fields of expertise. Listen more than you speak, aiming to understand rather than to respond or rebut. This practice not only expands your knowledge base but also helps you develop a more nuanced and balanced worldview. You might find your own beliefs evolving or strengthening as you encounter new perspectives.

Remember, the goal isn’t to agree with everything you hear, but to understand different viewpoints and sharpen your own thinking in the process.

9. Allow yourself to feel bored.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a blue shirt and black cardigan, is sitting at a table. She rests her head on her hand, cheeks puffed out, and gazes upward with a thoughtful or bored expression. The background is slightly blurred, indicating an outdoor setting.

In our hyper-connected world, boredom has become almost extinct. Yet, this seemingly unproductive state can be a fertile ground for creativity and self-reflection. Constant stimulation can overwhelm our cognitive resources, leaving little room for deep thinking and novel ideas.

Next time you find yourself with nothing to do, resist the urge to reach for your phone or other distractions. Instead, let your mind wander. This unstructured mental time allows your brain to make unexpected connections and can lead to moments of insight or inspiration. It’s also an opportunity for your mind to process and consolidate information you’ve absorbed throughout the day.

You might be surprised by the creative ideas or solutions that bubble up when you give your brain some “white space.” Embrace these moments of boredom as opportunities for mental reset and creative incubation. Your next big idea might just emerge from one of these quiet moments.

10. Reflect on your experiences.

A man with short, graying hair and glasses is thoughtfully gazing into the distance. He rests his chin on his hand, wearing a coral shirt. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting.

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to rush from one experience to the next without pausing to absorb the lessons each moment offers. Taking time to reflect on your experiences is like reviewing and organizing the notes of your life, helping you extract valuable insights and grow from each encounter.

Set aside time regularly—perhaps at the end of each day or week—to ponder your recent experiences. What went well? What challenges did you face? What did you learn? How can you apply these lessons moving forward? This practice of intentional reflection helps consolidate memories, deepen understanding, and identify patterns in your behavior or thinking. It’s also an excellent opportunity to celebrate your progress and set intentions for future growth.

By making reflection a habit, you’ll develop greater self-awareness and make more conscious choices in your personal and professional life. Remember, it’s not just about accumulating experiences—it’s about learning from them.