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Published Aug 18, 2021

743 - How to be "Smarter"?

James Altucher and Jay Yow delve into the true essence of intelligence, advocating for a dynamic approach that values emotional intelligence, creativity, and practical exercises like games and puzzles. They reveal how everyday activities and embracing the unexpected can enhance smartness beyond traditional learning.
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  • Games & Puzzles

    Games and puzzles are powerful tools for enhancing intelligence and decision-making skills. emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities like chess, poker, and logic puzzles to exercise the brain and discover new insights 1. He explains that these activities require thinking several moves ahead and understanding complex scenarios, which can lead to those "aha" moments of discovery 2. James shares his experience with brain fog and how puzzles helped him regain mental clarity, highlighting the value of these exercises in maintaining cognitive sharpness 3.

    Intelligence is only when you learn all of these things and then use them to discover something new.

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    By regularly challenging oneself with games and puzzles, individuals can enhance their problem-solving abilities and overall intelligence.

       

    Daily Practices

    Daily practices such as writing 10 ideas a day can significantly boost creativity and intelligent thinking. shares how this exercise helped him generate better ideas and improve his mood, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice 4. He argues that intelligence is not just about acquiring knowledge but using it to create something new and valuable 5. James also highlights the role of helping others succeed as a way to exercise intelligence, suggesting that going beyond expectations can lead to personal and professional growth 6.

    It's not about learning, it's about discovering.

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    By incorporating these daily practices, individuals can enhance their cognitive abilities and stand out as intelligent thinkers.

       

    Surprising Yourself

    Placing oneself in unexpected situations is crucial for stimulating the brain and practicing intelligence. illustrates this by sharing his experience of surprising his partner with a tuxedo at an unusual time, which sparked creativity and adaptability 7. He stresses the importance of pushing the brain to find better solutions, whether in chess, business, or daily life, as a way to enhance intelligence. This approach encourages individuals to think beyond the obvious and continuously seek improvement.

    Whenever there's one good idea, there's always a slightly better idea.

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    By embracing unexpected challenges, people can develop their problem-solving skills and become more intelligent.

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