Intelligence: Not Your IQ

IQ is not the only indicator of intelligence.
 
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner has proposed a theory of multiple intelligences. We generally think of IQ as the indicator for intelligence, but Dr. Gardner offers other possibilities.  For instance, we all have varying levels of intelligence in visual awareness and appreciation, kinesthetic intelligence, or comfort and poise in movement, musical, showing a sensitivity to rhythm and sound, interpersonal, a sensitivity to the flow of conversation and connection with others, intrapersonal, an interest and understanding of our own feelings, intuition and motivation, linguistic, the ability to use words effectively, and logical, the ability to reason and calculate with ease. We are all complex individuals.
 
Dr. Gardner’s theory rings true for me. We are not static individuals but live in, with and through change and growth. Now we are learning we have a number of personal spheres that we develop over time. Some come more naturally to us, some we choose to attend to, others may be less important to us. We can each choose the areas in which we wish to develop a “higher IQ”.
 
Dr. Robert Sternberg, a leading thinker in intelligence has determined that IQ tests simply reveal skills and capabilities. He argues that intelligence is not a set of innate static capabilities, it is more reflective of a set of skills that we acquire.  Some of us acquire more of those skills, some of us acquire less. 
 
Here are a few ways to increase your IQ.

1. Increase your vocabulary.
2. Read one book a week and read in a variety of disciplines, for instance, biology, history, art, linguistics.
3. Learn another language.
4. Get regular exercise.
5. Learn to play a musical instrument.
6. Play brain games.

 
What is important is having fun increasing your IQ and choosing a sphere of intelligence where you have the most interest. I would also add, develop an interest in other people. Everyone has a unique, special gift. Try to find out what it is for each person you encounter.  That has to be as much fun as brain games!
 
As always, enjoy the journey!
 

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