What separates the smart from the super-smart? It’s all about mental habits.

Psychology suggests that it’s not just about knowing a lot of stuff, it’s also about how you use what you know. And guess what? This isn’t just limited to Einstein-esque geniuses.

There are tiny mental habits, eight to be precise, that can catapult your intelligence above most. And the good news is, anyone can adopt them.

So, let’s dive right into these eight mental habits that’ll make you smarter than most people. Buckle up, because this is going to be an enlightening ride!

1) Embrace curiosity

One of the keys to being smarter than most? Embracing curiosity.

Why? Well, because a curious mind is always learning. Research tells us that folks who are naturally curious tend to be more intelligent and open-minded.  

Think of it like this: every question you ask opens up a whole new world of information. And the more you know, the smarter you get.

Thus, start asking those questions. Dive deep into topics that pique your interest, and don’t be afraid to tackle the stuff that seems way over your head. Remember, even the experts started out as beginners.

And hey, as you’re on this journey of discovery, make sure to keep it real. Curiosity shouldn’t feel like a chore—it’s a thrilling adventure.

Being honest in your pursuit of knowledge ensures it’s a tool for growth, not manipulation, and takes you further along the path to true intelligence.

2) Regular reading

Here’s a habit I swear by: regular reading.

From the time I was a kid, you could always find me with a book in hand. Whether it was in the car, at the dinner table, or right before bed, I was constantly diving into stories.

And that habit? It stuck with me and really shaped who I am today. Reading didn’t just expand my vocabulary and improve my comprehension—it opened my eyes to different cultures, philosophies, and ideas. It made me smarter.

And you know what? Science backs it up. Regular reading has been proven to boost cognitive function, increase empathy, and even up your IQ.

Go ahead, pick up a book. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction or non-fiction, a newspaper or a graphic novel. The key is to read regularly and widely. Trust me, your brain will thank you for it.

3) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just some trendy buzzword—it’s a mental habit that can seriously level up your smarts.

At its core, mindfulness is all about being right here, right now. It’s about tuning into what you’re doing, feeling, or thinking at this very moment, without getting caught up in the past or stressing about the future.

And get this: Research actually shows that practicing mindfulness can change your brain. It beefs up the hippocampus, which is like your brain’s learning and memory HQ. Plus, it tones down the amygdala, the part of your brain that’s all about stress and anxiety.

How do you get started with mindfulness? It’s as simple as paying attention to your breath. Just notice the feeling of air flowing in and out of your body—how it feels, how it sounds.

This little practice can kickstart a whole new level of awareness, and yeah, maybe even make you a bit brainier too.

4) Embrace failure

Here’s a habit that might seem a bit surprising: Embrace failure.

Yep, you heard me right. Researchers emphasize that failure is a necessary condition for success. It’s not just a cliché—it’s backed by solid evidence. 

When we fail, we learn valuable lessons that we can’t get any other way. Failure teaches resilience, determination, and adaptability, all of which are crucial for achieving success in any endeavor. 

So, don’t fear failure—embrace it as a necessary step on the path to reaching your goals.

5) Practice empathy

Empathy might not be the first thing you associate with intelligence, but it’s a real game-changer.

Being able to understand and share the feelings of others goes beyond just being nice—it’s a superpower that deepens our connections and helps us navigate social situations like pros. Plus, it opens up our minds to different viewpoints, giving us a richer understanding of the world.

Guess what? Empathy isn’t just good for your heart, it’s good for your brain too. Studies have found that folks with high levels of empathy tend to be better at problem-solving and have sharper cognitive skills.

So, next time you’re chatting with someone, try putting yourself in their shoes. Listen to their stories, tune into their feelings, and see things from their perspective. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference in how you understand the world around you.

6) Cultivate patience

In a world where everything seems to be moving at lightning speed, patience can feel like a rare gem. But trust me, it’s a habit that’s absolutely worth nurturing.

I used to be the poster child for impatience. If things didn’t happen as quickly as I wanted or if I didn’t see instant results from my efforts, I’d get frustrated. It was draining and didn’t really get me anywhere.

But as time went on, I came to realize that patience isn’t about sitting around twiddling your thumbs. It’s about understanding that the best things in life often take time to unfold. It’s about having the grit to keep your eyes on the prize, even when progress feels sluggish.

And you know what? Science is totally on board with this. Studies show that being patient can actually make you a better decision-maker and help you plan for the long haul. Plus, it’s a killer stress-buster and can seriously boost your overall outlook on life.

7) Exercise your brain

Just like hitting the gym is crucial for keeping your body in tip-top shape, giving your brain a workout is key to boosting your smarts.

Puzzles, brainteasers, mental math, chess—you name it—are all fantastic ways to flex those mental muscles. They push your thinking, sharpen your memory, and level up your cognitive skills.

According to Healthline, regularly diving into these kinds of activities not only keeps your brain on point but can also stave off cognitive decline as you get older.

Everyday, make it a habit to give your mind a regular workout. Think of it like a sweat sesh for your brain—it’s just as important for your overall well-being.

8) Lifelong learning

If there’s one big takeaway from all of this, it’s the power of lifelong learning.

In fact, research shows that lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp, boosts creativity, and even increases lifespan.

Seriously, never stop soaking up new stuff. Make it a habit to always be on the lookout for fresh knowledge, skills, and experiences. It’s not just about getting smarter—it’s about making life way more interesting and fulfilling.

Whatever age you are, whatever stage of life you’re in, remember: the journey of learning never ends. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, keep growing. That’s what truly makes you smarter than most.

Always learn, always grow

The essence of intelligence isn’t just about the hand you’re dealt at birth or some innate gift. It’s about the choices we make and the habits we build along the way.

Those eight tiny mental habits we’ve talked about? They’re not just about boosting your brainpower. They’re about something much bigger: personal growth. They’re about becoming the best version of yourself.

Embracing these habits is like adopting a growth mindset. It’s about tackling challenges head-on, bouncing back from setbacks, and seeing effort as the path to mastery.

But hey, becoming smarter doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey—a journey of constant learning and growth. And with these habits in your toolkit, you’re well on your way.