Intelligence isn’t a set trait, though. It’s a changeable, flexible ability to learn and stimulate your brain that can improve over time. The key is to practice lifestyle habits that support and protect your brain.

16 Characteristics of Critical Thinkers

• Observation. Observation is one of the earliest critical thinking skills we learn as children — it’s our ability to perceive and understand the world around us.
• Curiosity.
• Objectivity.
• Introspection.
• Analytical thinking.
• Identifying biases.
• Determining relevance.
• Inference.

Here’s how to get smarter:

1. Do Different Things That Make You Smarter. The point of this list involves diversifying your day.
2. Manage Your Time Wisely.
3. Read a Little Every Day.
4. Review Learned Information.
5. Study a Second Language.
6. Play Brain Games.
7. Get Regular Exercise.
8. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument.

There’s a big difference between being really smart and being a genius. While geniuses tend to be exceptionally intelligent, they also use imagination and creativity to invent, discover or create something new within their field of interest.

Geniuses are made, not born, and even the biggest dunce can learn something from the world class minds of Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Amadeus Mozart. We cannot all be geniuses but we can learn from them. “What makes geniuses special is their long-term commitment.

Every human being has been blessed with different abilities, talents and capabilities. We differ from each other in that we have different interests and inclinations. One might be good at music but not in drawing, while another might be great at dancing but not at writing.

If it’s important, but innate, it’s a talent. The thing is, almost everything that matters is a skill. So many people believe that writing is a talent. Instead, it’s a skill: Yes, it’s easier for talented people to learn how to do it, but anyone who is motivated can learn.

Examples of Talents Making high-quality decisions based on limited information. Understanding others’ perspectives and dealing effectively with different types of people. Setting goals, monitoring progress, and taking the initiative to improve your work. Generating novel solutions and creative ideas to solve problems.

10 Things Great Talent Always Does

• They talk about their long-term goals.
• They’re resourceful and prepared for anything.
• They display confidence in any situation.
• They market their versatility.
• They prioritize results.
• They ask smart questions.
• They’re extremely flexible.
• They’re comfortable with taking risks.