Top 13 ways to get smart

smart-wisdom-and-wisdom (WOW) in the top 13 list of strategies you can use to help yourself (and the world). And most importantly smart habits that will improve your life more than anything will!

1. Start with small goals

The key reason we are not all smarter is because our brain does not work as hard as it should. I’ve read several studies that show how working too quickly takes their toll — and by the end of each day, everyone gets a little less done. We need something new, different, productive — not just some crunches.

The good news is, there are plenty of opportunities for self improvement. But when thinking about how to make a difference, think carefully about what is important to you personally — and then find new things to add to your toolkit at every opportunity. It’s far easier to change who you are rather than alter how you look or act. So start off small and build up over time.

2. Work out daily

If there are one bad habit that makes us unhappy and unhappy people — is watching TV or playing video games all day long. If it’s not getting some exercise you really enjoy in your free time — it’s definitely making you feel lazy after lunch, which leads us to spend more money on food and take fewer exercise classes.

But there are plenty of easy ways to workout to your heart's content. You don’t even have to be an athlete; try stretching, swimming, jogging along the beach, walking, hiking, riding a bike, paddle boarding, or doing a fun hike together with a friend. There are plenty of options to keep active and busy, so why not bring it up? Make sure you find a way to incorporate it into your routine.

3. Be honest on yourself daily

The truth hurts sometimes, doesn’t it? When we are trying to be better at something we fall off the wagon easily. The first step to being better is admitting that you are not happy with where you are currently. Ask yourself, “What do I want from this?” Try not to worry about things like your “perfect job” or “perfect man.” Just because it is not perfect right now, doesn’t mean that you won’t be.

Your desire might not always be what you think. Are you driven by a passion for helping others and creating great products? Or are you motivated by a dream of being able to travel around the world and see the world?

It’s easy to focus on your shortcomings when you haven’t taken the time to truly understand how you are making you feel. The best thing to do is remember that you are not alone. Everyone has struggles and obstacles to overcome, but it doesn’t mean that they are impossible to conquer.

4. Stay focused on what matters

The second biggest problem we face each new year is burnout. A lack of sleep, a lack of energy, and a lack of motivation lead to stress and depression, and all of those emotional problems take their toll on our ability to function well. That’s why we need to get enough rest and maintain an appetite. Not surprisingly, there are tons of tools that will help you stay focused while staying energized (like using a power nap and getting in some exercise) and I’m sure you can find a few that fit the bill.

5. Look after your mental wellbeing

As we become dependent on technology, it becomes very difficult to stay sane at times. This can cause us to be irritable or angry, or unable to communicate easily. If that happens, it means that you are likely to struggle with other areas of your personality too — and that includes being a creative person.

We need to learn to care for ourselves first and foremost. Whether it is with family, colleagues, friends, or online support groups, give yourself time to come back and get back on track. Then, you’ll be able to help others, and vice versa.

Here are a few ideas to help you do this:

Learn to say ‘no’

Be willing to talk to someone when they need it. They may be able to offer you support on a personal level and help.

Make time to read, write, and listen (while listening to your favourite music). Reading helps you feel more grounded.

Learn to relax into nature. It provides deep breathing, calming your nerves, and also gives you a chance to release the pent-up energy that is keeping you locked inside your body. Find ways to destress — whether through yoga, having a massage, taking a hot shower, or going for walks in your local park.

Learn to express your emotions. Don’t hold onto them (even if they hurt). Talk to someone, and let them know that you are hurting too. No matter how loud you scream, or how much pain the situation makes you feel — if you are able to get out of it, you will get out of it.

Learn to accept compliments. It is often a good thing for your psyche, and it shows how appreciative you are of others. It even goes without saying that being grateful for good service and great products is a positive attitude that can boost productivity. You might even go as far as to thank someone for creating a better experience for you.

6. Do what feels good for you.

There isn’t just one right way to do things. There are plenty of proven techniques that will give yourself the results you’ve been looking for. There are no magic bullet, quick fixes you can turn to whenever you feel lost. Instead, make sure to look for what works for YOU. Find common ground, find comfort, and connect with some real joy.

7. Set yourself clear goals

I’ve made it a point to set clear goals, because they allow me to break down my tasks into manageable chunks and identify precisely what I need to get done. Without this method, I would never have learned this skill and knowledge — and wouldn’t have been able to achieve such high success.

8. Break down barriers

We often get stuck in situations where we feel stuck, and struggle to move forward. The easiest way to fix that is to acknowledge what is holding you back — a lack of confidence or belief. Often, the solution is learning to live with those emotions and accepting that those emotions are normal. Sometimes you will have to dig deep and make a change, but nothing worth living for can stay forever.

There is no point in constantly beating yourself up over these experiences. As humans, we have feelings too, and many of us have lived them. Many of the same feelings will happen again and again. The trick is to recognise that some of those feelings are OK, and then try to learn to cope with them in a constructive manner. Recognising the value of being human can help you navigate any rough patches in your own journey.

9. Keep it simple

If you want to be successful, the first question to ask is: “Is this easy?” For example, if I had to write about a particularly complex topic and needed to write a book proposal every eight weeks, I’d probably suggest writing four chapters once a week. However, in order to be successful with your business, you shouldn’t just sit there complaining in writing about your inability to perform. Rather, remember that you are capable of much more. You are worthy of much more — especially than you think.

The reality is that your skills are much more impressive when you compare yourself to your peers and colleagues. In fact, you should only expect your skills to match what you already have if you manage to survive from scratch. Your abilities will develop organically over the years. Even if you can’t match up to anyone else, you need to still know that you can do even little in comparison to them. What you don’t know is that anyone can have trouble if they don’t think that they deserve to.

10. Stick to your values

Our beliefs play a significant part in who we are and what we want out of our lives. These beliefs can be developed from a young age, but have become even stronger since we are adults and have greater responsibilities. If you choose to follow certain principles in life, it is essential that you stick to them, no matter how uncomfortable that may be.

11. Have fun

Having a sense of enjoyment is a fantastic motivator and improves relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Finding moments of joy and happiness during the workday can motivate us and take us away from our worries, which can contribute greatly to our overall success.

12. Practice forgiveness

When we are allowed to feel angry or upset and need to release those emotions, it can feel devastating. One of the biggest issues with dealing with anger and frustration is that we must take a strong stance on what happened or how things turned out. Giving yourself permission to let people go after the fact can allow you to heal and heal quickly. Avoiding the emotional response that comes with feeling angry or upset is much better than defending or blaming the circumstances.

13. Stand tall

If standing tall is easier said than done, the secret lies in finding strength. Staying on your feet at all times allows us to find balance in our bodies, mind, and soul. While sometimes we find it hard to stand up straight, it’s certainly possible and it actually really works if you have practiced standing tall for a long time. Standing up requires more practice on your muscles and flexibility than anything else. Practicing self-confidence and standing tall can also help you relax more, which can really benefit your mood.