Does Learning Help to Improve Intelligence?

Anytime the question of intelligence comes up, people argue over whether it is something that is fixed or dynamic. That is to say, can intelligence be changed or are you stuck with what you are born with? Modern science has begun to uncover some of the answers we have been seeking for so long. It does appear from early evidence that learning actually can help to enhance at least certain aspects of your general intelligence.

Learning Helps to Enhance Cognitive Flexibility 

Actively learning has been shown to enhance people’s ability to engage in what is called cognitive flexibility. In layman’s terms, this is more or less a way to describe your ability to switch effectively between tasks without losing track of what you are doing. Continuously learning can increase your ability to switch between things more readily.

Active Learning Reduces Age-Related Cognitive Decline 

Science has shown that active learning can actually help to reduce your risk of age-related cognitive decline and other conditions like Alzheimer’s. People who have attended music schools and continue to practice throughout their life consistently show lower rates of these diseases than the general population does. This just goes to show how always increasing your knowledge can help to keep your brain in a young and healthy state.

How to Push When You Encounter Resistance

The journey of self-improvement is never an easy path with no obstacles. No matter what it is that you are trying to do in life, whether that is learning for the sake of learning or starting a new business, there will be something that pops up. What defines you is not whether these things happen but how you respond to them.

Focus on Your Why 

Anytime you find that the going is starting to get tough, you should take a few moments and reflect. Think about what it is that is motivating you. Why did you begin this journey to learn new things in the first place? Whatever that reason, it should be motivating enough to give you fuel that will push you through the hard times.

Take a Break to Reset 

Working hard is important, but it is also important not to burn yourself out. If you find that things are starting to get difficult, it can very often be beneficial to take a breather. Put everything down and isolate yourself for five or ten minutes. During this time do not think about anything. Once the time has elapsed, there is a good chance you will be in a much better headspace. Things may very well look a lot easier with a new perspective.

The Long-Term Benefits of Persevering

So what exactly are the long-term benefits of improving your intelligence? The list of every aspect of your life that will be affected by improving your intelligence is simply too long to put here. However, here are a few of the most impactful reasons why you should consider working to improve your intelligence.

You Will Have a Healthier Brain for Longer 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If it has been shown to enhance your cognitive flexibility while simultaneously decreasing your risk of cognitive decline, then it is pretty clear that learning keeps your brain young. While it is obviously difficult to go through life and experience your body aging, it can be even more horrifying to watch your mind slip away. This does not have to happen as long as you are living a healthy lifestyle and taking good care of both your body and your mind. Taking an active role to make sure that you are always learning throughout your whole life is just one small way that you can improve your quality of life later on down the road.

 It Will Improve Your Discipline and Confidence

It may not seem like much, but having higher levels of discipline and confidence are going to improve your life in ways that you cannot even imagine. If you are able to push through the difficult times and stick to it, you will be surprised at the person that you are capable of becoming. Anyone is truly capable of anything as long as they are motivated and willing to put in the effort that is needed to achieve their goals.