The contemporary educational model puts great emphasis on developing mathematical skills and logic. However, a person uses several types of intelligence simultaneously while performing even the simplest action. It may be assumed that only visual intelligence could be employed while painting a picture. It is not so! Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence also plays an important role since you have to use it in order to convey your idea with the help of your hand and a brush. The quality of your designs, ideas, and desires directly depends on how well developed is your intrapersonal intelligence. In his book “You're Smarter than You Think” Thomas Armstrong explains how each and every person can hone all facets of his intelligence: from the logical to the philosophical, in order to realize his full potential.
Experiments with the various facets of intelligence are great fun. Let’s try some of them! We’ll begin with some explanations so that you can seize the essence of the matter.
- Verbal intelligence
Those who are endowed with verbal intelligence have a passion for words and the ways they are used in the spoken and written language. Copywriters, writers, bibliophiles, editors, great storytellers, and persuasive debaters – all of them are endued with verbal intelligence.
- Visual intelligence
A person who is endowed with visual intelligence thinks and stores something in his memory “in pictures”. Such professionals as architects, advertising executives, illustrators, designers, photographers, and filmmakers have a well-developed visual intelligence.
- Musical intelligence
A person with an advanced musical intelligence loves music, he is able to distinguish and grasp rhythms, melodies, and musical tones. Musical intelligence helps conductors, composers, DJs, singers, and people who work in radio, in the film making industry, and in the theater.
- Logical intelligence
Those who have a well-developed logical intelligence can grasp any information regarding numbers and mathematical concepts in a single flash. Finding a solution to any problem in one’s life is the domain of logical intelligence. Accountants, financiers, economists, programmers, analysts, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists have the most advanced logical intelligence.
- Social intelligence
A person with a well-developed social intelligence loves people and is able to find millions of ways to display that affection. Directors, psychologists, secretaries, politicians, journalists, traders, and administrators are endued with social intelligence.
- Naturalistic intelligence
A person with naturalistic intelligence notices everything around him. He rejoices in gardening, taking care of animals, following the weather forecasts, collecting stones, gazing at the stars. Animal trainers, astronomers, ecologists, agronomists, biologists, sailors, zoologists, and veterinarians have a well-developed naturalistic intelligence.
- Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
People with a well-developed bodily intelligence are “thinking” with their bodies and learning through its motions. Dancers, actors, mimes, and sculptors create art; and artists create beauty with the help of their bodies. Acrobats, jewelers, gymnasts, lifeguards, conductors, surgeons, masseurs, and hairdressers are endued with bodily intelligence.
- Intrapersonal intelligence
People with intrapersonal intelligence know exactly who they are; they understand their own nature and capabilities. Actors, writers, psychologists, researchers, and investors have an advanced intrapersonal intelligence.
- Philosophical intelligence
Philosophical intelligence allows one to ponder over his life situation, the Universe, and other similar issues. Philosophers, writers, coaches, priests, and theologians are often endowed with this kind of intelligence.
Now we’ll provide a few tips about ways to develop your own intelligence
- Read books out loud
The more a person reads, the more he longs to express his thoughts. Start with your favorite fiction books or poetry. Reading them will help you to enrich your word stock, to pronounce words clearly and distinctly, and to put your thoughts in a logical form. This way you will develop your verbal intelligence, and by reading aloud to someone else you will employ social intelligence as well.
- Participate or, better still, organize games
You can play such games as “Hat” or “Charades”. They will help to upgrade your verbal intelligence and acting skills.
- Ruminate about the meaning of life
Try to remember, write down, or take a photo of those objects and situations which make you fall into deep reflection about life and your destiny.
- Share your stories on a regular basis
Share your life experiences, as well as impressions and emotions from reading books or watching movies, with the members of your family or your friends.
- Listen to music of different styles, countries, and nations
Irish classical music, Mexican rap, or Indian chill out, Chinese ethnic music. Go to different concerts of live music.
- Be curious
Make up lists of questions about the unknown phenomena in the world that surrounds us, and then try to find the answers. Pay attention to everything that surrounds you: the sky, stars, clouds, sun rays, trees, and flowers. Nature is a great “background” for rumination about everything that is important to you.
- Communicate with new people
Set the following goal for yourself: every day, week, or month you have to become acquainted with a new person. Start doing it today.
- Think about the universe
Here are some questions which should put some meat into the thinking pot: can you reach the edge of the universe? Does time have a beginning? How long is infinity?
- Engage yourself in creative work, meditation, and contemplation
Observe your inner world. All these practices can help you to achieve a deeper feeling and comprehension of what it means to live.
- Look at the world through different eyes
Kaleidoscope, telescope, magnifying glass, and microscope – all of these devices change our perception of the world and allow us to understand the things which we see every day more clearly.
Discovering the multifaceted abilities of your mind is the most exciting experience of a lifetime. Together with the book You’re Smarter than You Think you can get a head start on this mind-expanding adventure!
Based on the book “You’re Smarter than You Think” (purchase in English or in Russian).
This article was written in collaboration with Mann, Ivanov & Ferber Publishing House.
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