5 Ways to Develop your Intellect

“Develop your intellect” was a phrase my English Literature professor said in every class during my junior year of college. It seemed obvious and a little bit over-stated at the time. After all, we were in college doing just that. Nearly 20 years later, I want to share with you a few different approaches to develop your intellect regularly.

I don’t think anyone interested in making a good living can just coast on what they know. In the current world we live in if you aren’t a constant learner, you will be left behind. Look at organizations like Uber and Airbnb. Taxi companies and hotels are realigning their business models to compete against companies that don’t own fleets of cars or real estate. The same is true for the individual.

As technology matures, the need to refine your own skill sets continues to grow. I should point out that technology is not just impacting traditional IT personnel. John Deere, for example, is using automation, sensors, and the Internet of Things (IOT), enabling equipment to run autonomously in the field. Also, with AI moving at light year speed, it is affecting every industry that exists, not just IT. There are several ways you can develop your intellect to mature yourself and to prepare for your next opportunity.

1) Academic Development/Life-Long Learning

For me, developing my intellect has included a number of things. The first is formal education. I finished my undergraduate work in 2004 from Pensacola Christian College. In 2006 I started at the University of South Alabama and finished my master’s in computer information systems in 2008. Then in 2013, after my wife and I had 4 kids, I decided to pursue a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration in which I studied at Central Michigan University.

The next 5 years included coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. There are a few advantages to this approach including, a set cadence, accountability to follow-through, financial commitment, and long-term value. The primary disadvantage is cost, but it is possible to graduate debt free from a university if you are diligent about it.

Certifications are similar to Academic Development but require less of a time commitment. They cost significantly less as well. Additionally, they have a narrow focus on one specific topic or a select few which makes them a bit easier to achieve.

The primary disadvantage, which is different from a university degree, is that they require continued learning and re-testing to keep them current. I would encourage you to keep you certificates current over the years. Typically, the fee is pretty minimal and, in some cases, if you don’t keep your certs current then you have to retake courses and that’s a pain, plus requires the course fee again.

2) Reading Books

If you’ve taken the time to read my prior post What’s on Your Reading List, you already know I like to read. There are several advantages to reading. Books are cheap compared to structured learning like certifications and degrees. You can find books on any topic of interest, and you can read reviews to figure out what books you may want to start. To be able to pay 20 bucks and essentially know the best practices of any human being on the planet is a valuable thing. That kind of insight into someone’s mind is too good of a chance to pass up. Be a reader!

The downside in my experience is that it’s really easy to start a book with good intentions. It can be difficult to finish when there are so many things vying for our attention. I would encourage you to also not fall into the trap of starting too many books at once and not finishing most or all of them. Make a reading list, start a book, finish it in a few weeks, and move on.

That will be much more beneficial than starting five books and getting three chapters into all of them. It will also leave you more satisfied to finish what you started. I feel so refreshed and full of new ideas every time I close the last page on a new book.

These days I have books I am reading through on my own and also read through with my team as we periodically connect on what everyone is learning. This year we have read through Fanatical Prospecting, Scrum by Jeff Sutherland, and 5 dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni just to name a few. Notice they are all very different. These three involve sales, teamwork, and agility.

I would encourage you to do that in your reading and expand your knowledge in many areas. It’s easy to read only on our niche or favorite topic but the goal is to be very well rounded in our learning. The one qualifier is that you do want to be a subject matter expert in one specific field or industry so naturally that might dictate more of your reading list, but don’t get in the trap of reading 50 books on leadership and never learning more about economics or marketing.

3) Meeting with People

Whether it be taking a new acquaintance to lunch or meeting with an old friend for a road trip, all human interaction can develop your intellect. Engaging in conversations with others can introduce you to new perspectives and ideas, broadening your understanding of a topic. Perhaps it’s expanding your cultural knowledge by speaking with someone from a different country, learning about their traditions, customs, and way of life.

I have had the pleasure of working with people from many different countries. I also have a brother-in-law from India. It is so interesting to learn some of the different dynamics of their culture. It’s also a great way to try new things. My family has learned that we absolutely love homemade, genuine Indian food!

Emotional well-being also plays a significant role in developing your intellect. I think this one gets overlooked. We generally think of emotions getting in the way of our everyday life. But when you are emotionally balanced and content, your mind is more open to learning and absorbing new information.

When you feel emotionally secure, you are more likely to engage in meaningful conversations and social interactions, which can further stimulate your intellectual growth in the area of meeting with people. It allows you to navigate social complexities, build stronger relationships, and gain diverse perspectives, all of which contribute to a more well-rounded intellect.

4) Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Sleep is critical. Insufficient sleep can affect concentration, memory, problem solving, and even the ability to adapt to new or unexpected circumstances. And those are just immediate affects. Long term risks can include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, mental health disorders, and even dementia. The point is you need to get an adequate amount of sleep.

Trouble sleeping? I think we’ve all been there. Try to regulate your body’s internal clock by sticking to the same bed/wake time every day. And try not to look at your phone or the TV within an hour of going to bed. That’s probably a hard one for all of us! There are many things that can cause us to not sleep well, but some of them are in our control. If you can, fix them.

Exercise and diet can also help build our intellect. Our brains need vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for function and development. Make sure you’re getting your fruits, veggies, whole grains and proteins. I’ve personally found that eating healthier gives me a higher drive to work out. I run quite a bit. I just ran the 2024 Grand Rapids Marathon with my son, Uriah. What an experience! But find something that works for you. Maybe it’s walking or floor exercises. As long as you’re moving, it’s exercise.

Regular exercise stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, which enhance focus and memory. It also improves your mood by reducing stress and anxiety. By the way, exercise and a healthy diet also improve sleep.

5) Hobbies

There are several other ways to learn. I think it’s also important to look at other unrelated opportunities. Music, for instance, is very mathematical. Hobbies often involve learning new skills or information, which can expand your knowledge base and intellectual capacity.

My English Lit. professor was a tenured professor at the college. He also had his Pilot’s license and was working on his builder’s license. You don’t have to do things that “make sense”. Find something that is intriguing that you can be passionate about and pursue it!

I have been playing guitar since I was about 14. For Christmas one year, my wife gave me a ukulele, which I’ve since learned to play. I have used Duolingo to learn the Hindi language. I’ve also been remodeling my home which has brought a plethora (yes, plethora) of learning opportunities.

Continued learning is essential for staying adaptable in a rapidly changing world, advancing your career, and fostering personal growth. It enriches your life both personally and professionally. I think you’ll find that whatever you do to develop your intellect will bring satisfaction and accomplishment in that specific area, while also helping other areas in your life as well.

What areas are you most interested in exploring further? How do you continue to develop your intellect on a daily basis? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!