Challenge your beliefs/ assumptions. If you have a particular worldview, it can be helpful to challenge it with new evidence or viewpoints.

To grow and develop as a thinker, you need people with different ways of seeing things.

Avoid overwork or deep mental strain if you can: it can make it harder for your brain to perform at peak efficiency.

Be willing to be wrong — even though this may feel uncomfortable initially, it will ultimately serve you in the long run.

A smarter brain thrives on something new. New things strengthen the connections between your neurons and create new pathways for information to flow through your brain more efficiently.

Take time to think through any life-changing decision (and its short and long-term effects).

Keep a journal and reflect on your thinking experiences. The more you train your brain to think, the better off you will be.

Don’t become too sedentary: careful balance between sleep, exercise, and work is essential for your overall brain health.

Make it a habit to think about how your thought process works and try to find flaws in your logic if applicable.

Seek credible assumptions. New information never hurts anyone and can even be beneficial in the long run.

Spend time with smarter people.

Embrace your ignorance but maintain your curiosity. It’s OK not to know everything all the time. Everyone has gaps in their knowledge.

Good thinkers diversity their day, routine or ritual at least once a week.

Make reading a daily habit. Reading stimulates your brain and improves both your vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

When reading an article, listening to a podcast or watching a YouTube video, take notes on what stood out for you.

Stay away from people who only agree with you or those who pester you until you agree with them instead; this will only hinder your growth.

Always consider the second and third-order consequences of your actions.

For better or worse. “You are what you think.” While this may be true, it is important to remember that your experiences and environment shape your thoughts.

Be more mindful. Notice what is going on around you. This could mean going on a walk or bike ride or simply sitting outside in the fresh air while taking in the sights and sounds of your surroundings.

Spend time with people who challenge your own thinking.

Pay attention to what you are thinking and feeling at any given time. By watching your thoughts, you can become more aware of how your mind works and how you can improve its function.

Learn to use the four quadrants of the mind: logic, intuition, emotions and creativity. When trying to solve a problem, use all four quadrants by drawing connections between different parts of your brain.

Whether learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, or picking up a new skill, your brain will become more intelligent when something new is always challenging.