Four Habits of the Wisest People
Intelligence may be something one was born with, but wisdom can most certainly be learned. Here's how to wise up at any age.
Studies show that people who stay connected to others have higher levels of wisdom than those who are more alone. Make an effort to join a new club, connect with friends on Face-book, or invite an old friend or a new co-worker for coffee. Next time you're at a party or gathering, choose someone who's standing alone and make a conversation.
A wise person understands that it is impossible to know everything and that life can take unexpected turns. Recognizing your mistakes can only lead to greater wisdom.
They read the news. You cannot make balanced choices unless you understand world surroundings and the experiences of others. If you haven't read a daily paper or news online yet, start by going through a single front-page article from a major respected news source, such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or Washington Post, from start to finish, every day.Finally, try to get through the main articles of a full newspaper every day.
They get their self-knowledge. You've learned a lot just by being alive, but have you taken time to review all that you've learned? Try this exercise: write down your three biggest failures and three greatest successes. For each, review the events that led up to it and what lessons you took away from experience.
A. They practice being open- minded.
B. They work at being social.
C. They've learned how to say, "I could be wrong."
D. While current events are important, both fiction and nonfiction books can allow you to explore new ideas and points of view.
E. This is not time for regret or pride; the goal is to look at each experience, good or bad, as more fuel to enrich your wisdom.
F. Don't just scan or skip over it; read every word.
G. People generally love to talk about themselves; you, on the other hand, have a harder job: to listen closely.
