Significantly Expand Knowledge, Competence and Mental Sharpness. Suggestions?
United States
October 17, 2008 4:51pm CST
I'm a 21-year-old grad student, and as of now, I can't say that I have the "smarts" to place myself on par with my peers. I've been humbled numerous times by others who seem to be steps ahead of me with knowledge about international affairs, politics, governments, finance, everyday (grown-up) matters e.t.c. There're several terms/concepts that I should know of given my educational background, and I'm embarrassed with how little I understand so far. I feel like I'm behind in a world where competence matters. These shortcomings affect real life affairs - I don't want to elaborate on this, but I hope you get the drift. Reading posts and threads written by knowledgeable people bugs me even more.
I'd most like to hear from people, formally like myself, who've experienced leaps of improvement in the learning process. How did you do it? It's easy for people to counter with statements like "read a book, duh," or give generalized suggestions when, in reality, the information available on the net and beyond is on overload. So yeah, I'm a little intimidated by what's out there. How do I even start? I'd like to hear from everyone who took the time to read my post.
Another question: Are there any suggestions on to how one can improve concentration, memory, intelligence and alertness? I tend to forget things I study, and I think I'm slower than average with respect to learning new things.
I guess the summary of my post relates to smarts in general: How to get there, how to make the process easier, and how to not appear ditzy and airheaded (I notice that I have this problem too) in front of people. Thanks.
Thanks
2 people like this
2 responses
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
18 Oct 08
Thanks for a sincere and intelligent Post. I can sympathize with you. I've been there and done that. I'm a senior just turned 75, Father and Grandfather. I remember being very pissed when, at age 21 I was refused credit to buy a chesterfield suite for my new wife. Now, I could buy the store and sell the Manager.
The point I'm making is- You are being too hard on yourself! Give yourself some time to live and learn. (Experience is the best Teacher) Smarts come with time and experience. When I had trouble Speaking to People, I joined a Toastmaster's Club, and attended meetings once a week for 5 years. I learned to be a Public Speaker. There is nothing you can't do if you set your mind to it. The world is at your fingertips, reach out and Grab it!
@unusualsuspect (2602)
• United States
17 Oct 08
I understand where you're coming from. I have a high IQ, but I"m still a slow learning. It's much easier if I'm really interested in the subject. I find that learning about a topic from several different points of view helps create a context for the facts, and they stick better in my memory. I also mark up my books and dog ear them so that I can quickly go back and find stuff that I thought was important. Sometimes when I go back, I have a completely different perspective than I had originally.
Overload is a big problem these days, but I decided that I just couldn't know everything, so there are areas where I will just skim -- like the current political situation. I can pick up a lot of information about various issues just by skimming headlines and first paragraphs from a number of sources. They key is repetition, but not the same material over and over again.
