Intelligence? No - intelligence! Check how to develop them

I am intelligent - many say about themselves, everyone wants to be able to say that about themselves. Intelligence is a very desirable feature, developed by various methods already in the youngest children, associated with professional and private success. However, not everyone knows that intelligence is not one - man has as many as seven different dimensions! How is this possible?

Intelligence and its dimensions

The word intelligence has its source in Latin - intellligenta means understanding, reason. The most basic definition of intelligence is consistent with this approach - that is, the ability to perceive what is around, analyze and adapt to changing environmental conditions. It is also the ability to learn, translate theory into practice and use the newly acquired knowledge in life.

The first theories about intelligence arose at the beginning of the 20th century, and researchers dealing with it decomposed this construct into prime factors in many ways. However, when it comes to practical considerations, it is worth getting interested in a relatively young concept of intelligence - namely the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, created in the late 1980s. The author of this theory is Dr. Howard Gardner, an American psychologist specializing in cognitive psychology and learning .

According to Dr. Gardner's concept, intelligence is not one feature, but a construct consisting of seven dimensions, each of which concerns a different type of intellectual activity. Therefore, it includes the following intelligences: verbal (i.e. verbal), mathematical-logical, visual-spatial, physical-kinesthetic, musical-rhythmic (i.e. auditory), interpersonal (interpersonal) and intrapersonal (internal).

Each person has their own intelligence "graph", as unique as a fingerprint, in which individual intelligences will be shaped at different levels. It is rare for one person's intelligence to be highly variable, ranging from very low to extremely high levels. Most often, the development of individual intelligences is combined, what is more - this general exercise of one's intellect gives the best results. Of course, the fact that this is the norm does not exclude the existence of individuals that achieve exceptionally high results in a certain range - this is how the geniuses of music, brush, sport manifest themselves.

Each intelligence profile changes as an individual grows - at its own pace and scope. This pace may depend on natural predispositions and talents, but also on what intellectual activities the person performs most often. Although - as indicated - the best results are achieved by developing intelligence as a whole, but if we are particularly concerned with certain aspects, we can distinguish exercises that are appropriate for them. Why could it be relevant or useful? Well, specialists in personal and professional development have long discovered that certain intelligences most often work in specific positions. So if you dream about a specific career, in addition to developing hard skills and acquiring knowledge, try to develop appropriate intelligences as much as possible.

How do you see the world?

Visual-spatial intelligence is most often associated with artistically gifted people - and rightly so. Someone intelligent in this respect feels great in the world of images - this is how they perceive the environment, and this is also how they can formulate their own ideas. Easily remembers shapes, colors, and the position of objects. Most often, someone with a predominance of such intelligence likes to draw, paint or sculpt, and the designs or even spreadsheets they create are aesthetic and visually pleasing. Such people are also often well versed in maps or projects - they can transfer a flat paper dimension into reality. True talent is difficult to train - although it is not impossible to learn the basics of drawing or sculpture - but that does not mean that you cannot develop your visual-spatial intelligence. So what is worth doing? Draw and paint - not only graphics, but various types of schedules, charts, projects, plans and maps. On the other hand - read and use the same elements. Create presentations, audiovisual recordings. Observation may also be useful - that is, visiting museums and exhibitions, for example.

Visual-spatial intelligence is extremely important in artistic professions - painters, sculptors, photographers, stylists, decorators. It is also useful where the ability to read maps and spatial orientation is crucial - therefore among drivers, pilots, sailors and navigators. Also, film and computer game makers and mechanics with high skills in this field will have an easier time on their career path.

The perception of the world is very strongly dependent on visual-spatial intelligence, but mathematical-logical intelligence also has a significant influence here. People who have a high level of this dimension of intelligence like and easily deal with working with numbers, diagrams and data analysis. Most often they are ordered, work according to specific rules, they are accurate, logical and responsible. How to increase your skills in this area? It is worth focusing on everyday activities that require counting or ordering - you can, for example,keep a home budget, plan a work week, a trip, organize the workplace or home documentation. Also all kinds of fun and logical games that require analysis and determination of probabilities will be helpful in this respect.

Mathematical and logical intelligence is useful in all professions perceived as strict - so it should be characterized by mathematicians, physicists, chemists, astronomers and programmers. However, data analysis, logical aggregation of facts or accuracy and systematicity are also extremely important for e.g. financial analysts, accountants, doctors, lawyers, bankers and cashiers.

Intelligent movement and hearing

Physico-kinesthetic intelligence, while it sounds fairly serious, is just a skill to move. It is characterized by a person who is well coordinated, has talent in sports, dance and martial arts. She should have no problem hitting the ball into the basket or parking the car. A person developed in this area can also be recognized by extensive gestures and constant being on the move - it is often the so-called "Living silver". The easiest way to learn is through observation and dislikes being passive. In order to develop in this area, it is worth doing sport, preferably one that requires motor coordination (e.g. the aforementioned dance) or allows you to get to know your own body (like yoga). All games and activities that support reflexes and manual skills are also recommended for those who would like to have better physical and kinesthetic intelligence.

In which professions is it useful? Of course, in all areas related to movement - i.e. among athletes, actors, dancers and choreographers. Moreover, it is important where the basis is precision and a "steady hand" - for example among surgeons, but also mechanics and sculptors.

Physico-kinesthetic intelligence is often closely related to another dimension, namely musical-rhythmic intelligence, shortly known as auditory intelligence. It manifests itself in a sense of rhythm, love for music, dance, rhythm and sounds. Strong people - developed or talented - often sing, learn to play instruments more easily, prefer to study or work with background music than in silence. It is precisely such activities that allow this intelligence to develop - so it is worth listening to music in the car and while working, singing or playing instruments. The development of this intelligence comes relatively easily because music accompanies us everywhere.

But who should focus on it the most? Of course, mostly musicians, singers, composers, dancers and actors. However, this intelligence will also be useful in any other profession that requires creativity.

How to communicate with others?

Let's start with verbal intelligence. How do you know a person with a high level of it? It is someone who can efficiently and quickly assimilate and generate messages - both in written and oral form. He can read, write and express himself efficiently - and enjoys doing it. Learning foreign languages ​​is also not a problem for such a person. More verbally developed people often like various types of word games and plays - i.e. crosswords, puns, scrabbles or rebuses. These hobbies are the basic tools for developing linguistic intelligence. Apart from them, you can also take advantage of other activities - first of all, it is worth reading a lot, both prose and poetry, listening to e-books, radio broadcasts or debates, and also taking part in discussions yourself. It may be helpful to write a diary or a journal, and for the more advanced and those who like such activity - writing poems or longer literary forms. Even just for a drawer.

Linguistic intelligence should be appreciated above all by people whose job is to express themselves - journalists, writers, publicists, but also teachers, lawyers, presenters, translators or marketers. It is not without reason that a good employee of the advertising department or attorney is said to be "this one has it talking".

Verbal intelligence is therefore used to transmit messages. But how do you know when and what messages to deliver? This is where interpersonal intelligence, otherwise known as interpersonal intelligence, comes in handy, regarding the contacts of a person with the environment. Someone who is characterized by a high level of it likes the company - therefore it will prove itself in team work, as a leader or lecturer in classes and presentations. Most often, such a person has no problems with making contacts, and thanks to his empathy and the ability to find himself in every situation, he is also liked. While it is relatively difficult for people who are shy by nature to develop interpersonal intelligence, it is not impossible. So how do you practice it? It is by undertaking various social and team activities - conducting projects, groups, lecturing or presenting. It is best to command such tasks in which the person is really good - this will minimize possible stress and allow you to open up to the group better. It may also be useful to participate in specialized workshops on communication.

As in the case of verbal intelligence, interpersonal intelligence is the most important in professions such as marketer, teacher, lecturer, but also a doctor, nurse or psychotherapist - i.e. where contact with another person is the core of the profession.

How much do you like yourself? - that is, intrapersonal intelligence for dessert

Intrapersonal intelligence, also known as internal intelligence, tells about how well someone understands themselves. It is about the ability to read your own emotions, moods, the ability to be alone and enjoy this situation. People with highly developed internal intelligence are often very creative and sensitive, they make decisions after long reflection. They are often shy and withdrawn, and they feel good only in a small group of friends. However, even open-minded and sociable people should try to develop internal intelligence. How? Write a diary or journal, or read biographies and diaries. You can also delve into psychological magazines or blogs that make you think, go to personal development workshops or do meditation.

Who Can Benefit From Their Highly Developed Internal Intelligence? It will be useful to writers, philosophers and theologians, but also to people who have a great influence on others, such as psychotherapists. Good knowledge of your own reflections, strengths and limitations is essential in this type of profession.

As you can see, the seven dimensions of intelligence are really a lot, the more that each person is equipped with each of them - less or more developed. Therefore, it is worth considering which of them is necessary in the job or dream job and try to develop it. Fortunately, it is often the case that the dream job is the one in which we know that we will be good because we like it - and we already have a hobby that suits it.

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