Myths About Increasing Intelligence: Separating Fact from Fiction for Better Wellness

Have you ever wondered if you could become “smarter” by taking special supplements, solving endless brain games, or simply being born lucky? The quest to boost our intelligence is an age-old pursuit—but it’s also full of misconceptions. How do you tell what actually works, and what’s just a myth?

Understanding the real pathways to cognitive wellness can save you time, energy, and even money. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:

• What common myths about increasing intelligence are holding you back
• Why cracking these myths matters to your health and well-being
• Practical, science-backed strategies to support cognitive growth
• Expert tips, daily habits, tools (free and paid), and real-life examples
• Mistakes to avoid, plus a quick actionable checklist to start making real improvements this week

Myths about increasing intelligence are false or misleading beliefs about how intelligence works and how it can be improved. These misconceptions may come from outdated science, misleading marketing, or stories passed down over time.

Examples of such myths include:

• “You’re either born smart, or you’re not—intelligence is 100% genetic.”
• “Brain training games will make you smarter forever.”
• “Certain foods or supplements instantly boost IQ.”
• “Only formal education raises your intelligence.”
• “Adults can’t significantly increase their intelligence.”

Misunderstanding how intelligence grows can limit your motivation, choices, and sense of control over your mental wellness. Here’s why it’s crucial to identify the truth:

• Empowerment: Knowing the facts helps you take charge of your cognitive health using methods that actually work.
• Emotional wellness: False beliefs (“I can’t get smarter at my age!”) can harm self-esteem and limit your willingness to learn.
• Investment: You’ll avoid wasting money or time on expensive programs and products with no evidence behind them.
• Holistic wellness: Breaking mental barriers can improve problem-solving, resilience, and life satisfaction.

Myth 1: Intelligence is Fixed for Life

• The Myth: “You can’t change how smart you are after childhood.”
• The Fact: Modern neuroscience shows that intelligence (especially certain types, like problem-solving or emotional intelligence) can be developed throughout life (Diamond, 2013; PMID: 26013362).

Myth 2: Brain Training Apps Make You Smarter in Everything

• The Myth: “Play brain games and your overall intelligence will skyrocket.”
• The Fact: Such games can help with specific skills, but research shows most gains don’t transfer to real-world intelligence (Simons et al, 2016).

Myth 3: Supplements are 'Smart Pills'

• The Myth: “Take a pill or drink and boost your brainpower overnight.”
• The Fact: Most over-the-counter supplements show little or no proven effect on cognitive abilities for healthy individuals (Marshall, 2015; PMID: 25965335).

Myth 4: Only School and Degrees Make You Smarter

• The Myth: “Formal education is the only path to intelligence.”
• The Fact: Ongoing, self-directed learning, hobbies, and life experiences can also develop cognitive abilities (Hambrick et al, 2021).

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Research by Dr. Carol Dweck shows believing you can grow smarter leads to greater improvement (APA).
2. Exercise Regularly: Aerobic activity boosts memory, attention, and neurogenesis (creating new brain cells) (PMID: 24747266).
3. Prioritize Sleep: 7–9 hours of quality sleep supports memory consolidation and cognitive processing (PMID: 19255677).
4. Stay Curious and Learn New Skills: Engage in new activities—learn a language, play chess, pick up a musical instrument.
5. Nourish Your Mind: Eat a Mediterranean-style diet (leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, fish) for brain health. Reduce processed foods (PMID: 32021146).
6. Build Strong Social Ties: Interacting with diverse people challenges your mind and supports emotional intelligence (PMID: 22450613).

1. Vary Mental Activities: Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett recommends switching between different intellectual tasks (reading, puzzles, socializing) to strengthen multiple brain networks.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can enhance memory, attention, and resiliency to stress (Goyal et al, 2014).
3. Embrace Failure as Learning: “Each mistake is a chance to build your adaptive intelligence,” says Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a cognitive scientist.

Free Tools & Habits

• Routine Learning: Set aside 20 minutes daily to read or learn something new (e.g., online courses, documentaries).
• Brain Workouts: Try free apps like Duolingo (language), Khan Academy (various topics), or crosswords and sudoku.
• Walking Meetings: Discuss ideas while walking to stimulate creativity and memory.

Paid Tools & Products

• Online classes: Platforms like Coursera, MasterClass, or Udemy offer paid courses on a range of topics to challenge your brain.
• Cognitive training programs: While claims are often exaggerated, platforms like BrainHQ and Lumosity can help keep the mind agile if used with realistic expectations.
• Personal development books: Invest in books on critical thinking, psychology, or new skills (e.g., “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman).

• Lila never played chess before age 45. After learning, she noticed sharper focus and better complex decision-making at work.
• Aaron believed he wasn’t 'math smart.' By practicing in short daily sessions with apps and online courses, his confidence and skills skyrocketed.
• Susan switched from late-night TV to reading every night for a month—she found her memory and vocabulary vastly improved.

• Chasing “quick fixes” like expensive supplements or miracle products
• Sticking to one kind of activity (e.g., only playing brain games) instead of diversifying mental challenges
• Neglecting physical health, including sleep and exercise, which directly impact cognitive function
• Giving up too soon—progress can take time, but persistence pays off

Building true intelligence and cognitive wellness is not about quick answers or overnight transformations—it's about consistent, science-backed habits and curiosity. By letting go of old myths and embracing practical, enjoyable routines, you’ll see real, empowering changes in your brain and daily life.

Remember: Every step, no matter how small, adds up over time. Start today—learn something new, move your body, and feed your mind. Your future, more agile self will thank you!