Is it true that you need a high IQ to be accepted into a college or university? The answer may surprise you. Contrary to popular belief, high IQ and creativity are not entirely related. This means that even if you’re not that much more smarter than the average person, you still have the potential to be highly creative and the aptitude to go to college.
So how can you work on being creative and develop the skills needed for a successful college experience? You can identify any bad habits that you might have learned along the way that crush the creative pathways in the brain. And like all bad habits, they can be broken if you are willing to work on them.
We will explore what IQ means and six of the very worst habits that you might want to improve before applying to college.
What Is IQ?
IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a number derived from a standardized intelligence test. It’s meant to gauge how well someone can use skills and abilities to solve problems. The average IQ is 100 and scores range from about 85 to 115. Scores above 130 are considered gifted, while those below 70 may have intellectual disabilities. But here’s the thing: IQ tests only measure certain kinds of intelligence, and they don’t necessarily reflect real-world success. If you're not sure what yours is, you can use a free online IQ test to see how high you score. For example, an engineer who can build a bridge but can’t hold a conversation would likely score lower on an IQ test than a salesperson who can talk to anyone but doesn’t know math. And yet, both of these people could be highly successful in their chosen fields.
? So, while a high IQ might give you a leg up on some aspects of life, it’s not a guarantee of success. There are plenty of people with average or even below-average IQs who have gone on to lead very successful lives. So if IQ isn’t the be-all and end-all of success, what is? The answer lies in creativity.
What Is Creativity?
Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas or find new ways to do things. It’s what allows us to see the world in new and different ways and find solutions to problems that others can’t. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a high IQ to be creative. Research has shown that there is no correlation between IQ and creativity. This means that even if you’re not the smartest person in the room, you still have the potential to be the most creative. So why are so few people highly creative? The answer lies in bad habits.
Bad Habits That Crush Creativity
We all have bad habits that we’re not proud of. Maybe you bite your nails when you’re nervous or procrastinate when you should be working. Whatever your bad habits are, they’re probably holding you back in some way. But did you know that certain bad habits can crush your creativity? These bad habits are learned over time and can be difficult to break, but it’s worth it if you want to tap into your creative potential. Here are six of the very worst bad habits that could be holding you back every day.
1. You Don’t Take Risks
If you want to be more creative, you need to be willing to take risks. This means trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it’s the only way to stretch your creative muscles. For example, if you’re a writer, try writing in a different genre or using a different style. If you’re an artist, experiment with new mediums or techniques. The more risks you take, the more likely you are to come up with something truly original.
2. You Don’t Make Time for Creativity
Creativity doesn’t just happen – it takes time and effort. If you want to be more creative, you need to make time for it in your schedule. This means setting aside time each day to brainstorm new ideas or work on creative projects. It might seem like a waste of time at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. The more time you give yourself to be creative, the more likely you are to come up with something truly groundbreaking.
3. You Don’t Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you want to be more creative, you need to get out of your comfort zone. This means exposing yourself to new ideas and experiences. For example, attend a different type of event than you normally would, read a book outside of your usual genre, or take a trip to a place you’ve never been before.
4. You Don’t Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings. It’s a powerful tool that can help you become more creative. When you’re mindful, you’re able to focus on the task at hand and tune out distractions. This allows you to tap into your creative potential and come up with new ideas or solutions that you might not have otherwise thought of.
5. You Don’t Challenge Yourself
If you want to be more creative, you need to challenge yourself. This means setting goals that are outside of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to achieve them. For example, if you’re a writer, set a goal to write a certain number of words each day or finish the first draft of your novel within a certain time frame. If you’re an artist, set a goal to create a certain number of pieces of art each month or enter a competition. Challenging yourself will force you to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas.
6. You Don’t Take Breaks
When you’re feeling stuck, it might seem counterintuitive to take a break. But trust me, it’s often the best thing you can do. Taking a break gives your mind a chance to relax and recharge so you can come back to your project with fresh eyes. When you take a break, make sure to do something that has nothing to do with your project. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or read a book. This will help you come back to your project with fresh ideas and a new perspective.
If you’re guilty of any of these bad habits, don’t worry – you can break them. It might take some time and effort, but it’s possible. Just remember to be patient with yourself and to keep trying. The more you practice, the easier it will become. And before you know it, you’ll be tapping into your creative potential regularly and pave the way to great future.
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