Learn about Bloom's Taxonomy. Bloom's Taxonomy is a breakdown of
the six levels of thinking, from the lowest level to the highest (with
an example):
Knowledge: Knowing a fact. Knowing 2 + 2 = 4 . Doesn't mean you know what 2+2=4 means.
Application: Knowing how to use the fact. I can determine that 2
cats plus 2 cats equals 4 cats. You don't know what 2 +2 =4 means, but
you can apply it.
Comprehension -- Understanding a fact: You understand the concept of addition and how 2 + 2 = 4.
Analysis -- breaking down information into its parts. 4 - 2 =2 ; (1 + 1) + (1 + 1) = 2 + 2 = 4
Synthesis -- creating something new , writing a book, etc.
Evaluation -- Discussion of the merits of 2 + 2 = 4 .
Learn as much as you can about everything. The more you know, the more
options you will have. You can actually make yourself a tiny bit
smarter by learning a lot, too. There are lots of ways to learn. Don't limit yourself to any one field.
Solve problems by "Analysing" the situation; "Evaluating" possible
causes and "Synthesizing" possible solutions; "Evaluating" the possible
solutions.(See info about Bloom's Taxonomy above).
Example problem: You do not have enough money to make ends meet.
Analyse: Review your spending. Review your budget. Review your expenses. Review your income.
Evaluate: Are you blowing your money? Is your budget realistic? Can
you reduce your expenses? Have I received my entire paycheck? Am I
living in an apartment that is too expensive? What exactly is the
problem?
Synthesize: I am going to do this and this and that to solve the problem. I may need to brainstorm to give me ideas.
Evaluate: Will this solution work? How is it good? What could be wrong with it?
If necessary, repeat.
Always pay attention to small details that stick out.
Geniuses will often solve problems using details others have ignored.
Look at the world from different points of view. What would this look like from the perspective of an ant? An airplane? A child?
Use both sides of your brain. Your creative side is on the opposite side of your brain from your analytical style.
Learn how you learn. Different people learn differently. Major ways of
learning include seeing, hearing, talking, listening, touching,
manipulating, reading,interpreting ideas and writing. Feel free to
doodle, talk out loud, or touch and play with the item you're thinking
about. Any of these activities can help facilitate your thought process.
Embrace change, uncertainty, and doubt. It is on these edges of knowledge that innovation and discovery happen.
Question conventional wisdom. Most people will violently oppose
challenges to "conventional" wisdom. The will ignore facts to support
their beliefs. Geniuses think critically. They do not ignore facts,
even when it conflicts with conventional wisdom. Below are some
examples.
People once believed the world was flat. Eratosthenes (400 B.C.E.) showed it was round.
Ptolemy's view of the solar system held sway for 2000 years.
Copernicus was forced to recant his view that the Sun was at the center.
Practice. Rehearse, scribble, sketch, sing in the shower, talk to
yourself, or try what you're doing several different ways. Genius
doesn't always come naturally.
It helps to create a safe place for practice, whether that is
scratch paper, someplace where nobody is watching, or a test copy of
whatever you're doing. It will help you learn with confidence if you
know that nothing will break.
Wisdom is learning from mistakes. Geniuses do not fear mistakes but view them as learning opportunities.
Be prolific. Try for quantity before quality. To produce
exceptionally good work, do a lot of whatever you're doing. It
increases your chances for success and it means you will get more
practice along the way. It also takes the pressure off, knowing that
while an effort may be your first, it will likely not be your last.
Experiment. Experimenting can involve "Analysis", "Synthesis" and "Evaluation".
Keep an open mind.
Don't discount an unexpected or even an unwelcome outcome. Instead,
evaluate it. Even if you learn how something does not work, you will
gain wisdom.
Imagine and fantasize. Create scenarios in your mind which presents
an alternate to the existing situation. Control your vision to address
the situation at hand.
Follow your interests, even if they are different than what people
expect of you. Side paths and unexpected turns may turn out to be quite
fruitful, and you'll spend far less energy fighting boredom and burnout.
Introduce some randomness or variation. If you find yourself stuck,
try something else for a while. Sometimes inspiration will strike after
the pressure is off. Sometimes introducing a random concept and
following another path for awhile can get creative juices flowing again.
