Wisdom is a virtue that isn’t innate, but can only be acquired through experience. Anyone who is interested in trying new things and reflecting on the process has the ability to gain wisdom. By learning as much as you can, analyzing your experiences and putting your knowledge to the test, you can become a wiser person.
1. Try new things.
It’s hard to gain wisdom when you stay in and do the same thing day after day. You get wiser when you put yourself out there and give yourself the opportunity to learn, make mistakes and reflect on the experience. Going to places you’ve never been before is a great way to get some life experience. Such as booking a trip to another city, or taking a road trip to the next town over. Make an effort to eat at a restaurant that’s popular with the locals, rather than going to your favorite chain. Every chance you get, choose newness over the familiar.
2. Talk to people you don’t know.
Talk to people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives from yours, and pay attention to what you can learn from them. Try not to judge them based on your own narrow point of view. The more you’re able to empathize with others, the wiser you will be.[2]
Practice being a good listener, and ask a lot of questions to find out more. Really pay attention to what people are saying instead of letting your mind wander. Every conversation gives you the chance to understand someone better, broaden your views and thus become wiser.
3. Do it the hard way.
One of the most effective ways to increase wisdom is to do things the hard way. For example, while driving to work, turn off that GPS system. Use your God-given brain cells to figure out where you are. When you’re trying to research something, don’t google it on the internet. Make it harder for yourself so your mind will be force to think creatively. Technology is one of the biggest culprits to decreased cognitive function because they make certain tasks so much easier. If you want to become wiser, try old-school methods. Do it the hard way.
4. Make mistakes.
Experience makes us wiser. Our mistakes make us better people in a lot of different ways. So don’t e afraid to take risks and commit errors. When we make mistakes, we learn faster and more permanently. And eventually, when you encounter the same situation again in the future, you’ll know better.
5. Share your wisdom with others.
That’s not to say you should tell people what to do; rather, lead by example. Show others the wisdom of being open, nonjudgmental and thoughtful in all situations. Think about the mentors who helped you along the way, and find ways to play that role for other people who might be able to benefit from what you’ve learned.
If someone asks for advice, do your best to point them in the direction that seems right. Don’t let your personal desires cloud your advice.
HOW DOES WISDOM HELPS US BE SUCCESSFUL?
Wisdom is developed through experience and experience gives us more knowledge on how to navigate anything in life. With wisdom we are able to escape many possible costly mistakes.
