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- What Are Cognitive Skills?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Why Are They Important?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 3 \u201cKwik Tips\u201d on How to Improve Your Cognitive Skills<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Jim says in Mindvalley\u2019s Superbrain<\/em> Quest, \u201cGive a person an idea, and you enrich their day. Teach a person how to learn, and they can enrich their entire life.<\/em>\u201d And here\u2019s your first step to a more enriched life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jim](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/09\/f7731272-cognitive-skills-improve-mindvalley-kersti-niglas.jpg\")
Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain<\/em> Quest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What Are Cognitive Skills?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cognitive skills are the abilities your brain uses to make your rational mind function. This is how you can learn, read, make decisions, remember things, and use your attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The definition of cognitive skills can also include how your mental processes function. So the more you develop these abilities, the better you will perform in different areas of your life, such as in work, studies, or social interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of cognitive skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a list of different abilities your brain can work with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Hard skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They can be learned by anyone who will put in the time and effort to acquire them. Think about learning a foreign language, financial planning, or research skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Soft skills<\/a>. <\/strong>They <\/strong>are more difficult to change because they require discipline, building new habits, and adapting to the environment. Think about communication skills, teamwork, and stress management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Analytical skills<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> These skills help you develop a critical mind and attention to detail. Think about reporting, research, and data analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Social skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They help you communicate and interact effectively with others around you. Some examples are negotiation, leadership, and coordination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Problem-solving skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They can relate to a number of different skills, mostly analytical. For example, creative thinking, being proactive, and resilience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Effective communication skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They help with how well you communicate and; therefore, connect with other people. Think about active listening, body language, and delivering your message with confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why Are They Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Because they help you think better, rationalize better, make smarter decisions, solve problems faster, and learn new abilities. When you develop your cognitive skills, the way you carry yourself through your life experiences is going to improve as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to work on these functions of your brain because if you don\u2019t, you may not be able to achieve your goals as fast and as efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Our most precious gift is our brain. It is what allows us to learn, love, think, create, and even to experience joy. <\/p>\n\u2014 Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s Superbrain<\/em> Quest<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Here are some statistics that prove the importance of working on your cognitive skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- 85% of success at work<\/a> comes from having well-trained soft skills. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 42% of all workers<\/a> had jobs where social skills were highly important.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One survey<\/a> has found that the most in-demand hard skill to learn for well-paid jobs is digital literacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you want to create the life you want, get the job of your dreams, connect to the people you like the most, and improve your learning capacity, you should definitely make a priority the improvement of your cognitive skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jim](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/mv-prod-blog-en-assets\/2022\/09\/b8cb6805-cognitive-skills-definition-mindvalley-kersti-niglas.jpg\")
Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain<\/em> Quest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3 \u201cKwik\u201d Tips on How to Improve Your Cognitive Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Superbrain coach and trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s Superbrain<\/em> Quest, Jim Kwik, shares with you five tips on how to improve your cognitive skills and make the best out of your potential. According to him, if you master the skill of learning, then you can learn anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The FAST method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The faster you can learn, the faster you can earn.<\/p>\n\u2014 Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s Superbrain<\/em> Quest<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Jim encourages you to practice the FAST method. And each letter stands for a concept that you should apply to your learning process that will help develop your cognitive skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- F \u2014 Forget.<\/strong> This is about forgetting all of your limitations and entering with the beginner’s mind. Jim says the human mind is like a parachute, it only works when it\u2019s open. So it\u2019s important to ditch all of the limiting beliefs like \u201cI can\u2019t learn how to\u2026 because\u2026\u201d <\/em>And remember that \u201cif you fight for your limitations, you get to keep them.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- A \u2014 Active. <\/strong>Don\u2019t be passive consuming information. You only learn by rolling out your sleeves and getting involved, creating that experience. So take notes<\/a>, ask questions, and remember that \u201clearning is not a spectator sport.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- S \u2014 State. <\/strong>It\u2019s all about how you feel and what emotions you associate learning with. Information plus emotion becomes long-term memory. Do you remember how you felt in school? A lot of times, you might have associated learning with boredom and confusion. How much of it do you remember now?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- T \u2014 Teach. <\/strong>\u201cWhen you teach something, you get to learn it twice,\u201d<\/em> says Jim. So just for the sake of consolidating the information you\u2019d like to learn, try sharing it with someone else. And even from the first time learning it, learn with the intention that you\u2019re going to teach someone what you\u2019re taking in at that moment. You\u2019ll see that you will pay much more attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. The MOM technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To learn any cognitive skill better, you need to improve your memory and fix your forgetfulness. As Jim says, \u201cThere is no learning without remembering.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
So use the MOM technique to tackle that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- M <\/strong>\u2014 Motivation. <\/strong>When learning a new ability, it\u2019s important to consider your motivation for doing so. What drives you? What would your life look like if you gained that skill? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- O \u2014 Observation. <\/strong>Observation is attention. It\u2019s being present. If you want to remember something, don\u2019t get distracted. For example, listen to the person speaking if you want to train your presence. <\/strong>Jim points out that \u201cpowerful presence comes from being powerfully present.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- M \u2014 Mechanisms. <\/strong>It\u2019s about all the techniques you learn on how <\/em>to memorize and activate your superbrain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Use lifestyle hacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you want to learn faster and more effectively, Jim recommends five lifestyle hacks to implement into your life in order to improve your cognitive skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good brain diet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Nutrition is highly essential for the proper functioning of your brain. So make sure you feed your body with the proper foods to boost your brain capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some good examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Avocados<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Walnuts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turmeric<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blueberries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wild salmon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dark chocolate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
And of course\u2026water. Your body is 70% water; therefore, it is essential to hydrate your system constantly. Jim also recommends trying out a superbrain smoothie with some of the ingredients mentioned above and plenty of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kill ANTS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
ANTS stands for \u201cautomatic negative thoughts.\u201d They are intrusive and make you lose energy by feeding into them. And as Jim reminds you, your mind is always eavesdropping on your self-talk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it might even believe what it hears. So if you\u2019re saying things to yourself such as \u201cI have a terrible memory\u201d <\/em>or \u201cI\u2019m too old to learn this new skill,\u201d<\/em> your mind might listen and create that reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Exercising is a must for the good health of your body, your heart, and your brain. When your heart starts pumping through exercise, blood flows to your brain. It\u2019s good to remind yourself that it\u2019s not only a mind-body connection but also a body-mind connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when you take care of your body, you\u2019re actually taking care of your brain as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sleep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Another important aspect of your lifestyle to consider is the quality of your sleep. Whenever you\u2019re not getting enough sleep, you affect your memory and focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you sleep, you\u2019re consolidating your long-term memory, and you’re cleaning the plague off your brain that causes dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is more, if you aren\u2019t getting enough hours of sleep, you don\u2019t enter the REM sleep state, which is the deepest part of your sleep cycle. There is where your deep relaxation and recovery happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stress management<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
According to Jim, stress shuts down big parts of your brain, so it hinders your learning process. It\u2019s essential to learn how to calm down your nervous system and manage the stress in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some things that can help include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Walks in nature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yoga<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Meditation (try The 6 Phase Meditation Method<\/a> with Vishen, founder of Mindvalley, to guide you)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Connecting to your dear ones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Taking care of your lifestyle will only support the development of your learning process and the cognitive abilities you want to acquire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unleash Your Cognitive Superpowers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Activating your brain power is a whole journey ahead, and it requires time, patience, and practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- M \u2014 Mechanisms. <\/strong>It\u2019s about all the techniques you learn on how <\/em>to memorize and activate your superbrain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- O \u2014 Observation. <\/strong>Observation is attention. It\u2019s being present. If you want to remember something, don\u2019t get distracted. For example, listen to the person speaking if you want to train your presence. <\/strong>Jim points out that \u201cpowerful presence comes from being powerfully present.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- M <\/strong>\u2014 Motivation. <\/strong>When learning a new ability, it\u2019s important to consider your motivation for doing so. What drives you? What would your life look like if you gained that skill? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- T \u2014 Teach. <\/strong>\u201cWhen you teach something, you get to learn it twice,\u201d<\/em> says Jim. So just for the sake of consolidating the information you\u2019d like to learn, try sharing it with someone else. And even from the first time learning it, learn with the intention that you\u2019re going to teach someone what you\u2019re taking in at that moment. You\u2019ll see that you will pay much more attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- S \u2014 State. <\/strong>It\u2019s all about how you feel and what emotions you associate learning with. Information plus emotion becomes long-term memory. Do you remember how you felt in school? A lot of times, you might have associated learning with boredom and confusion. How much of it do you remember now?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- A \u2014 Active. <\/strong>Don\u2019t be passive consuming information. You only learn by rolling out your sleeves and getting involved, creating that experience. So take notes<\/a>, ask questions, and remember that \u201clearning is not a spectator sport.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- 42% of all workers<\/a> had jobs where social skills were highly important.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 85% of success at work<\/a> comes from having well-trained soft skills. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Effective communication skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They help with how well you communicate and; therefore, connect with other people. Think about active listening, body language, and delivering your message with confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Problem-solving skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They can relate to a number of different skills, mostly analytical. For example, creative thinking, being proactive, and resilience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Social skills<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>They help you communicate and interact effectively with others around you. Some examples are negotiation, leadership, and coordination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Analytical skills<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> These skills help you develop a critical mind and attention to detail. Think about reporting, research, and data analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Soft skills<\/a>. <\/strong>They <\/strong>are more difficult to change because they require discipline, building new habits, and adapting to the environment. Think about communication skills, teamwork, and stress management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Why Are They Important?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n