Smart versus Dumb

I’ve been testing a hypothesis in our home. I’m trying to remove the words “smart” and “dumb”. To understand the premise behind the hypothesis...I’d like to share the most popular definitions of smart in terms of intelligence.

Smart means “intelligence, easy to learn, brainy, brilliant, genius.”

Dumb is the opposite.

Human learning occurs via "the learning curve"; our brains are not programmed like computers with the push of one button! Our brains learn via the learning curve. Humans have adapted this algorithm to process and store information. It is the basis behind the phrase “Practice Makes Progress”.

Repeating a task or a thought process strengthens the connections in our brains. Although all human brains code similarly, they code or progress “up the learning curve” at different speeds based on our different experiences and genetic variations. Fortunately, we all have the ability tackle any learning curve we choose with persistence and focus.

(Photo Credit: Advik Shreekumar)

As a pediatrician for 15 years, hundreds of children have told me they are "dumb" or "not smart." These children seem to be using the word “smart” to implying someone HAS the ability to learn. And "dumb" to imply someone DOESN'T HAVE the ability to learn something. They don't realize that we ALL have the ability to learn anything we choose to focus on with persistence.

If you notice yourself or your children believing they CAN’T learn something, remember we have the ability to reprogram our beliefs about learning!

The first step is noticing the negative programing… like negative self talk. Next, replace negative thoughts with positivity! Learning to reprogram the brain is done is small steps using patience and focus...learning to learn is also on a learning curve!

My hope is to remove the limiting terms of "smart" and "dumb" from our family's vocabulary. I'll keep you updated on this experiment.

I'd love to hear how it works in for you! This is your life...you are in control of your thoughts, beliefs and actions, so use them with wisely, with persistence and focus!

All the best,
Shannon