Mo' experience, mo' problems

Maybe it's because I'm turning 40 in a few days, but I just can't get enough of 90s references these days.

Humor me then as I suggest that it's not just more money causing problems...it's more life experience too!

Have you noticed yourself getting more (mentally) rigid as you age?

I attribute this to an increasing reliance on crystallized intelligence. This is a term used to describe the intelligence we gain from experience combined with book smarts.

It's a sense that we know what will happen and why. Because, we've seen how this story ends. And, we've been down this road before.

We start to lean heavily on crystallized intelligence because as we get older, we have a lot more of it.

But the default to crystallized intelligence means we are using fluid intelligence less. Fluid intelligence engages our reasoning, problem solving, and comprehension skills. It emphasizes taking in information about the present moment, evaluating it and imagining ways to influence it.

I see examples of this kind of intelligence when I watch toddlers try and figure things out. Or even when new interns or college grads start to work on a project.

Of course, both of these types of intelligence are used together.

We combine our experiences with our deductive reasoning to assess and take action.

But isn't it fascinating to consider that you can consciously choose what to lead with?

I love the feeling of having fresh eyes on something. And in part, that is because, I enjoy engaging with that fluid intelligence.

On top of this - consider the last time you felt stuck?

My guess is part of this stuck feeling included a strong reliance on crystallized intelligence. It brings a rigidity to our sense of things being right or wrong, possible or impossible. When the scales tip too far in this direction, it gets in our way.

Notice experiences of flow and rigidity in your life this week.

See how you might be leaning on different types of intelligence in those moments.

Love,

Marijke Ocean