Developing the gift of wisdom is crucial to happiness.  Research studies indicate that individuals who rank high in wisdom have improved mental and physical health.  Additionally, wisdom strengthens high life engagement, positive problem-solving skills, and social and emotional intelligence.  Most importantly, wise ones have learned to cope effectively with hardship.   

 DEFINING THE GIFT OF WISDOM

According to Merriam Webster, wisdom is defined as

1.  a: ability to discern inner qualities and relationships: insight

  b: good sense: judgment

  c: generally accepted belief challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many       historians— Robert Darnton

          d: accumulated philosophical or scientific learning: knowledge

2. a wise attitude, belief, or course of action
3. the teachings of the ancient wise men

DEVELOPING THE GIFT OF WISDOM

 Wisdom is something we all want, and the good news is that, according to the folks at Noom, we have it within us to develop this mindset.    

 Step One:        Improve creativity.  When you are in a tough spot, creativity helps you to better solve problems.  Creativity Part I, Creativity Part II, and Creativity Part III can jump-start your development.     

 Step Two:        Be curious about life.     

 Step Three:      Hone judgment by thinking critically.  Don’t merely accept what others tell you.  Learn the difference between fact and opinion.  Explore different sources for information and come to your own conclusion.

 Step Four:        Love learning. 

 Step Five:         Develop the ability to look at a situation, not just from your point of view, but from the viewpoint of others who are different from you.  This capacity hones empathy, a crucial talent on the road to happiness. 

Step Six:            Concentrate on increasing your emotional intelligence to help you regulate feelings, reflecting, and being self-aware.

Step Seven:      Create meaning and purpose in your life; do good things for others.

 It’s been a tough year for me, from COVID to the Big Freeze to teaching my grandson how to drive.  I need to build up my wisdom to navigate the rough waters I foresee ahead.  Time to do some refresher work!