As you all know, I’m very goal-oriented. I have a range of goals—life goals, yearly goals, monthly goals, body goals, financial goals, and lifestyle goals. One of my lifestyle goals, in particular, is a lifelong goal that’s requiring a lot of thought and effort. This goal is about becoming more sophisticated—not in a pretentious way, like holding my pinky up while talking with a British accent and sipping tea, but rather in a way that aligns with the true definition of sophistication.
I’m aiming to refine myself, to adopt a more clean-cut, intelligent approach to life. I want to be in rooms where I’m not the smartest person, and where I can learn from others. For example, someone may be a specialist in construction, and I might not know much about it. Or maybe someone excels in marine biology or laboratory sciences—areas where I have no depth of knowledge. But, in areas like real estate, entrepreneurship, and technology, I do have expertise.
My goal is to sound sophisticated and well-rounded—not just by clinging to one area of expertise, but by being an engaging, well-informed person in any room. So, yes, I’m an entrepreneur and software engineer, but I also want to be well-spoken, have good posture, know how to dress well, and hold meaningful conversations. I want to be someone who walks into a room and is well-received, no matter the context.
The Goal of Sophistication
To be sophisticated, I believe it’s about more than just appearance. It’s about personal awareness and presenting yourself as someone who is both thoughtful and intelligent. I want to look sophisticated in my clothes, smell sophisticated through my choice of fragrance, and present myself as someone who takes care of my hair, skin, and teeth. I want to understand the global economy, politics, religion, and world events—not necessarily to become a history expert, but to have enough knowledge to engage in conversations about these topics.
To help me achieve this, I’m reading books and listening to podcasts that I believe will elevate my level of sophistication. Here are a few of the resources that are helping me on this journey:
Current Books of Choice for Sophistication
- The 48 Laws of Power
This book is fantastic for anyone who wants to navigate power dynamics, social structures, and become more strategic in their personal and professional life. It’s one of the most insightful books I’ve come across in terms of understanding human behavior and influence. - How to Win Friends and Influence People
A classic for a reason. This book is invaluable in learning how to build relationships, communicate effectively, and establish rapport with people, all of which are key to being seen as sophisticated and engaging.
Current Podcasts of Choice for Sophistication
- Star Talk by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Listening to this podcast helps me stay grounded in the world of science, technology, and culture. Tyson’s discussions about the universe, science, and societal issues broaden my perspective and keep me intellectually engaged. - Earn Your Leisure
This finance-focused podcast keeps me informed on global news, politics, and financial trends. It’s a great resource for staying aware of what’s happening in the financial world while also tapping into cultural discussions. - BiggerPockets
BiggerPockets is all about real estate and entrepreneurship, two areas in which I have depth. It provides great insights into the market, investing, and strategies for growing a business. It’s especially useful if you’re looking to stay updated on trends in real estate. - The Diary of CEO by Steven Bartlett
The Diary of a CEO offers raw and insightful conversations about business, relationships, and mental health. The podcast’s honest, vulnerable approach makes it a must-listen for those seeking inspiration, self-improvement, or a deeper understanding of success and its challenge
The Goal of Intelligence
While sophistication is about how you present yourself, intelligence focuses on expanding the depth of knowledge and sharpening cognitive skills. I’m committed to increasing my intelligence through continuous learning and by optimizing my mental and physical health.
Studying and Expanding Knowledge
As part of my goal, I’m dedicating time to studying software engineering. Software engineering is not just a technical skill but also a mental discipline that requires structured problem-solving, abstract thinking, and the ability to engage with complex systems. Immersing myself in this field is helping me develop new ways to approach problems, analyze data, and think creatively—all of which contribute to my overall intelligence and intellectual depth.
Exercise and Mental Fitness
Physical exercise plays a significant role in my cognitive routine. Running, lifting weights, and other forms of exercise keep my body healthy, which in turn supports mental clarity, focus, and resilience. Numerous studies show that exercise has a positive effect on brain health, enhancing both short- and long-term cognitive function.
Cognitive Enhancement
I’m also making changes to my diet, specifically in my beverage choices. I drink a mushroom-based tea/coffee and rotate between products like Mud Water and Ryze Coffee—both of which contain Lion’s Mane. These have become an essential part of my routine to support my brain health and unlock my mental potential.
Brain Training Apps
To keep my mind agile, I regularly use a brain-training app called Peak. The app includes exercises in areas like memory, focus, mental agility, and problem-solving skills, helping me strengthen these abilities over time. The app even incorporates aspects of emotional intelligence, which adds to its effectiveness as a well-rounded mental training tool.
Supplements and Cognitive Support
I also incorporate specific supplements that aid cognitive function. Vitamin D plays a vital role in supporting brain health and mood, particularly because many people have insufficient levels of this essential nutrient. Additionally, I take magnesium L-threonate and magnesium glycinate. Magnesium is known to support memory, learning, and overall brain function, and the L-threonate form is particularly beneficial for cognitive health. These supplements work together to support my cognitive efforts and maintain my energy and focus as I study, exercise, and continue to develop my expertise.
Wrapping Up
So, this is what I’m doing on a small scale to continuously improve myself, becoming more sophisticated and intelligent in the process. I’m striving to be not only an expert in my field but also someone who is well-rounded, informed, and engaged with the world. The journey towards sophistication and intelligence is ongoing, but with consistent effort and intentional habits, I’m confident that I’ll continue to grow in ways that will positively impact my life and those around me.
Leave a Reply