Performance 5 min read

Do You Have Naturalistic Intelligence? 3 Ways To Develop The Pathfinder In You

by Shannon Terrell November 8, 2018

Have you ever known someone with a green thumb? No matter what plant, flower, or blossom they care for, their gardens seem in be in perpetual full bloom.

How about someone that can navigate the outdoors without map or compass? They’re top-notch hikers, navigators, and wayfinders, identifying local flora and fauna with effortless ease.

These people possess naturalistic intelligence. And believe it or not, it’s intelligence we all share.

Here’s why naturalistic intelligence is one of the most powerful skills out there. And how you can learn to develop yours.

In this article we will answer the following questions:

What is a naturalistic person?
What is naturalistic learning style?
How do you develop naturalistic intelligence?

Let’s begin!

What Is A Naturalistic Person?

A naturalistic person is someone who possesses naturalistic intelligence.

Naturalistic intelligence is one of Gardner’s nine types of intelligence. In the 1980s, American psychologist Howard Gardner developed his theory of multiple intelligences. And naturalistic intelligence was one of the forms of intelligence he identified.

What is naturalistic intelligence?

Naturalistic intelligence is the intelligence of the natural world. People with this form of intelligence feel most at home when they’re outdoors in nature.

They have a knack for identifying plants and animals and are expert pathfinders and navigators. People with this form of intelligence make excellent mountain guides, park rangers, geologists, botanists, and agriculturalists.

Which famous people have naturalistic intelligence?

Can you think of anyone you know that has naturalistic intelligence? It’s one of the rarer forms of intelligence, but there are a few famous celebs you might recognize that have a well developed green thumb:

Charles Darwin
David Suzuki
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Steve Irwin
Jane Goodall

Many famous explorers, mountain climbers, and naturalists would make the cut. Who would you add to the list?

What Is Naturalistic Learning Style?

If you’ve got naturalistic intelligence, chances are you also possess a naturalistic learning style.

This means that you learn best when you’re able to interact with your environment in a tangible, concrete way.

Like kinesthetic learners, naturalistic learners like to be able to see, feel, and touch what they’re learning about. Hands-on learning (preferably outdoors) is the best way for naturalistic learners to absorb information.

How Do You Develop Naturalistic Intelligence?

The absolute best way to develop naturalistic intelligence is by getting outside. Naturalistic intelligence is very much a hands-on experience.

Learning is not a spectator sport.
– Jim Kwik, Author of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Program

So, how can you develop your naturalistic intelligence? Here are 3 ways to bring out your inner wayfinder.

1. Go on a nature walk

The undisputed best way to develop naturalistic intelligence is by going outside. So — go outside! Even if it’s just to take your dog for a walk around the block.

Take time to notice the natural environment that surrounds you, especially if you live in an urban neighborhood. Nature always finds a way to remind us of its presence.

Admire the trees, the grass, the flowers, the birds. Take note of what you see and appreciate the natural beauty.

2. Visit an unfamiliar environment

If you live near the forest, try to visit a river, lake, or ocean. If you live in a mountainous area, find a valley or lowland to visit.

You may need to spend an hour or two on the road. But visiting unfamiliar biomes is a fantastic way to shake us awake and help us pay attention to the world that surrounds us.

3. Start a garden

Here’s something you can do without ever having to leave your home: start a garden!

You can plant an herb garden on the windowsill, or dig up some earth at the back of your house to plant some perennials.

Exercise your naturalistic skill and see what comes about. You may just discover you’ve got a green thumb after all!

Do you have trouble remembering names?

Maybe you struggle to remember important dates or even basic facts and figures you need for a presentation?

If you do, don’t worry - it’s a common problem.

But what’s also common is the myth that some people are just born with good or photographic memory, while the rest of us just have to struggle.

The truth is, memory is just like a muscle - you can train it to be stronger.

Whether you’re a working professional looking to learn new skills, a student cramming for exams, or even just a senior who’s looking to stay sharp - there are techniques you can do to actively and permanently improve your memory.

If You’d Like To Tap Into This Secret Power You Didn’t Know You Have…Then Join Jim Kwik, Peak Performance Expert And Memory Guru, In This FREE Masterclass

From it, you’ll also learn:

✅ The biggest lie we’ve all been told about our brainsthat’s holding us back from our potential. Contrary to conventional wisdom, your memory actually isn’t fixed. Once you realize how much control you have, you’ll begin to discover what you’re truly capable of.

✅ 10 powerful mental hacks you can apply to unlock your inner super learner. Small tweaks in these areas could make the difference between being someone who’s forgetful, to someone who has near-perfect memory.

✅ A powerful memorization technique you can use in any situation. You’ll be able to deliver a speech without having to use your notes, and even remember your entire grocery list without having to write it down!