The triarchic theory of intelligence proves there’s more to being smart than IQ—Here’s why

Many people grew up believing intelligence is something inherent. Either you’re a “math person,” a creative genius, or someone who just doesn’t “get” things as quickly as others.

That’s the lie we’ve been sold that has kept many stuck, thinking their abilities are set in stone. 

Thankfully, the triarchic theory of intelligence came to be in 1985, proving that smartness isn’t confined to IQ test scores alone.

Who developed the triarchic theory of intelligence and why?

Robert J. Sternberg, an American psychologist and psychometrician who was deeply interested in human intelligence, saw early on that traditional tests didn’t tell the full story. 

His own struggles with test anxiety pushed him to explore intelligence beyond memorization and problem-solving under pressure. Throughout his career as a researcher, he observed how people apply knowledge in real-world situations—which was how the triarchic theory was born.

What is the triarchic theory of intelligence?

Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence is a breakthrough model that redefines what it means to be smart. It sheds light on how well you think, create, and apply knowledge in real-world situations.

Intelligence, as the model posits, boils down to three core abilities:

• Analytical intelligence. The problem-solving, logic, and reasoning skills that help you break down complex ideas and make calculated decisions.
• Creative intelligence. The ability to generate fresh ideas, think outside the box, and approach challenges in innovative ways.
• Practical intelligence. The street smarts that help you adapt, navigate everyday situations, and make things happen in real life.

According to Jim Kwik, a brain performance expert and the trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain program, when it comes to your intelligence and your potential, it’s not fixed. “You could do so much more than you realize that you’re capable of.”

Steinberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence vs. other theories

Score high on a test, and you’re labeled a genius. But hit low, and you were deemed average—or worse, below average. 

This was how things were done to measure intelligence, well before Sternberg entered the scene.

Thankfully, he did. He knew intelligence couldn’t be boxed to what you know, that it was more about how you think, create, and adapt. And modern researchers have followed suit in poking holes at the outdated concept, too. Because, as it turns out, IQ scores don’t necessarily correlate well with job performance at work.

Of course, he’s not the only one with theories of intelligence to shake the status quo. Here’s how his theory stacks up against other major views on intelligence:

Theory	Developer	Core idea	Sternberg’s take
Spearman’s general intelligence (g-factor)	Charles Spearman (1904)	Intelligence is a single, measurable ability that influences performance across all cognitive tasks. If you’re good at one thing, you’re probably good at others too.	Sternberg pushed back on this one-size-fits-all approach. Problem-solving is important, but success in life depends just as much on creativity and adaptability—things IQ tests don’t measure.
Multiple intelligences	Howard Gardner (1983)	There are eight forms of intelligence: musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, logical-mathematical, and linguistic.	While he appreciated the broader view, he believed Gardner’ss model mixed intelligence with talents. Being a great musician or athlete, he said, is a skill. But intelligence is about how you think, create, and apply knowledge.
The grit theory	Angela Duckworth (2007)	Passion and perseverance, not just raw intelligence, are the biggest predictors of success. Those who keep going, despite setbacks, go the furthest.	Hard work matters, but effort without strategy is just spinning your wheels. He argued that true intelligence means knowing when to adapt, change tactics, and make smarter moves, not just push harder.

So, who got it right? Well, they all did—in different ways.

Spearman saw intelligence as a fixed trait. Gardner stretched the definition into multiple categories. Duckworth emphasized grit as a success factor. And Sternberg? He wove them all together in one elaborate stitch.

The intelligence revolution: Why it matters today

The triarchic theory of intelligence shows what we all suspected but could not articulate (until now): intelligence was never a static trait but rather a spectrum you can shape, stretch, and develop. Focus on only one type, and you leave serious, multi-faceted potential on the table.

And in today’s world, that’s a risk you can’t afford to take.

The career paths you grew up believing in? They’re vanishing faster than you can say job security. McKinsey predicts that AI could replace 30% of hours worked in the U.S. economy by 2030. Meanwhile, the gig economy is exploding, expected to skyrocket from $556.7 billion in 2024 to $1.8 trillion by 2032. Translation? The old “climb the corporate ladder” model is dead.

Relying on one skill won’t cut it anymore. The people who stack tech, creativity, leadership, and adaptability won’t just stay ahead of the curve; they’ll be the ones shaping it.

And that, in essence, is intelligence as Sternberg defines it: not just knowing things, but thinking, creating, and applying knowledge at the highest level.

Your memory is not fixed. Your ability to focus is not fixed. Your intelligence is not fixed.

— Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain program

Analytical intelligence: The power of logic and reasoning

Ever met someone who can break down a problem like a detective, spot patterns like a pro, and explain things with laser-sharp clarity? That’s analytical intelligence in action.

You know the type: the ones who ace standardized tests, write flawless academic papers, and thrive in highly structured environments. In the professional world, they’re the chess masters, scientists, analysts—anyone who excels in critical thinking and structured problem-solving.

Some of history’s greatest minds ran on this kind of intelligence:

• Albert Einstein. This “mad scientist” rewrote the laws of physics with his theory of relativity, proving that space and time weren’t fixed concepts but could bend and stretch.
• J. Robert Oppenheimer. The guy who led the Manhattan Project, breaking down atomic physics into equations that changed the course of history—though at an ethical cost.
• Stephen Hawking. He used pure logic to decode the mysteries of black holes, crafting some of the most influential scientific theories without ever writing on a chalkboard himself.
• Ada Lovelace. As the first-ever programmer, she envisioned the first computer algorithm in the 1800s, predicting the power of programming long before the modern digital age.
• Marie Curie. She’s the two-time Nobel Prize winner who pioneered research on radioactivity, proving that scientific breakthroughs happen when logic meets relentless curiosity.
• Alan Turing. The cryptography genius who cracked the Nazi Enigma code, shortening World War II and laying the foundation for modern computing.
• Elon Musk. This modern-day engineer-entrepreneur—and one of the richest men on Earth—applies first-principles thinking to revolutionize industries, from electric cars to space travel.

The success each figure achieved was undeniably monumental and historical. But it’s important to note that they’re outliers in this area of intelligence.

How to strengthen analytical intelligence (without getting stuck in theory mode)

So, if you’re the analytical type and you want to further sharpen your inner strategist, here’s what you can do:

• Question everything. Don’t take things at face value. Analyze motives, dig into data, and look for bias.
• Play strategy games. Chess, poker, and puzzle-solving video games train you to think multiple steps ahead.
• Debate and defend your ideas. The best way to sharpen your reasoning? Engage in deep discussions where you’re forced to back up your thoughts.
• Solve real-world problems. Theory is nice, but real intelligence comes from applying what you know. Find ways to use logic in everyday decision-making.

Being analytical means more than just absorbing information. It’s ultimately about knowing when to question, when to strategize, and when to act.

Creative intelligence: Thinking outside of the box

Creative intelligence is what separates the innovators from the imitators. It’s the ability to spot opportunities, connect unexpected ideas, thrive on bold moves, and create something entirely new. 

It’s also the most undervalued form of intelligence in traditional education. Schools don’t test for it, and society doesn’t always reward it—until someone disrupts an industry, builds a game-changing brand, or launches an idea the world didn’t know it needed.

Below are examples of leaders who have mastered creative intelligence and rewrote the rules in their industries:

• Steven Bartlett. The former college dropout who stacked skills in marketing, psychology, and storytelling to turn The Diary of a CEO into a global podcast empire—proving that creativity thrives in skill-stacking.
• Vishen. The ex-Silicon Valley engineer who disrupted traditional education with Mindvalley, merging tech, neuroscience, and personal growth into a revolutionary learning platform.
• Sophia Amoruso. This serial entrepreneur built Nasty Gal, Girlboss, and Business Class from the ground up, using sharp storytelling and “street-smart” business instincts to redefine entrepreneurship for a new generation.
• Vitalik Buterin. The mastermind behind Ethereum reimagined what blockchain could do beyond Bitcoin, sparking a decentralized revolution in finance, art, and digital ownership.
• Beyoncé. She reinvented the music industry by controlling her narrative, dropping surprise albums, and merging artistry with business. The results? New creative and financial standards for those following her footsteps.
• Tim Ferriss. He reverse-engineered peak performance with The 4-Hour Workweek, blending productivity, biohacking, and business strategies into a playbook for modern polymaths.

As their stories illustrate, creative intelligence is a skill you can sharpen like a knife.

How to strengthen creative intelligence

The best innovators train their brains to see patterns, challenge norms, and create solutions where others see roadblocks. In other words? They always adopt the beginner’s mindset, most naturally seen in the youngest in society.

“Children can learn a language. They can learn musical instruments,” Jim points out. “And they can learn it fast.”

So, want to rev up your creative streak to strengthen this type of intelligence? Here’s how:

• Expose yourself to more ideas. Creativity thrives on variety. Read those “weird” books, watch thought-provoking podcasts and documentaries, and research the best use cases in different industries. 
• Ask better questions. Instead of accepting things as they are, challenge them. How could this be done differently? What’s missing?
• Experiment constantly. Try new skills, test ideas, and put things into action. Creativity happens when you stop overthinking and start doing.
• Surround yourself with bold thinkers. Being around creative minds pushes you to think bigger and take smarter risks.

And when in doubt? Remember that creativity isn’t about what you’ve been taught—it’s about what you discover. “Don’t let school get in the way of your education,” Jim reminds us.

Practical intelligence: street smarts and adaptability

Practical intelligence is what makes things happen in the real world. It’s the ability to read situations, adapt quickly, and make decisions that get results. 

While analytical intelligence helps you process information and creative intelligence fuels innovation, practical intelligence is what ensures you execute effectively—whether in business, leadership, or everyday life.

Below are the exemplary leaders who mastered it and used it to shape their industries:

• Oprah Winfrey. Built a media empire by reading people, seizing the right opportunities, and knowing exactly how to connect with audiences on a deep level.
• Jeff Bezos. Saw the e-commerce boom before anyone else, scaled Amazon with ruthless efficiency, and turned logistical nightmares into market domination.
• Serena Williams. A master at adapting mid-match, reading opponents in real-time, and turning setbacks into wins—both on and off the court.
• Richard Branson. A business maverick who built Virgin Group by making bold moves, taking risks, and trusting his instincts to build new ventures from scratch.
• Kobe Bryant. Relentlessly studied opponents, adjusted his game on the fly, and used his deep understanding of psychology to outmaneuver the competition.
• Sheryl Sandberg. Helped Facebook scale globally, navigating complex business landscapes and making strategic decisions that kept the company ahead of the curve.

The common thread that binds them? They all acted on their instinct because they understood the game, read the room, and made bold moves when it mattered.

How to cultivate practical intelligence

With all the talk about being instinct-driven, it’s easy to believe practical intelligence is something you either have or don’t. Reality check: it’s a skill that’s trained over time.

Here’s how you develop it:

• Make more decisions, faster. Don’t wait for the perfect setup. Learn to assess risks quickly and make the best choice with the information you have.
• Learn to read the room. Whether in negotiations, meetings, or networking, pay attention to people’s motives, reactions, and energy.
• Expose yourself to real-world challenges. Start a side hustle, handle tough conversations, or take on responsibilities that push you outside your comfort zone.
• Study high-level decision-makers. Observe how top entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders make critical moves under pressure.
• Get comfortable with uncertainty. The real world doesn’t come with a manual. Learn to trust your ability to adapt and figure things out as you go.

At the end of the day, practical intelligence is about making moves, not just making plans. The more you act, the sharper you get.

The science behind intelligence: What research says

Your brain isn’t just a fact-collecting machine; it’s a shapeshifter. 

Every time you challenge yourself to think differently, solve problems, or pick up a new skill, you’re rewiring it. This ability to adapt and grow? It’s called neuroplasticity, and it’s happening every second of your life.

That’s why intelligence is not something set in stone. “Your memory is not fixed. Your ability to focus is not fixed. Your intelligence is not fixed,” says Jim. And this is exactly what the triarchic theory of intelligence aims to prove.

And the proof? Research done to investigate the gifted and talented showed that students taught using Sternberg’s three-part model—analytical drills, creative problem-solving, and real-world applications—don’t just memorize facts. They also understand and apply them better.

Meanwhile, a study on the Yup’ik people of Alaska found that real-life problem-solving—the kind of practical intelligence that helps you navigate everyday life—is just as crucial as traditional smarts. This goes to show that knowing how to adapt and make strategic moves in the real world matters just as much as book smarts.

So it’s clear: the more you stretch your thinking, the sharper your reasoning becomes, the quicker you solve problems, and the easier it gets to connect the dots between ideas. 

All of these are markers of cognitive flexibility—your ability to shift perspectives and approach problems in different ways. And there’s no way of ignoring its importance… because it’s one of the biggest predictors of success.

7 pro tips on how to develop each type of intelligence

Want to sharpen your intelligence the Sternberg way? The key is learning better rather than more. 

Thankfully, Jim’s techniques are always on standby for this. They’re designed to rewire how you think, so every piece of information you absorb becomes something you can use.

Here’s the Kwik playbook on how to learn faster and expand your smartness:

1. The F.A.S.T. method

Mastering all three intelligence types is about how you process and use knowledge on time and at the right place. Remarkably, Jim’s F.A.S.T. method also taps into this capability and speeds things up so your brain works at full capacity.

Here’s what the acronym in the technique stands for:

• F is for “forget”. Let go of what you think you know. Intelligence grows when you’re open to new perspectives. Drop assumptions and let curiosity drive your learning.
• A is for “active”. As in active learning. Because the thing is, passive learning is useless. Engage with what you’re learning, whether by questioning it, debating it, or applying it immediately.
• S is for “state”. “All learning is state-dependent. If emotion is zero, anything times zero is zero,” explains Jim. Ergo, the right “mood” and state of mind can supercharge your ability to think, create, and execute by leaps and bounds.
• T is for “teach”. Teaching the knowledge you know to others locks it in, making it easier to recall and apply in real life. As Jim describes, “When I teach something, I get to learn it twice.” And a bonus if you can explain an idea in your own words.

When you accelerate your thinking, problem-solving, and executing skills, you stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.

2. The M.O.M. technique

You can’t apply what you don’t remember. And with Jim’s M.O.M. technique—which stands for “motivation,” “observation,” and “mechanics”—you can. It’s a game-changer for encoding knowledge into your long-term intelligence bank.

Let’s break it down:

• Motivation. Intelligence without motivation is useless. Why do you want to learn this? Tie it to a real-life goal; this way, your brain will work harder to retain and apply it.
• Observation. Finding it hard to remember facts? “You don’t have a memory problem. You have a focus problem,” says Jim. But you can break the spell by paying full attention to the world around you. It’s the surefire way to develop and accelerate practical and creative intelligence.
• Mechanics. There are proven ways to learn and think faster, like creative visualization, association, and storytelling. Train your brain with these techniques, and you’ll process complex ideas effortlessly.

Remember, the brain is nature’s best supercomputer. “If you tell yourself you’re not good at remembering names, you will not remember the name of the next person you meet because you programmed your supercomputer not to,” reminds Jim. 

And the opposite is true: keep telling yourself your memory’s excellent, and you’ll eventually witness your knowledge bank expanding like never before.

3. Radical note-taking

Want to think faster and connect ideas effortlessly? Then stop mindlessly copying information and learn how to take notes like a champ with Jim’s Capture and Create method. It optimizes note-taking so it supports your mastery of Sternberg’s three intelligence types.

Here’s how it works:

• Capture. On the left side of your notebook, jot down key concepts, facts, and insights. This is the raw data—the “what.”
• Create. On the right side, make it personal. Write your takeaways, questions, and ideas on how you can use this knowledge in real life. Here, you take stock of the “why” and “how.”

Most people write notes like they’re transcribing a lecture. But if you’re just copying word-for-word, you’re not actually thinking. The brain thrives on forming new neural connections, not just storing information.

And the moment you start treating note-taking as an active process, you’re no longer a student. What you are is an innovator in training.

4. Spaced repetition

One-time learning is easily forgettable. Now, real intelligence sticks when you revisit and apply what you’ve learned at the right moments—a technique Jim calls spaced repetition.

In simple terms? Repetition + timing = mastery. 

A review timeline that works on an “every other day” momentum helps you “really consolidate [newly learned information] from your short- to long-term memory so it becomes part of you,” says Jim. This way, instead of passively cramming facts (à la rote learning), you’re reinforcing new neural connections, a process that makes idea retention second nature.

And here’s where it ties back to the triarchic theory of intelligence:

• Analytical intelligence. Revisiting problem-solving methods in spaced intervals helps them become instinctual, complex issues.
• Creative intelligence. Space out creative skill-building—whether it’s writing, designing, or brainstorming—so your ideas flow effortlessly over time.
• Practical intelligence. Rehearse real-world decision-making scenarios so your brain sharpens its ability to think on the spot. 

Think of it as rewatching your favorite show. The first time, you get the gist. The second time, you catch subtle details. By the third time? You can quote entire scenes without thinking.

That’s how radical intelligence development works. The more strategically you revisit and apply knowledge, the faster your brain retrieves it when it matters most.

5. Emotional regulation

Your emotional state plays a bigger role in intelligence than you might think. 

“If you’re bored, your brain won’t retain the information,” says Jim. The same can happen with stress, endless digital distractions, or unendingly negative self-regard.

So, how do you keep your brain in the optimal state for learning and decision-making?

• Play calming music. Soft, low-frequency sounds help lower stress, improving memory and concentration.
• Meditate. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness meditation a day can strengthen your overall focus, creativity, and cognitive flexibility.
• Breathe into your “genius.” Mindful breathing techniques, like the 4-7-8 method or the SOMA Breath® technique, can shift your brain into a more focused, relaxed mode.
• Declutter the space where you learn and work. Too much visual “noise” can overwhelm the brain, making it harder to think clearly and stay present.
• Journal every day. Writing down thoughts helps process emotions, declutter the mind, and enhance problem-solving skills.
• Exercise. Move your body, and you “move” your brain, too. Studies show that regular exercise—especially aerobic—increases your cognitive functions. It’s how you can think more clearly and make smarter decisions on the fly.

When you master your emotions, you stop second-guessing yourself and start making sharper, more strategic decisions—just like a true triarchic thinker.

6. A conducive environment

Jim often talks about curating a brain-friendly environment to optimize learning. That means:

• A mind-expanding tribe. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you to grow and scale, not devolve.
• A workspace that fuels clarity and creativity. Design your environment to minimize distractions and maximize focus. Think clean space, good lighting, and tools that keep your brain engaged.
• A content diet that feeds your mind. What you read, watch, and listen to shapes your thinking. Choose books, podcasts, and conversations that expand your perspective and sharpen your intelligence.

Ultimately, developing intelligence isn’t just about what you learn but also who and what influences your thinking on the day-to-day.

7. A beginner’s mindset

Curiosity is a lifelong cheat code for expanding intelligence. It’s why children are the best students ever. “[They] can learn a language. They can learn musical instruments. And they can learn it fast,” explains Jim in his program. 

And no—it’s not because their brains are “young” and “new” but because they’ve not been conditioned to doubt themselves as they learn new information on the go.

So, what if expanding your intelligence, the triarchic way, is to embody the same unbridled curiosity you once had as a child? Well, only one way to know—by embracing the beginner’s mode and learning with the best resources on the topic.

Programs

• Superbrain by Jim Kwik. Whether it’s retaining information faster, thinking more creatively, or sharpening problem-solving skills, this program rewires your brain for high-speed learning.
• Becoming Focused and Indistractible by Nir Eyal. Explore this program for no-nonsense, easy-to-apply methods like dopamine fasting and timeboxing so you can experience both creative and analytical breakthroughs.
• The Silva Ultramind System by Vishen. Here, you’ll learn how to tap into altered states of consciousness and use visualization techniques based on the Silva Method by José Silva to reprogram your mind. 
• The Transformation Leader by Morty Moran. Explore science-backed strategies to tackle complex problems and drive real change—essentially practical and analytical intelligence in action.

Before [Superbrain], I had a morning routine, but it wasn’t consistent. I struggled to focus and follow through with learning. [But after the program] my memory improved, my habits became structured, and I finally understood why these practices mattered.

— Milica Lazovic, a Mindvalley member on Superbrain by Jim Kwik

Books

• Limitless by Jim Kwik. A guide to unlocking your brain’s full potential, helping you learn faster, think smarter, and upgrade your intelligence at any stage of life.
• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein. This book argues that generalists—those who explore broadly before specializing—outperform niche-focused professionals in an unpredictable world.
• The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani. A playbook for questioning outdated beliefs—which Vishen calls “brules” (or bullsh*t rules)—and designing a smarter, more limitless life.
• Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol. Think in first principles, embrace uncertainty, and challenge assumptions to make smarter decisions and breakthrough innovations.
• The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman. Learn the most valuable lessons from top MBA programs and apply them in real-world scenarios to set you up for success outside of the box. No six-figure business degrees are needed. 
• Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke. A masterclass in decision-making, risk assessment, and using uncertainty to your advantage, led by a former professional poker player.

Podcasts

• The Mindvalley Podcast with Vishen and Megan Pormer. Expect mind-expanding conversations on spirituality, wellness, neuroscience, and intelligence evolution with world-class experts from various industries.
• The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett. Think of this podcast as the blueprint for thinking creatively, making smarter moves, and expanding your intelligence in ways no textbook ever could—via insights from the world’s top thinkers, entrepreneurs, and disruptors.
• The Mel Robbins Podcast with Mel Robbins. Mel Robbins doesn’t do fluff. And her podcast is a straight-talking, science-backed deep dive into the psychology of success, habit formation, and overcoming mental roadblocks. 
• The Genius Mind with Max Lugavere. It’s a platform where Max investigates science-backed insights in nutrition, movement, and lifestyle and how they impact cognitive function and overall intelligence.
• No Stupid Questions with Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner. If you’ve ever questioned how intelligence really works, this podcast is your playground. Bestselling author and grit expert Angela joins Freakonomics’ Stephen Dubner in exploring the quirks of human behavior, learning, and problem-solving.
• Women at Work by Harvard Business Review. Dive into the unfiltered truths about female leadership and decision-making in the pursuit of high-performance careers—and the pressure women face to balance it all.
• The Knowledge Project by Shane Parrish. In this podcast, the former intelligence officer turned Farnam Street founder breaks down mental models that help you make sharper decisions, cut through the noise, and see the world like a strategist. 

The more you stay curious, challenge assumptions, and learn from the best, the sharper, faster, and more adaptable your brain becomes. 

Keep feeding it with the right information, and it will take you further than you ever imagined.

Awaken your unstoppable

“The two most powerful words in the world are ‘I am.’ Whatever you put after them shapes your reality,” says Jim.

In other words, what you tell yourself matters. If you believe you’re fast at learning, great at remembering names, or that you are a creative person, your brain follows suit.

Since intelligence isn’t a fixed trait, and you can build, refine, and expand it, the real question is… are you training your brain to keep up with the rapidly shifting world?

If not, Jim’s free Mindvalley masterclass, Becoming a Super Learner, might be exactly what you need. 

This prelude to his Superbrain program breaks down the science of learning faster, remembering more, and unlocking your full cognitive potential. You’ll walk away with practical takeaways to supercharge your learning speed, memory, and cognitive performance—just like the actors, CEOs, Olympians, and NASA scientists he has trained.

And the impact is real. For Milica Lazovic, an opera singer in Italy, it changed everything.

“Before this program, I had a morning routine, but it wasn’t consistent,” she explains. “I struggled to focus and follow through with learning.” But after applying the Superbrain techniques? “My memory improved, my habits became structured, and I finally understood why these practices mattered.”

Like Milica, you, too, will see that your brain has always been your greatest “ally” all along. The more you train it, the more it gives back. So, master your mind with Mindvalley, and everything else follows.

Welcome in.