Think You’re Not Good at It? Think Again.

Your Brain is a Muscle: Why Intelligence Isn’t Fixed and How to Flex Your Learning Style

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not a math person” or “I’ll never be good at writing”? You’re not alone—but here’s the truth: that kind of thinking is a myth. Intelligence isn’t fixed. It’s flexible, it’s malleable, and just like any other muscle in your body, your brain gets stronger the more you use it.

That idea is called a growth mindset—the belief that your abilities can improve with effort, strategy, and guidance. And when you combine that mindset with an understanding of your preferred learning style (and when to use it), you can unlock a powerful path to academic success.

What’s a Preferred Learning Style?

Your preferred learning style is simply the way you naturally like to absorb and process information. Maybe you’re a visual learner who thrives with diagrams and color-coded notes. Or maybe you’re more auditory and remember everything from a lecture. Perhaps you’re kinesthetic and need to do something with your hands before it makes sense.

Recognizing your preferred learning style helps you play to your strengths—but here’s the real key: you also need to learn how to adapt.

Not Every Environment Matches Your Style—and That’s Okay

Different classes, different teachers, and different subjects require different types of thinking. A lecture-heavy history class may favor auditory learners, while a chemistry lab might better suit kinesthetic learners.

So instead of feeling stuck or frustrated when a class doesn’t align with your preferred style, ask yourself:

• Which learning style does this environment favor?

• How can I adapt my study habits to work with it, not against it?

Maybe that means recording a lecture to play back later. Or turning written notes into mind maps. Or forming a study group so you can talk through complex ideas. It’s about getting creative and expanding your toolkit.

Grow the Styles That Grow You

You don’t have to be boxed in by just one learning style. In fact, some of the most successful students are multilingual learners—fluent in several styles and able to switch depending on the situation.

Want to strengthen your non-dominant styles? Try these strategies:

• Visual Learner? Practice listening to podcasts or audiobooks and summarizing out loud.

• Auditory Learner? Try turning information into diagrams or charts.

• Kinesthetic Learner? Act out or simulate processes (even using flashcards with physical movement).

Think of it like cross-training for your brain. You’re building cognitive agility, which makes you more confident, more resourceful, and better prepared for any academic challenge.

Final Takeaway: You’re Not “Bad” at Anything—You’re Just Not There Yet

Learning is a process. Growth is the goal. You’re not limited by where you start, but by what you believe about your ability to grow. Once you understand how you learn best—and when to adapt—you gain the power to turn any learning environment into one where you can thrive.

So stretch those mental muscles. Experiment.