How do I increase my cognitive performance and brain power?

You can increase cognitive performance by understanding the biological foundations of intelligence and optimizing how your brain processes information. By focusing on neuroplasticity and cognitive health, you can systematically improve your mental clarity, focus, and the speed at which your brain handles complex data.

What are the best techniques for permanent memory retention?

The most effective methods for permanent retention include spaced repetition, active recall, and advanced mnemonic strategies. These techniques leverage the way the brain encodes information, ensuring that new knowledge is moved from short-term memory into long-term storage through structured intervals and cognitive reinforcement.

Is it possible to improve critical thinking skills as an adult?

Yes, it is entirely possible to sharpen your thinking by mastering mental models and identifying common cognitive biases. By consciously applying logical frameworks to your daily reasoning, you can overcome instinctive errors in judgment and develop a more objective, analytical approach to problem-solving.

Does creative intelligence actually help with practical problem-solving?

Creative intelligence is essential for practical problem-solving because it allows you to break free from conventional thought patterns. By training your brain to generate breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions, you can address complex challenges that standard analytical thinking might fail to resolve.

How long does it take to see results from brain training?

Visible improvements in cognitive function typically appear within a few weeks of consistent practice with memory and reasoning exercises. While foundational brain health is a lifelong pursuit, the immediate application of learning acceleration techniques can produce noticeable changes in how quickly you absorb new information.

Why is understanding cognitive bias important for making better decisions?

Understanding cognitive bias is vital because it reveals the hidden mental shortcuts that often lead to flawed conclusions. By recognizing these internal prejudices, you can clear the path for sharper thinking, leading to more rational, evidence-based decisions in both professional and personal environments.

Become smarter

LEARNING PLAN

Become smarter

This plan is essential for anyone looking to optimize their mental hardware and software for peak performance. It is ideal for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want to master the science of effective thinking and memory.

ByCommunity User

2 h 16 m

• 4 sections • 12 courses • Updated 28 days ago

12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed's proprietary AI to help you learn Become smarter with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering Become smarter.

What You'll Learn

Understand the biological foundations of brain function and cognitive performance.
Apply memory mastery techniques and spaced repetition to accelerate learning.
Develop sharp critical thinking skills to identify and overcome cognitive biases.
Utilize mental models to improve reasoning and daily decision-making.
Unlock creative potential to generate innovative solutions for complex problems.

Discover how your brain actually works and the science behind intelligence, memory, and cognitive performance—setting the foundation for systematic improvement.

Brain Rules

Discover 12 principles about how our brains work and apply them to enhance learning, work, and daily life.

9 m

Smarter

Explore cutting-edge research on boosting intelligence through brain training, exercise, and other cognitive enhancement techniques.

8 m

25 sources

The Science of Getting Mentally Smart

Discover what intelligence really means beyond trivia and test scores. Learn evidence-based strategies to enhance different types of cognitive abilities and build genuine mental fitness.

27 m

Transform how you learn and remember through proven memory techniques, spaced repetition, and cognitive strategies that make knowledge stick permanently.

Unlimited Memory

Unlock your mind's potential with powerful memory techniques to learn faster, remember more, and boost productivity effortlessly.

9 m

MAKE IT STICK , BROWN, PETER C. [Hardcover] HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Transform learning with science-backed strategies for durable memory and mastery.

8 m

MAKE IT STICK , BROWN, PETER C. [Hardcover] HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS

28 sources

How to Remember What You Read

Stop forgetting the books you read. Learn how to move from passive consumption to active mastery using retrieval and spaced repetition for real learning.

14 m

Master critical thinking, overcome cognitive biases, and develop mental models that lead to clearer reasoning and smarter decision-making in all areas of life.

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Uncover cognitive biases and logical fallacies to make better decisions in all aspects of life through 99 insightful chapters.

8 m

Great Mental Models, Volume 1

Upgrade your thinking with powerful mental models to improve decision-making, productivity, and clarity in understanding the world.

8 m

How to Improve Critical Thinking Skills: Practical Steps That Work - Feen AI

7 Critical Thinking Exercises for Adults to Improve Decision-Making

Critical thinking is more important than ever. How can I improve my skills?

The Role of Critical Thinking Skills in Improving Mental Health | Psychology Today

8 sources

Critical thinking skills can be trained

Most people think logic is an innate talent, but it’s a skill you can build. Learn five pillars to stop being a passive consumer and sharpen your mind.

13 m

Unlock your creative potential and learn to think outside conventional patterns, generating breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions to complex problems.

How to Think More Effectively

Optimize your mind for creativity, insight, and productivity.

8 m

The Five Elements of Effective Thinking

Unlock your potential with five powerful thinking strategies to solve problems and spark creativity in all aspects of life.

9 m

27 sources

First principles thinking and why analogies fail

Stop copying what worked before and inheriting blind spots. Learn to boil problems down to fundamental truths to build truly original solutions.

15 m

Discover more

Maximize intelligence and memory performance

LEARNING PLAN

Maximize intelligence and memory performance

In an information-heavy world, the ability to process and retain knowledge is the ultimate competitive advantage. This plan is designed for professionals, students, and lifelong learners who want to upgrade their mental hardware using science-backed protocols.

2 h 57 m•4 Sections

Boost Productivity, Mindset, IQ & Memory

LEARNING PLAN

Boost Productivity, Mindset, IQ & Memory

In an era of information overload, the ability to optimize your brain's output is a critical competitive advantage. This plan is designed for high-achievers and lifelong learners looking to bridge the gap between potential and peak performance through systematic cognitive and behavioral upgrades.

2 h 39 m•4 Sections

Get smarter and be better at school

LEARNING PLAN

Get smarter and be better at school

This plan is essential for students and lifelong learners who want to move beyond rote memorization to true cognitive mastery. It bridges the gap between effort and results by combining neuroscientific study habits with high-level critical thinking skills.

2 h 18 m•4 Sections

Learn the most I can

LEARNING PLAN

Learn the most I can

This plan is essential for anyone looking to optimize their cognitive performance and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. It is designed for students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want to master complex skills faster and think more clearly.

3 h 6 m•4 Sections

Anything to better my mind

LEARNING PLAN

Anything to better my mind

This plan is essential for anyone looking to unlock their full cognitive potential and achieve mental excellence. It is designed for lifelong learners and professionals who want to sharpen their intellect, master their emotions, and make more informed decisions in every aspect of life.

2 h 11 m•4 Sections

All of this

LEARNING PLAN

All of this

This plan is essential for anyone looking to optimize their mental performance and professional effectiveness. It is designed for lifelong learners and professionals who want to master the underlying mechanics of cognition, decision-making, and high-performance habits.

2 h 34 m•4 Sections

Just to be smarter n productive

LEARNING PLAN

Just to be smarter n productive

This plan is designed for individuals looking to move beyond surface-level productivity by mastering the cognitive science of high performance. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for anyone wanting to sharpen their intellect, learn faster, and manage their attention with strategic precision.

3 h•5 Sections

Learn and gain knowledge to exercise brain

LEARNING PLAN

Learn and gain knowledge to exercise brain

This plan is essential for anyone looking to optimize their cognitive health and professional efficiency. It benefits students, professionals, and lifelong learners seeking to sharpen their intellect and master advanced decision-making frameworks.

2 h 6 m•4 Sections

FAQs

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

Become smarter

LEARNING PLAN

Become smarter

ByCommunity User

2 h 16 m

• 4 sections • 12 courses • Updated 28 days ago

12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

What You'll Learn

Understand the biological foundations of brain function and cognitive performance.
Apply memory mastery techniques and spaced repetition to accelerate learning.
Develop sharp critical thinking skills to identify and overcome cognitive biases.
Utilize mental models to improve reasoning and daily decision-making.
Unlock creative potential to generate innovative solutions for complex problems.

Discover how your brain actually works and the science behind intelligence, memory, and cognitive performance—setting the foundation for systematic improvement.

Brain Rules

Discover 12 principles about how our brains work and apply them to enhance learning, work, and daily life.

9 m

Smarter

Explore cutting-edge research on boosting intelligence through brain training, exercise, and other cognitive enhancement techniques.

8 m

25 sources

The Science of Getting Mentally Smart

Discover what intelligence really means beyond trivia and test scores. Learn evidence-based strategies to enhance different types of cognitive abilities and build genuine mental fitness.

27 m

Transform how you learn and remember through proven memory techniques, spaced repetition, and cognitive strategies that make knowledge stick permanently.

Unlimited Memory

Unlock your mind's potential with powerful memory techniques to learn faster, remember more, and boost productivity effortlessly.

9 m

MAKE IT STICK , BROWN, PETER C. [Hardcover] HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Transform learning with science-backed strategies for durable memory and mastery.

8 m

28 sources

How to Remember What You Read

Stop forgetting the books you read. Learn how to move from passive consumption to active mastery using retrieval and spaced repetition for real learning.

14 m

Master critical thinking, overcome cognitive biases, and develop mental models that lead to clearer reasoning and smarter decision-making in all areas of life.

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Uncover cognitive biases and logical fallacies to make better decisions in all aspects of life through 99 insightful chapters.

8 m

Great Mental Models, Volume 1

Upgrade your thinking with powerful mental models to improve decision-making, productivity, and clarity in understanding the world.

8 m

8 sources

Critical thinking skills can be trained

Most people think logic is an innate talent, but it’s a skill you can build. Learn five pillars to stop being a passive consumer and sharpen your mind.

13 m

Unlock your creative potential and learn to think outside conventional patterns, generating breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions to complex problems.

How to Think More Effectively

Optimize your mind for creativity, insight, and productivity.

8 m

The Five Elements of Effective Thinking

Unlock your potential with five powerful thinking strategies to solve problems and spark creativity in all aspects of life.

9 m

27 sources

First principles thinking and why analogies fail

Stop copying what worked before and inheriting blind spots. Learn to boil problems down to fundamental truths to build truly original solutions.

15 m

Discover more

Maximize intelligence and memory performance

LEARNING PLAN

Maximize intelligence and memory performance

2 h 57 m•4 Sections

Boost Productivity, Mindset, IQ & Memory

LEARNING PLAN

Boost Productivity, Mindset, IQ & Memory

2 h 39 m•4 Sections

Get smarter and be better at school

LEARNING PLAN

Get smarter and be better at school

2 h 18 m•4 Sections

Learn the most I can

LEARNING PLAN

Learn the most I can

3 h 6 m•4 Sections

Anything to better my mind

LEARNING PLAN

Anything to better my mind

2 h 11 m•4 Sections

All of this

LEARNING PLAN

All of this

2 h 34 m•4 Sections

Just to be smarter n productive

LEARNING PLAN

Just to be smarter n productive

3 h•5 Sections

Learn and gain knowledge to exercise brain

LEARNING PLAN

Learn and gain knowledge to exercise brain

2 h 6 m•4 Sections

FAQs

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

Become smarter

How This Learning Plan Was Made

What You'll Learn

1The Brain Foundations of Intelligence

2Memory Mastery and Learning Acceleration

3Sharp Thinking and Better Decisions

4Creative Intelligence and Innovation

Discover more

Maximize intelligence and memory performance

Boost Productivity, Mindset, IQ & Memory

Get smarter and be better at school

Learn the most I can

Anything to better my mind

All of this

Just to be smarter n productive

Learn and gain knowledge to exercise brain

FAQs

How do I increase my cognitive performance and brain power?

What are the best techniques for permanent memory retention?

Is it possible to improve critical thinking skills as an adult?

Does creative intelligence actually help with practical problem-solving?

See More Stories?

Become smarter

How This Learning Plan Was Made

What You'll Learn

1The Brain Foundations of Intelligence

2Memory Mastery and Learning Acceleration

3Sharp Thinking and Better Decisions

4Creative Intelligence and Innovation

Discover more

Maximize intelligence and memory performance

Boost Productivity, Mindset, IQ & Memory

Get smarter and be better at school

Learn the most I can

Anything to better my mind

All of this

Just to be smarter n productive

Learn and gain knowledge to exercise brain

FAQs

How do I increase my cognitive performance and brain power?

What are the best techniques for permanent memory retention?

Is it possible to improve critical thinking skills as an adult?

Does creative intelligence actually help with practical problem-solving?

See More Stories?