Building an Effective Knowledge Base

Regardless of job or status, it is always appealing to meet someone who has an impressive knowledge base. But it's not just about winning at Trivial Pursuit or knowing the answers on Jeopardy; people are drawn to someone who has facts and information at their disposal because it reinforces a social hierarchy. Information generates interest and being knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics can open doors to friendships, relationships and career opportunities. But how does one go about building a solid foundation of such knowledge? As a general rule, it can take a lifetime of soaking up bits of information around you to achieve this goal. But there are a few ways to quickly kick-start the journey to being a knowledge guru.


(1) Restructure your means of entertainment. If you must watch television, tune into educational programming on stations such as the History or Discovery channel. There is no need to take notes but it is important to train your mind to soak up everything it hears and sees. Cut out distractions and try not to eat while you are watching, as this inhibits your ability to pay attention. If you do happen to be watching regular programming or movies, focus on learning the actors and directors involved. Take an interest in the production and ask yourself questions like, "How did they do that effect?" or "I wonder where the idea for that joke came from?" Having an inquisitive mind makes TV less mindless and it is essential to creating a knowledge base.


(2) Trim down networking on the phone or Internet. Many of the world's greatest minds seem secluded because they do not waste frivolous hours on Facebook. Instead, do an Internet search on something you may have an interest in, like skiing. Reading quick articles on topics that interest you piques your mind to thirst for more knowledge.


(3) Purchase nonfiction books on topics that interest you. Leave them in the bathroom and around the house and pick them up whenever you have a minute. The morning and night are some of the best times to feed your brain. They need not be encyclopedias, just books that you won't mind skimming through when you have time.


(4) Nurture your inquisitive nature. Take note throughout the day when there are questions you do not know the answers to or topics you know nothing about. Make a mental note to do a quick online search and educate yourself about them later. If you have a phone with online capabilities, don't be afraid to be that person who is always searching for an answer immediately. They are the people who often have a large amount of information at their disposal. Always be curious and seek to find answers.


(5) Participate in conversations that you have little to contribute to. You will pick up information from others around you and will automatically find yourself forming opinions. Forming an opinion on something creates an interest and from there you will find yourself venturing out on your own to learn more.


(6) Heighten your overall awareness as time passes. The most important thing is to realize how much useful and useless information is floating by you every day. Once you find yourself listening and soaking up the tidbits around you, the base of knowledge will begin to grow exponentially. Don't waste time with media that contributes nothing evocative to your mind. Develop a never-ending appetite for knowledge and feed it.