According to a study by an American psychologist,
It appears that at younger ages, openness to experience is the most important personality factor correlating with the attainment of facts, vocabulary, and book learning.
So if you are not by nature attracted to new experiences, make an effort and develop the habit of being more open to the new and unfamiliar.
The same study, interestingly, found that crankiness in older people is a sign of higher intelligence.