Intelligence is a tricky beast. We often equate it with good grades, high IQs, and a knack for trivia. But psychology tells us it’s not that simple.
Some of the smartest people you’ll meet might not fit the traditional mold of “intelligent”.
They have habits that might seem unusual, even eccentric, but these quirks can be indicators of a high level of intelligence.
I’m going to share with you seven such habits that psychology suggests are signs of exceptional intelligence.
They might surprise you, or maybe you’ll recognize them in yourself or someone you know.
So, whether you’re curious about your own intelligence or just want to understand the intriguing ways our minds work, keep reading. You might discover something new about the subtle art of intelligence.
Here’s to embracing the unorthodox and discovering the genius within.
1) They indulge in daydreaming
Daydreaming can often be perceived as a lack of focus or a waste of time. But guess what? It’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It’s true.
Daydreaming, or letting your mind wander, is a habit common among highly intelligent individuals. It’s an unorthodox sign of intelligence that psychology backs up.
Renowned psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, in his book “Wired to Create”, points out that daydreaming can be “a wellspring of social, personal and creative adjustment”.
Daydreaming stimulates our brain to access memories, ideas, and emotions that might seem unrelated on the surface but can lead to innovative solutions or insights when connected.
So next time you find yourself drifting off into your thoughts, don’t be too quick to snap back to reality.
You might just be unconventionally exercising your intelligence.
Remember, as Kaufman puts it, “The greatest achievers dream their way to success”.
2) They’re night owls
I’ve always been a bit of a night owl. While others are off to dreamland, I find myself most productive and creative in the late hours.
Turns out, this might be a sign of high intelligence.
According to psychology, people with higher intelligence tend to be more nocturnal. Satoshi Kanazawa, an evolutionary psychologist, explains that staying up late is an evolutionarily novel behavior that more intelligent individuals are more likely to exhibit.
In his research, he found that those with a higher IQ are more likely to be awake late at night and sleep in during the day compared to those with an average IQ.
So, for all you fellow night owls out there, don’t be dismayed by your unconventional sleep patterns. It might just be an indicator of your high intelligence.
As Kanazawa points out, “More intelligent individuals are more likely to be nocturnal than less intelligent individuals”.
Embrace your nighttime productivity; it’s another unorthodox sign of intelligence!
3) They embrace failure
Have you ever failed at something and felt like it was the end of the world? We’ve all been there, and it’s a tough spot.
But here’s an unorthodox habit of highly intelligent people: they embrace their failures.
Failure, as painful as it can be, is a powerful tool for learning and growth. And people with exceptional intelligence know this all too well.
In fact, Carol S. Dweck, a world-renowned psychologist, has spent her life studying the concept of “mindset”. She proposes that viewing failure as an opportunity rather than a dead-end is a key characteristic of a “growth mindset”, often associated with highly intelligent individuals.
As Dweck puts it, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”
Highly intelligent people are less likely to see failure as a reflection of their abilities, but as a stepping stone towards improvement.
So next time you face a setback, remember: it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.
Embrace failure, learn from it, and keep going. It’s one of the most authentic signs of high intelligence around.
4) They enjoy their own company
Spending time alone can often be seen as anti-social or even strange. But did you know that it’s actually a trait common among highly intelligent people?
A study published in the British Journal of Psychology found that highly intelligent individuals experience lower life satisfaction with more frequent socialization with friends. Essentially, they derive more pleasure from solitary activities or work than social engagement.
The study suggests that highly intelligent people are better equipped to deal with challenges when they spend time alone, reflecting and strategizing.
They use solitude to harness their thoughts, ideas, and creativity.
So if you’re someone who enjoys your own company, don’t let societal pressure make you feel otherwise.
You might just be operating on a higher level of intelligence, using your alone time to fuel your innovative mind.
It’s another unorthodox yet scientifically backed sign of exceptional intelligence.
5) They’re adaptively lazy
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating for constant couch potato status.
But there’s something to be said for strategic laziness, especially when it comes to high intelligence.
You see, highly intelligent people are often “adaptively lazy”.
They look for efficient ways to accomplish tasks or solve problems, even if it means taking the unconventional or easy route sometimes.
Bill Gates famously said that he would “always hire a lazy person to do a hard job”, with the rationale being that a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.
There’s wisdom in that, as it encourages creative problem-solving and efficiency.
So, if you find yourself finding shortcuts or more effective ways to get things done, you’re likely exercising your exceptional intelligence.
It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
6) They’re comfortable with uncertainty
In a world that often demands black and white answers, being comfortable with grey areas can seem counterintuitive.
But guess what? This comfort with uncertainty is another unconventional sign of high intelligence.
Highly intelligent people understand that not everything has a clear-cut answer. They’re ok with ambiguity and are willing to live in the ‘maybe’.
This ability to tolerate uncertainty allows for more innovative thinking and problem-solving.
Famous psychologist Marie-Louise von Franz once said, “The capacity to tolerate complexity and welcome contradiction, not the need for simplicity and certainty, is the attribute of an explorer.”
So if you find yourself comfortable in the grey areas of life, exploring rather than seeking immediate answers, celebrate it.
It’s a counterintuitive yet strong indicator of your high intelligence.
7) They question everything
Ever been told you ask too many questions? Well, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Highly intelligent people have an innate curiosity. They question everything, not satisfied with just accepting facts at face value.
Albert Einstein, arguably one of the most brilliant minds in history, once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
So keep asking, keep probing, and keep questioning. It’s a clear sign of exceptional intelligence.
Final reflections
The beauty of intelligence lies in its diversity. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it certainly doesn’t adhere to traditional norms.
The habits we’ve uncovered today shed light on some unconventional yet fascinating indicators of high intelligence.
These habits, from daydreaming to questioning everything, may seem out of the ordinary.
But they’re reflective of the complexity and multifaceted nature of intelligence.
So whether you identify with these characteristics or recognize them in others, remember: intelligence isn’t about fitting a certain mold.
It’s about embracing the quirks, the eccentricities, and even the failures that fuel our growth and innovation.
As you navigate your own intellectual journey, don’t shy away from these unorthodox habits.
After all, they’re not just quirks; they’re potential signs of exceptional intelligence.
So here’s to celebrating the unconventional, for it may just be a testament to our brilliance.
