Intelligence isn’t just about book smarts—it’s more complex than that. So, given how spotting it can be tricky, we’ve compiled a few key signs that suggest you may be more intelligent than the average UK citizen.
Self-Discipline
The ability to exhibit self-control also points to higher intelligence. Doing so is not easy, so managing impulses, delaying gratification, and sticking to long-term goals are significant indicators of cognitive strength. This helps highly intelligent people stand out, preventing their impulses from stunting their potential.
Empathy
Intelligent people are sometimes misunderstood to be unempathetic, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Being able to understand and share the feelings of others is actually a sign of emotional intelligence, as it requires the recognition of social cues and an open-mindedness to other perspectives.
Preference for Solitude
A stereotype surrounding highly intelligent people is that they prefer to be alone, and this isn’t false. Enjoying time alone is absolutely a sign of high intelligence, with smart people often craving solitude over socializing to think deeply, process information, and engage in creative activities without distractions.
Sense of Humor
According to research from Phys.org, a sharp sense of humor comes from high intelligence. Humor requires the recognition of patterns in language and tone, as well as understanding complex ideas quickly. It also demonstrates creativity, which is yet another sign of high intelligence.
Curiosity
One of the clearest signs of having higher-than-average intelligence is a strong desire to learn new things. Those who love to seek out knowledge and learning experiences are typically more open-minded and better problem-solvers, all of which contribute to having an intelligent mind.
Adaptability
It’s never easy to adjust to new situations and challenges, but for highly intelligent people, it can come naturally. Their ability to think on their feet and apply their skills to any situation is impressive, helping them confidently handle new environments without too much difficulty.
Curiosity About Your Own Mind
Some people go through life without contemplating their minds much, but this isn’t the case for smart people. They tend to be introspective and hold an interest in understanding why their thoughts are how they are. This helps them develop self-awareness, which, in turn, helps them improve their decision-making.
High Tolerance for Abstract Thought
Most of us struggle with abstract thought, finding it easier to tackle problems that are clearly laid out. Meanwhile, intelligent people are far more comfortable with thinking outside the box, allowing them to handle ambiguous problems without stress. In fact, they usually enjoy the challenge.
Great Memory
While intelligence can’t be boiled down to memorizing facts, having an excellent memory certainly helps. This is because it enables the retaining and recalling of information, allowing intelligent people to understand new concepts quickly by connecting them with other information they have memorized.
Love for Reading
The lust for learning that intelligent people demonstrate tends to encourage them to enjoy reading. This doesn’t always have to be non-fiction; they love reading all sorts of genres, including fiction. They recognize that reading broadens their perspectives, enhances their vocabulary, and stimulates cognitive functions, regardless of the subject.
Strong Work Ethic
Highly intelligent people recognize that hard work pays off, so they tend to demonstrate a strong commitment to their work. This is one of the main reasons why they are able to achieve more significant accomplishments, as their strengths aren’t limited by struggling to remain dedicated.
Open-Mindedness
Some people claim that intelligent people are close-minded, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, intelligent people are always open to new ideas and perspectives. The misconception likely comes from how, while they remain open-minded, they will not accept a new idea without picking it apart first.
High Sensitivity to Surroundings
Intelligent people are detail-oriented, not just when they’re working but even when it comes to their surroundings. They have a heightened sensitivity to the things that are happening around them, helping them to quickly assess situations and respond effectively to changes around them.
Enjoying Complex Problems
Just like with abstract thought, intelligent people love solving complex and challenging problems, and the longer they struggle with them, the more interesting they become. In contrast, simple and obvious problems just aren’t stimulating to them, as they’d much rather push their brain to its limit.
Independent Thinking
Another clue that you have higher than average intelligence is if you value and practice independent thinking. You love to think for yourself, question norms that others take for granted, and form your own opinions, even if they aren’t popular in the eyes of others.
Strong Emotional Regulation
A lot of people disassociate emotions from intelligence, but they actually go hand in hand. Effectively managing and regulating one’s emotions is no easy task, as it involves recognizing and, most importantly, understanding why emotions arise. In turn, this helps intelligent people form more emotionally controlled relationships.
High Level of Creativity
As was briefly mentioned earlier, intelligence benefits greatly from creativity, with the two working hand-in-hand to conceive innovative ideas and solutions. This isn’t just related to complex academic problems; intelligent people are often known for their skills in music, fictional literature, and art, too.
Good Problem-Solving Skills
Perhaps the clearest clue that you have higher than average intelligence is if you’re not only good at problem-solving but you enjoy it. Intelligent individuals have a knack for analyzing complex issues, identifying viable solutions, and implementing them effectively, and they’ll always do so while thinking outside the box.