If you recognize these 9 signs, you have an above average level of intellect (according to psychology)

Ever wonder if you’re a bit more insightful than the average person?

If you find yourself often analyzing situations from different angles or connecting the dots others might miss, you might just be on to something.

According to psychology, certain signs can indicate a higher-than-average level of intellect.

These aren’t just about having a high IQ or excelling in school; they encompass a range of traits and habits that reflect a deeper understanding of the world.

So, if you’ve been feeling a little different or questioning your place in conversations, this article is for you.

Let’s dive into these nine compelling signs that suggest you possess a unique intellectual edge!

1) You’re a curious cat

Do you often find yourself lost in a Wikipedia rabbit hole at 3 AM, or intrigued by the mechanics of how things work?

This insatiable curiosity might seem like a simple quirk, but according to psychologists, it’s actually a sign of an above average intellect.

Albert Einstein himself once said that he had no special talent beyond being passionately curious.

And he wasn’t alone in this belief. Research has consistently shown that high levels of curiosity are linked to higher cognitive abilities.

Curiosity pushes you to seek new knowledge, question existing norms, and above all, learn. It’s not about knowing all the answers, it’s about wanting to find them.

2) You thrive on change

Change can be scary, right?

But guess what? For some people, like me, it’s fuel.

I remember when I moved to a new city for my first job. New place, new people, new responsibilities – it was a lot to handle.

But instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt excited.

The thrill of exploring a new city, the challenge of making new friends and the prospect of learning new skills at work was exhilarating.

Psychology suggests that this adaptability and openness to change is a sign of an above average intellect.

The ability to comfortably navigate through new environments and situations requires cognitive flexibility – a key indicator of intelligence.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys stepping out of your comfort zone and relishes new experiences just like me, there’s a good chance you’re smarter than you give yourself credit for.

3) You’re a night owl

While early birds get the worm, it’s the night owls who might have the intellectual edge.

Research has shown that people who prefer to stay up late and do their best work in the wee hours of the morning tend to have higher IQ scores.

This nocturnal preference, known as “eveningness”, is associated with greater cognitive abilities, creativity, and even a wider range of interests.

So if you find yourself doing your most productive thinking when others are sleeping, it might just be your intelligence shining through.

Contrary to popular belief, burning the midnight oil doesn’t mean you’re procrastinating – it could simply mean you’re smarter!

4) You’re a habitual daydreamer

Ever find yourself zoned out during a meeting, lost in your own world of thoughts?

Or maybe you regularly find yourself dreaming about future possibilities and scenarios?

Daydreaming is often seen as a sign of a lack of focus or even laziness.

But, according to psychology, it could actually be a sign of an above average intellect.

Researchers have found that people who daydream a lot tend to have more efficient brains.

This means they can wander off into their own thoughts while still staying on task.

So, if you’re a regular daydreamer, don’t beat yourself up.

It could just mean that your brain is working in overdrive!

5) You value solitude

If you find yourself cherishing your alone time, it might not just be about recharging or needing a break from social interactions.

Individuals with higher intellectual abilities often prefer to spend time alone.

They tend to have fewer social interactions, not due to introversion, but because they are more focused on pursuing their intellectual and creative interests.

So, if you find comfort in solitude and often seek time for yourself to think, reflect, or engage in activities that require concentration, it’s quite likely that you have an above average level of intellect. 

6) You embrace failure

Falling down, making mistakes, getting it wrong. Sounds familiar?

It’s called failure and it’s a part of life.

But here’s the thing – those who are intellectually advanced don’t just accept failure, they embrace it.

They see it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, a lesson rather than a loss.

Failure, to them, is an opportunity to learn and grow.

It’s a chance to reassess, rethink, and come back stronger.

It doesn’t dampen their spirit; instead, it fuels their determination.

Because the smartest people know that true failure only comes when you stop trying.

7) You appreciate complexity

When I was a kid, I used to love solving puzzles.

The more complex and intricate they were, the more drawn I was to them.

My friends preferred the simple, easy-to-solve ones, but I reveled in the challenge of the complicated ones.

This attraction to complexity is another sign of an above average intellect.

People with high intelligence tend to enjoy grappling with complex ideas, problems, and concepts.

They are not daunted by ambiguity or complexity; instead, they are intrigued by it.

We don’t try to find the easy way out; instead, we relish the journey through the maze of complexity.

8) You have a good sense of humor

Believe it or not, your ability to crack a good joke might be a sign of your intellectual prowess.

Studies have shown that people with a good sense of humor tend to have higher IQs.

How?

Humor requires cognitive skills and the ability to think outside the box.

It involves understanding complex ideas and being able to see things from different perspectives.

So if you’re the one always lightening the mood with a witty comment or a funny joke, it’s not just your comedic timing that’s impressive – your intelligence is shining through too.

Who knew being funny could be synonymous with being smart?

9) You’re self-critical

Our final sign of above average intellect is the ability to be self-critical.

Individuals with high intelligence can objectively assess their own performance, decisions, and actions.

They are not afraid to acknowledge their mistakes or shortcomings.

This doesn’t mean that they are also hard on themselves or struggle with low self-esteem.

Rather, they have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, and they use this knowledge to continuously improve and grow.

So, if you tend to critically evaluate your own behavior and decisions, know that this ability to self-reflect and learn from your actions is truly a mark of an intelligent mind.

Final thoughts: Intelligence is multifaceted

Intelligence isn’t just about academic success or solving complex problems; it’s also about curiosity, creativity, and the ability to see connections others might overlook.

So if you resonate with any of the signs mentioned, take pride in your distinct way of thinking and engaging with the world. 

Your intellect is a part of who you are – so embrace your intellect as a strength, and don’t hesitate to share your insights with others.

Keep questioning, keep learning, and let your intellect shine!

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Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

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