8 unusual behaviors of people with a genuinely high level of intelligence, says psychology

Intelligence — we often define it by high grades, exceptional problem-solving skills, or an impressive vocabulary. But is it really just about that?

As someone who’s always been intrigued by the workings of the human mind, I’ve come to realize that a high level of intelligence isn’t always shown in the ways we typically expect.

Psychology tells us that those with a genuinely high level of intelligence often exhibit some pretty unusual behaviors.

Now, what do I mean by unusual? Well, let’s just say they don’t always fit into society’s box of ‘normal’.

In this article, I’m going to share with you these 8 intriguing behaviors. Trust me, they might just make you rethink the way you interpret intelligence.

1) They thrive in solitude

When it comes to the quirks of highly intelligent people, their preference for solitude is undeniably one of the most distinctive.

While social interactions are necessary and enjoyable for most, those with a high level of intelligence often find solace in spending time alone.

Why? Well, it’s not because they’re antisocial or introverted necessarily.

Instead, they value solitude as it allows them uninterrupted time to dive deep into their thoughts, ideas, and interests. It’s during these times of introspection that their minds can truly wander and explore.

This isn’t to say that they don’t appreciate or enjoy social gatherings. But their ability to be comfortable, even thrive, in solitude is a clear indication of their high intelligence.

2) They talk to themselves

Ever catch someone talking to themselves and think, what’s going on there?

It turns out, people with high intelligence often do this, and it’s not as strange as it might seem.

Self-talk is a way for them to organize their thoughts, especially when they’re working through complex ideas or solving problems.

You might find them speaking out loud while working through a tricky concept or rehearsing something they need to say, almost as if they’re having a mini brainstorming session with themselves.

I’ve personally caught myself doing this when I’m deep into a project, and it helps me think more clearly.

Psychologists believe this type of behavior reflects a higher level of self-awareness. It’s a strategy that allows highly intelligent people to process information faster and break down complicated tasks.

So, if you see someone quietly chatting away to themselves, they’re probably just giving their brain a boost.

3) They can easily adapt their thinking and actions

Another thing you’ll notice in highly intelligent people is that they can so easily adapt to situations.

This is called “cognitive flexibility,” the ability to switch between thinking about different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.

This skill shows up in everyday life in many ways, like adjusting plans when things don’t go as expected or switching strategies at work when the initial approach isn’t delivering results.

Instead of getting stuck on one way of doing things, flexible thinkers can pivot and come up with alternative solutions quickly, which makes them better problem solvers.

In social and personal interactions, cognitive flexibility helps people navigate differing opinions or handle criticism without getting defensive.

For example, during a conversation with someone who has a different perspective, a flexible thinker can consider new viewpoints and even shift their stance if it makes sense.

Similarly, they’re able to see feedback as a chance to improve rather than a personal attack.

This ability to stay mentally agile not only helps them manage stress and change more easily but also makes them more adaptable learners and effective communicators in all areas of life.

4) They’re constantly questioning

While embracing change is a common trait amongst highly intelligent individuals, there’s another behavior that goes hand in hand with it: an insatiable curiosity.

Highly intelligent people are natural questioners. They’re not satisfied with just accepting things at face value.

This might seem counter-intuitive. After all, if they’re so smart, shouldn’t they just know?

But the reality is, their intelligence drives them to delve deeper. They have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the world around them fully.

This incessant questioning isn’t a sign of doubt or confusion; it’s a sign of their intellectual rigor. They challenge established norms and aren’t afraid to upset the status quo.

So, if you find yourself constantly asking “why?” or “how?”, it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a sign that you may have a genuinely high level of intelligence.

5) They have a wide range of interests

Ever find yourself switching from a podcast about quantum physics to a documentary about ancient civilizations, only to end up reading a book on emotional intelligence?

Welcome to the world of highly intelligent individuals.

These people aren’t confined to a single domain of interest. They have an eclectic mix of hobbies and passions that span across various fields and disciplines.

Their minds are like sponges, soaking up all kinds of knowledge and information. From arts to sciences, history to philosophy, they find everything fascinating.

This expansive range of interests not only enriches their understanding of the world but also contributes to their innovative thinking.

It enables them to draw connections between seemingly unrelated fields, fostering unique insights and ideas.

So, if your interests are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow, it’s a testament to your high level of intelligence.

6) They value simplicity

When we think of highly intelligent people, we might imagine complex equations and intricate theories. But let me tell you a little secret: they actually value simplicity.

I’ve noticed that the most intelligent individuals I’ve met have an uncanny ability to simplify complex ideas. They can strip down even the most complicated concepts to their core, making them understandable to anyone.

This is because they understand that true intelligence lies not in making things complex, but in making complex things simple.

We often complicate our lives with unnecessary details and clutter. But highly intelligent people know how to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.

As the Association for Psychological Science puts it simply (pun intended), “Simple is smart!”

7) They’re comfortable with uncertainty

Imagine you’re given a puzzle with missing pieces. You try to put it together but you can’t visualize the complete picture. How would that make you feel? Frustrated? Anxious?

Well, for highly intelligent people, this kind of scenario isn’t a source of discomfort. In fact, they revel in it.

These individuals are comfortable with uncertainty. They don’t need all the answers to feel at ease. They understand that life is full of unknowns and that’s what makes it interesting.

They’re not afraid to venture into the unknown and they don’t shy away from ambiguity. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

8) They appreciate the journey, not just the destination

Here’s a little story.

Early in my career, I worked with a brilliant scientist who was always so engrossed in his research. One day, I asked him what his ultimate goal was.

To my surprise, he said he didn’t have one. He told me he was less interested in the end result and more in the process of discovery.

This really got me thinking.

Highly intelligent people often focus more on the journey than the destination. They enjoy the process of learning, exploring, and discovering new things. It’s not just about reaching a particular goal or outcome for them.

They understand that it’s during this journey where real learning takes place, where they grow and evolve. The end goal is just a bonus.

So, if you find yourself enjoying the ride more than anticipating the arrival, you’re exhibiting a behavior common among those with high intelligence.

This love for the journey is a beautiful testament to your intellectual curiosity and zest for life.

So, what does intelligence truly mean?

As we’ve seen throughout this article, intelligence isn’t just about IQ scores or academic achievements. It’s a complex interplay of various behaviors and traits that go beyond what standard tests can measure.

Here are a few more aspects that psychology suggests are indicative of high intelligence:

• Ability to delay gratification
• Resilience in the face of adversity
• Ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions
• Tolerance of different perspectives and ideas

So, if you find yourself identifying with these behaviors, take a moment to appreciate your own intelligence.

Remember, it’s not about fitting into a predefined box; it’s about understanding and embracing your unique capabilities and strengths.