If you think you’re just average, you might be selling yourself short.
Genius doesn’t always look like we expect. If you’ve got these traits, you could be smarter than you realise. Here are 17 signs that might mean you have higher than average brain power.
1. You’re insatiably curious.
Source: Unsplash Can’t stop asking, “why”? That’s a good sign. Geniuses are driven by an intense desire to understand the world around them. If you find yourself constantly trying to learn new things and diving deep into topics that interest you, you might have a genius-level curiosity.
2. You’ve got a killer sense of humour.
If you’re quick with a witty comeback or love wordplay, you might be tapping into genius-level thinking. High intelligence often correlates with a good sense of humour, especially if you enjoy more complex or abstract jokes.
3. You’re highly adaptable.
Can you roll with the punches and thrive in new situations? Geniuses tend to be incredibly adaptable. If you’re able to quickly adjust your thinking and behaviour to fit new circumstances, you might have a genius-level ability to adapt.
4. You’re a night owl.
Find yourself most productive when the sun goes down? Many geniuses are night owls. If you do your best thinking late at night, it could be a sign of high intelligence.
5. You talk to yourself.
Don’t worry, you’re not crazy — you might be a genius. Talking to yourself, especially when problem-solving, is a sign of high cognitive function. It helps you organise your thoughts and boost your mental efficiency.
6. You’re highly self-critical.
While it’s not always comfortable, being highly self-critical can be a sign of genius. If you’re always pushing yourself to do better and are your own toughest critic, you might have genius-level standards for yourself.
7. You make connections others don’t see.
Do you often surprise people by connecting seemingly unrelated ideas? This ability to see patterns and links where others don’t is a classic sign of genius-level thinking.
8. You’re deeply empathetic.
Contrary to the stereotype of the cold, logical genius, many highly intelligent people are also deeply empathetic. If you find yourself easily understanding and sharing the feelings of others, it could be a sign of emotional intelligence often associated with genius.
9. You’re always daydreaming.
If your mind constantly wanders to imaginative scenarios, don’t dismiss it as mere distraction. Many geniuses are prolific daydreamers. This kind of mental play can lead to innovative ideas and creative solutions.
10. You have a great memory.
While not all geniuses have photographic memories, many do have an exceptional ability to recall information. If you find yourself remembering obscure details or quickly picking up new information, you might have a genius-level memory.
11. You’re intensely focused… when interested.
Can you lose yourself for hours in a task that fascinates you? This ability to hyperfocus is common among geniuses. If you can concentrate deeply on subjects that interest you, often losing track of time, it could be a sign of genius-level focus.
12. You’re often told you’re “too sensitive”.
If you’ve been labelled as overly sensitive, don’t take it as a negative. High sensitivity often goes hand in hand with high intelligence. It means you’re processing information deeply and responding to subtleties others might miss.
13. You question everything.
Not satisfied with simple answers? Good. Geniuses tend to question established norms and dig deeper into why things are the way they are. If you find yourself regularly challenging assumptions, you might have a genius-level critical thinking ability.
14. You’re comfortable with ambiguity.
Life isn’t black and white, and geniuses get that. If you’re comfortable with gray areas and can hold two opposing ideas in your mind at once, you’re showing a key trait of high intelligence.
15. You have a wide range of interests.
Jack of all trades, master of none? Don’t sweat it. Many geniuses have a broad range of interests rather than a single, narrow focus. If you find yourself curious about many different fields, it could be a sign of genius-level intellectual breadth.
16. You’re highly intuitive.
Do you often just “know” things without being able to explain why? This strong intuition is a hallmark of many geniuses. It’s your brain making lightning-fast connections below the level of conscious thought.
17. You’re an outsider.
Feel like you don’t quite fit in? Many geniuses do. If you’ve always felt a bit different or out of step with those around you, it might be because your mind works in unique, genius-level ways.
