10 signs that you’re smarter than you think (backed by psychology)

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | February 5, 2025, 3:07 pm

It’s easy to doubt yourself. I’ve been there—countless times. After years of writing about culture, psychology, and self-improvement from my little studio in New York, I’ve discovered that intelligence comes in many forms.

It’s not all about acing tests or rattling off obscure trivia (though that can be cool at parties). Real intelligence involves curiosity, resilience, emotional awareness, and more.

The following are 10 signs that suggest you might be smarter than you think, all supported by psychological insights, studies, or a bit of personal experience.

1. You’re Curiously Curious

One of the biggest signs of intelligence? You’re constantly asking questions. That curiosity drives you to explore new topics, pick up random books, or spend too much time diving down internet rabbit holes.

Psychologist Dr. Todd Kashdan describes curiosity as a “critical driver of personal growth.” When you keep asking “why,” you end up learning more and developing a richer perspective on life.

I remember a moment back in college when I randomly borrowed a massive encyclopedia of Greek mythology from the library (yes, a real physical library!) and read it cover to cover, just because I found the stories fascinating. You don’t have to be a classics major for that level of dedication—enthusiasm for learning about anything is a telltale marker of an active mind.

If you’re that person who can’t resist going down a Wikipedia hole at 3 a.m., take it as a sign of your intellect.

2. You Embrace Not Knowing

If you’re the type who says, “I don’t know, but let’s find out,” rather than pretending to have all the answers, you’re probably smarter than you think.

The Dunning-Kruger effect—first identified by psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger—suggests that people with lower skills or knowledge often overestimate their ability, while those with greater competence are more likely to underestimate themselves.

It’s that classic twist of humility mixed with self-doubt. But if you can acknowledge what you don’t know, you’re already ahead of the game.

After all, Albert Einstein once said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” If Einstein could admit that, then we should embrace the fact that we can’t possibly know it all.

3. You’re Adaptable and Flexible

Have you ever quickly switched gears when a plan went off the rails? Maybe you rewrote your entire business proposal the night before it was due (or maybe that was just me!). Adaptability is a cognitive strength.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, being flexible in the face of change is linked to better problem-solving skills and overall resilience.

Whether it’s changing up your diet after discovering a new health issue or learning to use fresh tech tools on the fly, your ability to adapt shows you can process new information, adjust your thinking, and pivot effectively. That’s intelligence in action.

4. You Love a Good Challenge

Smart people often enjoy pushing themselves—even when it’s frustrating. Instead of viewing tough tasks as insurmountable, you see them as opportunities to learn. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s concept of the growth mindset fits in perfectly here. People who believe their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work end up persevering longer and achieving more.

If you find yourself saying, “I can’t do it *yet,” that small word yet is what sets you apart. You’re not discouraged by failure—you’re intrigued by it.

When I first tried to learn French, I had no knack for languages (bonjour, pain au chocolate, that’s about it). But I dove into it. The fumbling process was part of the fun, and it forced my brain to work in new ways.

5. You’re Highly Observant

Some people watch Netflix, some watch birds in Central Park, some watch everything. Ever been told you read the room really well, or you notice small shifts in someone’s facial expression? High observation skills can reflect strong emotional intelligence and situational awareness.

My friends sometimes get weirded out by how quickly I pick up on their mood changes. I’ll sense a tension in the air before anyone says anything—like the night my friend showed up for dinner with a forced smile. I could just tell something was off. That might feel normal to me, but it’s actually a sign of perceptiveness and insight. Not everyone can tune in like that.

6. You Have a Good Sense of Humor

Do people often chuckle at your witty remarks or puns (even if they give you a groan first)? Studies have suggested that humor relies on higher-level thinking processes. Crafting jokes or finding the funny side of a situation means you’re quick to connect ideas and see patterns most people miss.

My own father, who was a stand-up comic for a hot minute in his youth, used to say, “A quick mind is a comedian’s best friend.” If you can make your friends laugh with just a handful of words, that mental agility is no small feat.

7. You’re Comfortable Being Alone

Many of us enjoy socializing (who doesn’t love a fun dinner party?), but truly intelligent people often appreciate—and need—their solitude.

A paper published in the British Journal of Psychology found that more intelligent individuals tend to experience less happiness when they socialize frequently.

It might be because they need time for reflection, deep thinking, or recharging. I’ve definitely canceled plans to spend a quiet evening reading or lost myself in journaling (which is, ironically, how I worked out the idea for this article!).

If you’re content with your own company, you’re probably giving your brain the space it needs to sort through ideas and make creative connections.

8. You Overthink (But in a Good Way)

Let’s face it: overthinking can be a curse—it keeps you up at night and might drive your loved ones bananas. But it’s also a sign of intelligence.

For instance, psychologist Dr. Adam Perkins from King’s College London suggests that people with higher intelligence are more prone to worrying. Why? Because they’re more aware of potential outcomes and details.

This isn’t a free pass to stress yourself out all the time, but if you find yourself dissecting every possibility, it may be a subtle indication that your brain is busily assessing risks, consequences, and solutions.

Just remember to find healthy coping strategies (meditation, anyone?) to channel that brain power productively.

9. You’re Empathetic

When talking about intelligence, people often forget emotional intelligence—a term popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman. Empathy is a huge part of that. If you consistently put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand how they feel, you’re demonstrating a deeper form of intelligence.

Last year, a close friend of mine went through a nasty breakup, and although I’d never experienced exactly what she was going through, I could sense her emotional anguish. So I listened without judgment, offered comfort when she needed it, and supported her boundaries.

Being empathetic doesn’t just help others feel better—it also shows that you can manage and interpret complex emotional signals.

10. You’re Always Evolving

You don’t stay stuck in your old ways. You learn, change, and grow.

Psychologist Martin Seligman’s work on positive psychology highlights the importance of an evolving mindset—people who are open to continuous improvement and maintain optimism often end up more resilient and resourceful.

If you find yourself revisiting your beliefs, updating your knowledge, or even changing your habits every few months (guilty as charged—I’m currently on a new meditation-and-yoga kick after years of being a couch potato), that’s a big sign you’re tapped into lifelong learning. And that, my friend, is a clear marker of genuine intellect.

Conclusion: More Than One Kind of Smart

A traditional IQ score or spelling bee triumph doesn’t capture the whole story. Intelligence is complex and multifaceted. From being curious to practicing empathy, these signs all point to you having untapped smarts that standard metrics sometimes miss.

If you see yourself reflected in some (or all) of these points, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. As Mark Twain famously put it: “What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.” So, stay humble, stay open to learning, and keep nurturing that bright mind of yours.