Intelligence is a tricky beast. It’s not about acing every test or always having the right answer.

True intelligence, the kind that psychologists talk about, is a lot more multi-faceted. It’s not just about what you know, but how you apply that knowledge.

Psychologists have identified certain indicators that suggest a person is genuinely intelligent. And sometimes, these signs can surprise you.

Let’s delve into what psychology says about the tell-tale signs of genuine intelligence.

Here are the 10 signs that you’re smarter than you might think.

1) You’re curious

One of the hallmarks of genuine intelligence is a sense of curiosity.

It’s not just about knowing facts or being good at problem-solving. It’s also about wanting to understand the world, and seeking out new information and experiences.

Curiosity drives us to learn, to explore, to ask questions. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to challenge what we think we know.

As I explained in my article on Psych Central, “Curiosity is the engine of intellectual achievement.” 

Being curious doesn’t mean you have all the answers. Instead, it means you’re always looking for new questions. That’s a sign of real intelligence.

2) You’re adaptable

Another sign of genuine intelligence is adaptability.

As the great Albert Einstein said:

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Change is a constant in life. But let’s face it, not all of us are good at dealing with it. Some people are set in their ways and resistant to change. But the truly intelligent know how to adapt.

I remember when I was suddenly promoted at work. I had to manage a new team, take on a different role, and learn new skills. It was overwhelming, and there were moments when I questioned my ability to handle it.

But then, I chose to adapt. I learned what I needed to learn, adjusted my mindset, and slowly but surely, became proficient in my new role.

That’s what adaptability looks like. It’s not about never feeling stressed or overwhelmed, but choosing to push through and adjust regardless. It’s a clear sign of intelligence that psychologists agree on.

3) You embrace failure

Now, this one might be a bit hard to swallow. No one likes to fail, right? But psychologists suggest that the way we deal with failure can point to our level of intelligence.

Famous psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on “mindset”, said, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

I’ve failed many times in my life. I’ve messed up relationships, missed opportunities, and fallen flat on my face professionally. It hurts. It’s embarrassing. But I’ve also learned that failure is not the end.

In every failure, there’s a lesson to be learned. A chance to grow, to improve, to become better. If you’re able to see failure as an opportunity rather than a dead end, then that’s a sign of genuine intelligence.

4) You’re emotionally intelligent

When we think of intelligence, we often picture someone who excels in math or science. But there’s another kind of intelligence that’s just as important – emotional intelligence.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman, who popularized the concept of Emotional Intelligence, said, “In a high-IQ job pool, soft skills like discipline, drive and empathy mark those who emerge as outstanding.”

Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It’s about empathy, self-awareness, and social skills.

I remember realizing the importance of emotional intelligence when I had a disagreement with a close friend. Instead of getting defensive or angry, I took the time to understand their perspective and feelings. This not only resolved the issue but also strengthened our friendship.

If you’re someone who can navigate social situations with ease or handle emotional ups and downs effectively, then you might be showing signs of genuine intelligence. It’s not just about IQ, it’s about EQ as well.

5) You’re comfortable with not knowing

It may seem counterintuitive, but one sign of intelligence is being comfortable with not knowing. This isn’t about ignorance, but rather about the willingness to admit when you don’t have all the answers.

Psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm famously said, “The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.”

Intelligent people understand that there’s always more to learn and they’re not afraid to ask questions. They don’t see not knowing as a sign of weakness but as an opportunity for growth and discovery.

If you’re someone who embraces uncertainty and views it as a chance to learn rather than as a threat, then this could be a sign of your intelligence. Because when it comes down to it, the smartest people are the ones who know that they don’t know everything.

6) You’re open-minded

Genuine intelligence often goes hand in hand with open-mindedness. It’s about being willing to consider different ideas, perspectives, and experiences, even if they challenge your existing beliefs.

Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, once said, “The very essence of the creative is its novelty, and hence we have no standard by which to judge it.”

Open-minded people are not afraid of new ideas. They are interested in different viewpoints and are ready to change their mind when presented with compelling evidence. They’re not stuck in their ways – they’re flexible and adaptable.

If you find yourself constantly curious about the world, eager to take in new information and experiences, and willing to see things from different perspectives, then you’re demonstrating a level of open-mindedness that is closely linked with genuine intelligence.

7) You value alone time

Contrary to popular belief, enjoying alone time can be a sign of intelligence. It’s not about being antisocial, but about the ability to be happy and productive when you’re by yourself.

As Sherrie Bourg Carter Psy.D. says in Psychology Today: 

“Solitude allows you to reboot your brain and unwind. Constantly being “on” doesn’t give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself. Being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly.”

I’ve found that some of my most productive and creative moments come when I’m alone. It’s in these moments of solitude that I can reflect, recharge, and engage deeply with my thoughts.

If you’re someone who values alone time and uses it effectively for self-reflection and personal growth, it could be a sign of your intelligence. 

8) You’re self-critical

This may seem a bit harsh, but being self-critical is often a sign of intelligence. I’m not talking about self-deprecation or being overly hard on yourself. Instead, it’s about being able to evaluate your own behavior and ideas critically.

We must believe in our ability to manage potential threats, but we also must hold some doubts about our coping capabilities.

I’ve had moments where I’ve had to take a hard look at myself, question my actions and decisions. It’s not always pleasant, but it’s necessary for personal growth.

Being self-critical means recognizing your flaws and working on them. It’s about striving to be better and not settling for mediocrity. If you’re capable of self-reflection and critical self-evaluation, you’re showing a level of intelligence that goes beyond book smarts.

9) You appreciate simplicity

Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but intelligence often manifests in an appreciation for simplicity. Contrary to the common belief that intelligent people only engage with complex ideas, they actually understand the beauty and efficiency of simplicity.

Psychologist and Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman noted, “A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”

Intelligent people can distill complex concepts into simpler, digestible ideas. They value clear communication and understand that complexity isn’t an indicator of sophistication or accuracy.

If you’re someone who values simplicity and strives for clarity and precision in your thoughts and communication, you’re demonstrating a trait closely associated with high intelligence. 

10) You’re a good listener

Finally, and perhaps surprisingly, being a good listener is a sign of intelligence. It’s not just about absorbing information, but about truly understanding and empathizing with others.

Carl Rogers, the influential psychologist, said it best: “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”

I’ve found that some of my most insightful moments have come from simply listening to others. Whether it’s a friend sharing their struggles or a colleague explaining a new concept, taking the time to truly listen has enriched my understanding of people and the world around me.

If you’re someone who knows how to listen — really listen — then that’s a sign of your intelligence. It shows that you’re not just interested in expressing your own ideas but also in understanding those of others.