Being a high-level thinker isn’t about flaunting big words or showing off your IQ score.

It’s way more complex, and it’s mostly about the way you perceive and navigate the world around you.

Psychology has given us some pretty interesting insights into what it means to be a genuinely high-level thinker.

And guess what? It’s not always what you’d expect.

In this article, we’ll explore 9 signs that you’re a high-level thinker, according to psychology.

These are subtle yet powerful indicators that reflect your mental agility and depth.

Let’s dive in. 

1) You see the big picture

High-level thinkers have a unique ability to see beyond the immediate and grasp the bigger picture.

This trait, referred to by psychologists as having a macro perspective, involves understanding how different pieces of information interconnect and relate to each other.

It’s not just about fixating on the present but being able to zoom out and comprehend the larger context.

Erwin Schrödinger, a renowned physicist, captures this essence well in his quote: “The task is…not so much to see what no one has yet seen; but to think what nobody has yet thought, about that which everybody sees”​​.

If you often find yourself pondering the larger picture or considering how individual elements fit into a broader context, it’s a sign of high-level thinking.

This ability is less about having all the answers and more about being open to exploring different perspectives and understanding beyond immediate circumstances.

Embracing complexity, rather than fearing it, is a hallmark of this mindset, leading to deeper insights and understanding.

2) You’re comfortable with uncertainty

There was a time when the unknown used to terrify me. If I didn’t know how something was going to turn out, I’d be paralyzed with fear.

But as I evolved as a thinker, I realized that uncertainty isn’t something to be feared – it’s something to be embraced. It’s in those moments of not knowing where the most growth happens.

According to psychology, being comfortable with uncertainty is a hallmark of high-level thinking. It means you’re okay with not having immediate answers, and you’re willing to navigate through ambiguity.

Furthermore, research suggests that people who are more psychologically flexible have higher well-being and tend to be less anxious and worried.

For instance, when I started my business, there was so much I didn’t know.

But instead of letting that stop me, I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

And that’s what being a high-level thinker is all about – seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles.

3) You question everything

Did you know that kids ask an average of 300 questions per day? It seems high-level thinking starts at a young age!

This insatiable curiosity doesn’t wane for high-level thinkers – they continue to question everything into adulthood. They’re not satisfied with accepting things at face value and are always seeking to understand the ‘why’ behind everything.

An inherent curiosity and desire to dig deeper is a distinct trait of a high-level thinker. They don’t just passively consume information; they actively engage with it, asking questions, challenging assumptions, and constantly seeking to learn more.

This trait is beautifully captured in the words from Psychology Today:

“A creative person is by nature a questioner. They are driven by doubt, curiosity, and wonderment. It is our questions that fuel and drive our thinking… Questioning destroys assumptions”​

Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean they’re argumentative or confrontational.

They simply have a natural thirst for knowledge and understanding that makes them question everything.

4) You embrace different perspectives

High-level thinkers don’t just accept one viewpoint as the absolute truth. They understand that every story has multiple sides and every problem can have more than one solution.

They actively seek out different perspectives and opinions, even if they contradict their own. This isn’t about being indecisive or wishy-washy. It’s about recognizing the value in diversity of thought.

Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology said:

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves”​​.

Jung’s insight suggests that by being open to viewpoints that challenge our own, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

This process of reflection and learning from diverse perspectives is a key element in the growth and development of high-level thinking.

In fact, high-level thinkers often invite others to challenge their ideas. They see it as an opportunity to refine their thinking and learn something new.

If you find yourself open to differing viewpoints and willing to adjust your thinking based on new information, you might just be a high-level thinker.

5) You’re self-reflective

High-level thinkers aren’t just outwardly focused. They spend a considerable amount of time looking inward, too.

Self-reflection is a key aspect of high-level thinking. It involves taking the time to pause, assess one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, and learn from them.

This isn’t about overthinking or getting stuck in a loop of negative thoughts.

It’s about gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and using that knowledge to grow and evolve.

High-level thinkers use self-reflection as a tool for personal growth.

They take responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes, and constantly strive to become better versions of themselves.

If you often find yourself introspecting and learning from your experiences, you might be exhibiting a sign of high-level thinking.

6) You have empathy for others

High-level thinking isn’t just about intellectual prowess.

It’s also about emotional intelligence, and at the heart of emotional intelligence lies empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world through their eyes, and feeling what they feel.

High-level thinkers are often deeply empathetic. They understand that every person has their own journey, their own struggles, and their own joys. And they respect that.

When you can truly empathize with others, you not only understand them better, but you also gain a richer, more nuanced perspective of the world around you.

This ability to connect with others on a deeper level is a true mark of high-level thinking.

If you find yourself naturally understanding and caring for the emotions of others, take it as a sign. You’re likely functioning on a higher level of thought than you realise.

7) You’re not afraid of failure

I remember a time when I was terrified of failing. The thought of not succeeding at something, of falling flat on my face, used to keep me up at night.

But as I grew and evolved, I realized that failure isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s an essential part of growth and success.

High-level thinkers understand this. They see failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone. They understand that every mistake, every failure, is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Instead of running from failure, they embrace it. They step out of their comfort zone, take risks, and aren’t afraid to fail. Because they know that with each failure, they’re one step closer to success.

Here’s a fitting one by Paul Tillich, a renowned philosopher and theologian who also had a significant influence on psychology:

“He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being”​​.

This quote ties beautifully into the idea that not fearing failure is a mark of high-level thinking.

Tillich’s words echo the sentiment that true failure lies not in falling but in never daring to risk.

8) You’re a problem solver

High-level thinkers are natural problem solvers. They don’t shy away from challenges or difficult situations. Instead, they see them as puzzles to be solved.

Freud once said, “We are what we are because we have been what we have been, and what is needed for solving the problems of human life and motives is not moral estimates but more knowledge”​​.

What this means is that being good at solving problems isn’t just about being smart or creative.

It’s also about what you know and have been through.

High-level thinkers don’t just use their brains to think outside the box; they also use everything they’ve learned over time.

They’re always keen to learn more and use that knowledge to tackle challenges.

These individuals don’t get bogged down by problems. Instead, they break them down into smaller, more manageable parts and tackle each one methodically.

They use their creativity and analytical skills to find solutions and work towards them.

Being a problem solver isn’t just about fixing things, though. It’s about being proactive, innovative, and resilient.

It’s about seeing the potential in every challenge and turning it into an opportunity. 

9) You’re a lifelong learner

The world is constantly evolving, and so are high-level thinkers. They understand that learning doesn’t stop at school or college. It’s a lifelong journey.

High-level thinkers are always looking to expand their knowledge and skills. They read widely, engage in diverse conversations, and are always open to new experiences and ideas.

They don’t just learn to pass tests or get ahead in their careers. They learn because they genuinely love to know more about the world around them.

Being a lifelong learner is more than just an interest in learning. It’s a mindset, a way of life. It’s understanding that the more you know, the more you realize how much there is to know.

So if you’re someone who is constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences, congratulations! You’re a high-level thinker.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

High-level thinking isn’t something you’re born with or that you can attain overnight. It’s a lifelong journey of curiosity, empathy, resilience, and growth.

It’s about understanding that knowledge isn’t finite, but infinite. It’s about embracing uncertainty and turning problems into opportunities. It’s about seeing the world from multiple perspectives and always being open to learning.

Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” This quote encapsulates the essence of high-level thinking.

So if you identify with these signs, cherish them, nurture them, and continue on your journey. And if you don’t, that’s okay too. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique. It’s never too late to start cultivating high-level thinking.

So keep questioning, keep learning, and keep growing. Because that’s what high-level thinkers do.