Intelligence isn’t just about acing exams or having a high IQ. It’s often revealed through our daily habits, especially the way we think.

Thinking habits are like a mirror, reflecting our intelligence in subtle ways that go beyond the surface.

But what does intelligent thinking look like? It’s not as elusive as you might think. There are certain habits that can give you a clear indication of a person’s intelligence level.

In this article, I’m going to share with you nine thinking habits that indicate a high level of intelligence.

You might find some of these habits familiar or they might inspire you to adopt new ways of thinking.

Ready to dive in? Keep reading.

1) Constant curiosity

Curiosity might have killed the cat, but it’s a defining trait among intelligent people.

Highly intelligent individuals are typically inquisitive. They never stop questioning, exploring, and seeking new knowledge. This perpetual curiosity is what fuels their learning and intellectual growth.

Think about it. The more questions you ask, the more answers you get. And the more answers you get, the more you know.

Curiosity pushes them to dive deeper into topics, ideas or concepts that pique their interest. It’s not just about learning for the sake of exams or impressing others, it’s a genuine desire to understand how things work.

This constant curiosity habit is a clear indicator of intelligence. So, if you find yourself constantly asking “why” or “how”, take it as a good sign.

Curiosity isn’t about manipulating facts to suit your needs; it’s about seeking truth and understanding with an open mind.

2) Embracing change

Change can be scary for many. It’s the unknown that often unsettles us. But for intelligent individuals, change is seen as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Let me share a personal example. A few years back, my workplace decided to switch from our old project management software to a new one. Initially, it was a challenge. The new software had different features, a different layout, everything was… well, different.

While some of my colleagues were resistant to the change, I saw it as an opportunity to learn something new. I spent hours exploring the software, understanding its features, and figuring out how it could improve our workflow. As a result, I was not only able to adapt quickly but also helped others in the team understand the software better.

Embracing change is indeed a sign of intelligence. It reflects adaptability and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. 

When you’re confronted with change, remember: it’s not a test of your patience but an opportunity to showcase your intelligence.

3) Being a critical thinker

Critical thinking is a hallmark of intelligence. It’s the ability to analyze information objectively, logically, and clearly to form a judgement or decision.

Critical thinkers don’t just accept information at face value. They question it, weigh the evidence, and consider different perspectives before reaching a conclusion.

Did you know that Socrates, the classical Greek philosopher, is often credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy primarily due to his unique approach to critical thinking? His method of questioning, known as the Socratic Method, is still widely used today to stimulate critical thinking and to expose the contradictions in one’s beliefs.

If you find yourself always questioning and evaluating information before accepting it, then you’re likely exercising your intelligence.

Just remember that critical thinking isn’t about being argumentative or stubborn; it’s about seeking the truth based on evidence and logic.

4) Open-mindedness

One of the key thinking habits that indicate a high level of intelligence is open-mindedness. It’s about being receptive to new ideas, perspectives and experiences, even if they contradict our existing beliefs or knowledge.

Intelligent people understand that they don’t have all the answers. They’re not afraid to admit when they’re wrong or when they don’t know something. They’re open to learning from others, regardless of where the knowledge comes from.

Being open-minded also means being tolerant of different views. It’s about respecting diversity and understanding that there’s more than one way to see the world.

If you’re someone who loves to learn new things, who appreciates different perspectives, and who doesn’t shy away from challenging their own beliefs, then you’re likely demonstrating a high level of intelligence.

Remember, open-mindedness isn’t about being gullible; it’s about being flexible and adaptable in your thinking.

5) Reflective thinking

Intelligent individuals often have a habit of reflective thinking. This means they take time to pause, review their experiences, and learn from them.

Whether it’s a successful project or a mistake, they see each situation as an opportunity to grow. They ask themselves questions like, “What went well?” “What could I have done differently?” “What can I learn from this?”

This process of self-reflection helps them to continuously improve and become better in their personal and professional lives. It allows them to learn from their past and make more informed decisions in the future.

If you find yourself often engaged in self-reflection, you’re likely showcasing your intelligence.

Remember, reflective thinking isn’t about over-analyzing or dwelling on the past; it’s about learning from your experiences to shape a better future.

6) Empathy in understanding

Intelligence isn’t just about knowledge and skills, it’s also about understanding and connecting with others. That’s where empathy comes in.

Empathetic individuals are able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, feel their emotions, and understand their perspectives. It’s not just about understanding what someone else is going through, but also why they feel the way they do.

I remember a time when a colleague was struggling with a task that I found relatively easy. Instead of dismissing their struggle, I tried to understand their perspective. I took time to listen, to empathize, and to help them find a solution that worked for them.

This ability to empathize is a clear indication of emotional intelligence. It shows that you’re not just intelligent in the academic sense, but also in understanding the complex world of human emotions.

If you often find yourself empathizing with others, you’re likely displaying a high level of intelligence. Remember, empathy isn’t about feeling sorry for others; it’s about understanding their feelings and experiences on a deeper level.

7) Learning from mistakes

Nobody likes making mistakes, but they are an inevitable part of life. Intelligent people understand this and see mistakes not as failures, but as opportunities to learn and grow.

Not so long ago, I was working on a project that didn’t turn out as I expected. Despite all my efforts and hard work, the project was deemed a failure. It was a tough pill to swallow.

However, instead of getting bogged down by the disappointment, I chose to learn from it. I analyzed what went wrong, identified areas for improvement, and used the experience to enhance my skills and knowledge.

Learning from mistakes shows not just intelligence, but also resilience and determination. It’s about turning setbacks into comebacks and emerging stronger from failures.

If you find yourself learning from your mistakes rather than avoiding them, you’re probably showcasing your intelligence. Just remember, it’s not about never making mistakes; it’s about never repeating the same ones.

8) Strategic thinking

One key indicator of intelligence is the ability to think strategically. Intelligent individuals are not just concerned with the here and now, but they also consider the long-term consequences of their actions.

Strategic thinkers plan ahead, set goals, and create a roadmap to achieve those goals. They anticipate potential obstacles and come up with solutions to overcome them.

Strategic thinking isn’t just about being organized or goal-oriented. It’s about having a vision for the future and making decisions that bring you closer to that vision.

If you often find yourself planning for the future, considering various scenarios, and making decisions based on long-term objectives, you’re likely demonstrating a high level of intelligence.

Remember, strategic thinking isn’t about obsessing over every detail; it’s about seeing the bigger picture and moving towards it in a planned and calculated manner.

9) Lifelong learning

Above all, intelligent individuals understand that learning is a lifelong journey. It’s not confined to the walls of a classroom or the pages of a textbook. They continuously seek knowledge, skills, and experiences that help them grow personally and professionally.

Lifelong learners are not afraid to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. They embrace challenges as learning opportunities and are always ready to adapt and evolve.

If you’re someone who’s committed to continuous learning, congratulations! You’re likely showcasing a high level of intelligence. Keep feeding your curiosity, expanding your horizons, and never stop learning. Because the more you learn, the more you realize how much there is yet to learn.

Final thoughts: Intelligence is diverse

As we navigate through the labyrinth of life, it’s important to remember that intelligence takes many forms. It’s not just about IQ tests, grades, or the ability to solve complex equations.

Howard Gardner, a renowned psychologist and professor at Harvard University, proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. This theory suggests that traditional notions of intelligence are too narrow, and there are actually multiple types of intelligence including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.

These thinking habits we’ve explored here- from curiosity to lifelong learning- are manifestations of these various forms of intelligence. They show us that intelligence goes beyond academics; it’s about how we interact with the world around us and within us.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to intelligence. We all have our unique strengths and abilities. So whether you’re a critical thinker, a strategic planner, or a lifelong learner, embrace your intelligence in its many forms. After all, it’s these diverse thinking habits that make us uniquely intelligent in our own way.