High-level thinking isn’t just about problem-solving or decision-making. It’s about deriving joy from activities that stimulate the mind and challenge our perceptions.

If you find pleasure in certain mind-stretching activities, it’s quite possible you’re a high-level thinker.

Here are 9 activities that could suggest you’re playing in the big leagues of thought.

1) Devouring books

Let’s face it, not everyone loves to read. But for high-level thinkers, it’s a different story.

Books are not just a source of information or a way to kill time. They’re gateways to new worlds, new ideas, and fresh perspectives. And that’s what high-level thinkers crave – the constant stimulation of their thoughts.

High-level thinkers find joy in sinking their teeth into a good book, whether it’s a dense academic text or an intricate fantasy novel. The act of reading becomes more than just understanding words on a page – it’s an exploration of knowledge.

But remember, it’s not about how many books you read, but how you process and utilize the knowledge gained from them.

2) Engaging in deep conversations

For me, there’s nothing more thrilling than a deep, meaningful conversation. I mean those profound discussions that delve into the mysteries of life, the universe, and everything in between.

I remember one late-night talk with a close friend where we ended up discussing the concept of reality. What started as a simple catch-up turned into a philosophical debate that lasted until the early hours of the morning. The more we talked, the more we questioned, and the more excited we became.

Such conversations are pure joy. They challenge our beliefs, expand our understanding, and stimulate our curiosity. They push us to question, explore, and learn – which is precisely what high-level thinking is all about.

3) Solving puzzles and brain games

High-level thinkers often find great joy in teasing their brains with puzzles and mind games.

Whether it’s a tricky Sudoku, a challenging chess match, or an intricate escape room, the thrill of figuring out solutions is a distinct characteristic of high-level thinking.

Brain games like these actually activate parts of the brain associated with reasoning and problem-solving. Puzzles stimulate the brain to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that increases learning and memory.

The challenge that puzzles present and the satisfaction of solving them are what make these activities appealing to high-level thinkers. They’re not just a fun pastime – they’re an opportunity for mental growth.

4) Exploring new environments

High-level thinkers often have an inherent curiosity about the world around them. This curiosity doesn’t just stop at intellectual pursuits, but extends to physical environments as well.

They find joy in exploring new places, whether it’s a city they’ve never been to or a hiking trail they’ve never set foot on. The unfamiliarity of these environments stimulates their minds, prompting them to observe, learn and adapt.

The act of exploration also challenges their thinking as they navigate through unfamiliar terrains, solve problems on the go, and make decisions based on their observations.

5) Delving into creative pursuits

Creativity and high-level thinking go hand in hand. High-level thinkers often find joy in delving into creative pursuits, whether it’s painting, writing, music, or even inventing.

These activities involve more than just technical skills. They require innovative thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of various elements like color, composition, rhythm, or mechanics.

The process of creating something new or unique from scratch is a thrilling challenge for high-level thinkers. It allows them to express their thoughts and ideas in ways that words often can’t capture.

6) Reflecting on life’s big questions

Life is full of mysteries and unanswered questions, and for high-level thinkers, these are not daunting but rather fascinating. They find joy in pondering life’s existential questions – the kind that can’t be easily answered with a Google search.

Questions like “What’s the purpose of life?” or “What is love, really?” or “What does it mean to be human?” These questions may seem overwhelming to some, but to high-level thinkers, they’re a playground for their minds.

Reflecting on these big questions allows them to dive deep into their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It’s a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and understanding that stimulates their intellect and enriches their life experience.

7) Finding patterns and making connections

I’ve always had an eye for patterns. Whether it’s noticing how the tiles align on a floor or piecing together the common themes in books I’ve read, I find great joy in seeing how things connect.

This isn’t just about spotting physical patterns, but also about understanding abstract concepts and ideas. Seeing the big picture, recognizing relationships, and predicting outcomes based on observed patterns.

8) Embracing learning opportunities

High-level thinkers are insatiable when it comes to learning. They don’t shy away from the unknown; instead, they embrace it as an opportunity to grow.

Whether it’s picking up a new skill, understanding a complex theory, or learning a foreign language, they dive in with enthusiasm. Every knowledge gained is a victory, no matter how small it may seem.

They understand that learning is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Not only gaining information but also cultivating wisdom and broadening their perspective.

9) Valuing time for introspection

If there’s one thing that’s crucial for high-level thinking, it’s introspection. High-level thinkers value their quiet moments of self-reflection.

These are the moments when they step back from the hustle and bustle of life to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s during these times that they gain deeper insights, make sense of complex situations, and come up with innovative solutions.

Introspection is not just about self-analysis but about self-improvement. It’s an opportunity to understand oneself better, identify areas for growth, and make conscious decisions to improve.

Reflecting on the joy of thinking

The beauty of high-level thinking is not merely in its intellectual rigors, but in the joy it brings to those who engage in it.

These activities we’ve explored, aren’t just tasks or hobbies for high-level thinkers. They’re pathways to intellectual pleasure and personal growth.

Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” These words capture the essence of high-level thinking – the relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding, driven by insatiable curiosity.

Take a moment to reflect on your intellectual journey. Cherish your love for learning, your knack for pattern recognition, your passion for creativity. Recognize and embrace your abilities as a high-level thinker.