Intelligence is a complex concept, not confined to academic prowess or IQ scores alone. It’s a blend of creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and emotional acuity.

Recognizing these signs of intelligence in oneself isn’t about feeding the ego, but about acknowledging our strengths and utilizing them for growth and contribution.

In this article, we’ll explore some signs that indicate you might be more intelligent than the average person. But remember, it’s not about superiority; it’s about understanding your unique capacities.

1) Embracing creativity

Creativity isn’t solely about producing works of art. It’s a fundamental part of life and problem-solving, and its presence is a strong indicator of intelligence.

Intelligent individuals often see connections where others might not, they think outside the box, and they aren’t afraid to explore new ideas or perspectives.

This creative mindset isn’t confined to their professional or academic life. It permeates their approach to everyday challenges, personal decisions, and even their interactions with others. Instead of relying on conventional ways of thinking, they tap into their creative potential to find innovative solutions.

Moreover, they value creativity in others and foster environments that encourage creative thinking. They understand that creativity is not a zero-sum game – the more we cultivate it within ourselves and within our communities, the better we become at navigating the complexities of life.

2) Rejecting dominance hierarchies

Intelligent individuals often reject traditional dominance hierarchies based on power, status or wealth. They understand the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and strive to build relationships centered around mutual respect and empathy.

They recognize that true leadership isn’t about asserting authority or demonstrating superiority, but about fostering cooperation and facilitating growth. They believe in empowering others, not dominating them.

In your personal and professional life, if you find yourself questioning hierarchies that place some people above others without reason, or if you naturally strive to cultivate relationships that value each person’s unique contribution, this could be an indicator of above-average intelligence.

As the visionary entrepreneur Richard Branson once said, “Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.” This quote captures the essence of rejecting dominance hierarchies – it’s about treating everyone with respect, regardless of their position in a hierarchy.

3) Embracing self-awareness

The journey to intelligence is deeply intertwined with the journey of self-awareness. Those with above-average intelligence often exhibit a heightened sense of self-awareness. They understand their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and are constantly in a state of learning and growth.

They don’t shy away from their fears or limiting beliefs. Instead, they confront these aspects head-on, viewing them as opportunities for growth and transformation. They understand that by doing this inner work, they become more capable of creating the life they desire.

This commitment to self-awareness and personal growth isn’t always easy. It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

To further explore the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth, I recommend watching my video on imposter syndrome. In it, I explain that feeling like an ‘imposter’ can drive a more profound exploration of personal and professional capabilities. It’s about embracing feelings of inadequacy not as flaws, but as catalysts for authentic growth and empowerment.

If you find this video insightful and want to join over 20,000 others in exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Together, we can navigate the journey towards a more authentic and fulfilling life.

4) Authenticity and responsibility

High intelligence often correlates with a deep sense of authenticity and personal responsibility. People with above-average intelligence understand that true empowerment comes from taking full ownership of their lives.

They don’t blame external circumstances or other people for their problems. Instead, they focus on what they can control – their attitudes, actions, and responses. They understand that every decision they make shapes their reality and contributes to their personal and professional growth.

This authentic way of living can be challenging. It can be easier to play the victim, to blame others or circumstances for our misfortunes. But intelligent individuals recognize that such an approach only leads to stagnation and unfulfillment.

They know that embracing personal responsibility is the path to freedom and resilience. It’s not about being perfect or never making mistakes. On the contrary, it’s about owning up to those mistakes, learning from them, and using those experiences as stepping stones towards a more empowered life.

5) Prosperity beyond wealth

Intelligence is not just the ability to solve complex problems or think critically. It’s also about understanding what truly matters in life. Intelligent individuals often have a nuanced perspective on prosperity. They understand that it’s not just about accumulating wealth but about aligning financial decisions with their deepest values.

They use money as a tool for positive change, investing in businesses and initiatives that align with their values and contribute to a more just and sustainable future. They see beyond the materialistic conception of success to understand the true value of purpose, ethical participation, and creativity.

This perspective can be challenging in a society that often equates success with material wealth. But intelligent individuals understand that true prosperity comes from living in alignment with your values, not from the accumulation of possessions.

If you find yourself naturally gravitating towards this broader understanding of prosperity, you may well be more intelligent than the average person. And remember, it’s not about feeling superior; it’s about recognizing your unique understanding and using it for positive change.

To help navigate this complex topic, I recommend my video on the illusion of happiness, where I argue that true contentment comes from within, by embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself:

6) Seeing obstacles as opportunities

One sign of intelligence that often goes unnoticed is the ability to embrace obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of getting discouraged by failure, intelligent individuals choose to view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

They understand that every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility. They approach obstacles not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones on the path to personal and professional growth.

This mindset isn’t about denying the difficulty of challenges or downplaying the pain of setbacks. It’s about choosing to see these experiences as integral parts of the journey, not detours or dead ends.

7) Valuing authentic relationships

Intelligent individuals often understand the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships. They realize that it’s through our connections with others that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

They value diversity, understanding that each person brings unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our collective understanding of the world.

They invest time and energy into building meaningful relationships, not based on superficial criteria, but on shared values, mutual respect, and genuine connection.

8) Commitment to positive change

Above-average intelligence often goes hand in hand with a dedication to making a positive change in the world. Intelligent individuals understand that they have unique gifts and talents that can be used in service of something greater than themselves.

They are not content with simply navigating their own lives successfully; they are driven by a desire to contribute to their communities and the world. Whether it’s through their creative pursuits, their relationships, their work, or their engagement with social issues, they strive to make a difference.

9) Holding a vision for a better world

Lastly, one of the most profound signs of above-average intelligence is the ability to envision a better future – for oneself, for one’s community, and for the world. Intelligent individuals hold a vision of a world where creativity, compassion, and collaboration are the guiding principles.

They dream of economic systems that prioritize shared prosperity, societies that celebrate diversity, and a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. But they don’t stop at dreaming – they take responsibility for their choices and actions, understanding that they play a crucial role in bringing about this more beautiful future.

Intelligence: A spectrum of possibilities

The concept of intelligence is as diverse and complex as humanity itself. It encompasses far more than academic prowess or an impressive IQ score. It’s about creativity, empathy, resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to question norms and challenge established hierarchies.

These signs indicate a deeper understanding of life, a sense of personal responsibility, and a commitment to making positive changes in the world. Recognizing these qualities within ourselves can help us to leverage our unique potential and contribute to a more authentic, fulfilling life.

Intelligence is not a static trait but a dynamic capacity that evolves with our experiences, perspectives, and actions. So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember that your response could be an opportunity to tap into your intelligence in ways you never thought possible.

If you’ve found these insights valuable and want to join over 20,000 others in exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Together, we can navigate this journey towards understanding and embracing our unique capacities.

And as you explore this journey further, consider this: How might recognizing these signs of intelligence within yourself change the way you approach your life and your interactions with others?