Here’s a great saying usually attributed to Albert Einstein about those with smarts and those who just think they do:

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” 

–Albert Einstein

In other words, smart people often underestimate their own intelligence and low-ball their abilities. 

This seems to be an ongoing theme through the centuries, as another really smart guy, William Shakespeare said: 

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

Those of lesser ability, on the other hand, are prone to confirm it by never shutting up about how smart they are. 

There’s actually a name for this phenomenon. Psychology refers to this as the Dunning-Kruger effect, which is the tendency for these folks to exaggerate their own competence.

You see a lot of it in the comments section on social media, and it’s occasionally breathtaking in its audacity. 

So, psychological experts suggest that questioning your intellect may be a sign that you’re intelligent — or at the very least, smart enough to know your limitations.

Here are a few factors that may mean you’re smarter than most people, according to psychology.

1) Boundless curiosity

Being endlessly inquisitive about the world around you is a sign of higher intelligence.

The importance of one’s curiosity quotient (CQ) isn’t understood as well as emotional intelligence (EQ) and intelligence quotient (IQ). 

However, there’s growing evidence that CQ plays a significant role in one’s psychological makeup because more intellectual investment in the world results in life-long learning.

2) Prone to anxiety

I think of anxiety as my arch nemesis, but studies suggest it might actually not always be a bad thing. Patients with moderate to more severe anxiety disorders scored higher on IQ tests when compared to people with milder symptoms. 

Additionally, a 2018 study revealed that Mensa members have a better chance of being diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or mood disorders when compared to the averages. 

So, if you’re what my Gram used to call a “worry wart,” seek solace in the fact that you’re anxious because you’re cognizant enough to be.

Not much of a consolation prize, but here we are.

3) You’re a hoot 

Are you the one who has everyone in stitches because of your well-timed quips and quirky observations? 

Research shows a correlation between a good sense of humor and scoring high in both verbal intelligence and abstract reasoning testing.

People also find humor incredibly sexy. That’s backed by science, people, not just hilarious folks like myself.

4) You’re creative

According to research, creativity has long been considered a sign of high intelligence because it requires open-mindedness and the ability to think outside the box. 

Being creative helps you to shift your outlook and pattern of behavior depending on the situation and circumstances. 

Your creativity makes you quick-thinking and adaptable, both positive traits that point to a finely-honed mind.

5) You tend to go with the flow

Here’s one thing you can bank on–smart people don’t waste a minute of their time worrying about stuff they have no control over. If going with the flow is second nature to you, there’s a chance that you’re highly intelligent. 

Intelligent folks are adaptable and flexible no matter what curveball life throws in your direction, which is helpful when you need to think on your feet to come up with solutions.  

6) You’re not afraid to say “I don’t know”

If a smart person is unsure of something, they’re not afraid to admit it and follow it up with a fact-finding mission.

Because an intelligent individual knows it’s not about who is correct, but rather what is correct. The search for truth isn’t about satisfying their ego. It’s about ferreting out the right answer. 

If you’re wrong, you’re OK with being wrong. A smart person would rather alter their worldview after learning new information than remain ignorant. 

That’s a big part of the reason smart people are smart.

7) You know your limits

As we’ve learned, intelligent people don’t feel the need to behave like a know-it-all. A sign of superior intelligence is recognizing that you don’t know everything. 

If you can’t grasp a certain concept or figure out how to do something, you’re not one to pretend any different. 

You accept your limits and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Because of this trait, you’re more open to learning from others which, in turn, improves your own store of knowledge.

8) You’re a bit messy 

Ladies and gentlemen, by this criteria, I am an unquestioned genius. Bow before me.

No?

Hey, I tried.

Now, we’re not talking about an episode of “Hoarders” here. I like to think of it as more of a controlled chaos.

They may be doom piles scattered willy-nilly, but they’re my doom piles, and they make sense to me. 

For the most part, anyway.

Consider this. Psychological Science published a study that involved two groups tasked with dreaming up the most creative ways to use Ping-Pong balls. 

Group #1 brainstormed in a cluttered, untidy space while Group #2 got to work in a far more organized, minimalistic environment. 

And guess what? Team Messy won the day, as their group devised more creative and innovative ideas than Team Neat Freak.

So there.

Sorry. Couldn’t resist.

9) You talk to yourself 

Ooooooh, here’s another one I excel at! If anyone ever questions why I talk to myself so much, I just tell them it’s the only way I can get an intelligent reply.

And it doesn’t even mean I have a screw loose! 

Nope, it’s not a sign that you’re a few crayons short of a whole box–quite the contrary. A study on the subject suggests that talking out loud to yourself improves one’s self-control. 

And, from where I sit, I can’t find a downside to a victimless venting sesh.

10) You like your alone time 

If you genuinely enjoy, or even prefer, your own company and don’t feel the gravitational pull of outside validation, that’s an indication of someone with high intelligence. 

But don’t take my loner word for it. Psychological studies suggest a strong correlation between a penchant for being alone and higher intelligence. 

11) You keep an open mind 

Psychological research shows that intelligent people don’t form their opinions without first examining the issue from every angle. 

They like to be well-informed but they’re not easily influenced. In fact, open-minded people are more prone to be confident about their decisions once made and are very hard to manipulate.

12) You don’t miss a trick 

More often than not, the most intelligent person in the room isn’t the center of attention. Many people feel the need to dominate a discussion because they have something to prove. 

Smart people don’t feel that desire to impress. Instead of tooting their own horns, they’re usually quietly observant. 

They’re taking it all in, and catching the stuff that other people miss.

Final thoughts

This list is just a small fraction of the psychological traits that suggest you’re more intelligent than most. If you don’t see yourself here, that certainly doesn’t mean you don’t have a high IQ.

However, if a lot of these qualities resonate with you, you’re probably scoring above the curve, smarts-wise.