Navigating the world requires a certain level of mental agility. You’re constantly faced with decisions, problems, and situations that demand you to think on your feet.

And you usually manage quite well, even more so than others around you. But have you ever wondered why?

You’ve probably heard it before, the idea that some people are just naturally more intelligent than others. It’s often thrown around casually, as if it’s an immutable truth.

But is it really? Could it be that what sets you apart isn’t some innate superiority, but rather a finely honed skill?

I’m talking about critical thinking, the ability to analyze, evaluate, and form judgements. It’s a skill that’s not necessarily tied to IQ or academic prowess, but rather to your capacity for reasoning and discernment.

This is where things get interesting. You, my friend, might be a critical thinker par excellence, even if you don’t realize it yet.

Here are eight signs that your critical thinking skills might just be stronger than the average person’s. And trust me, it’s not as dry as it sounds. Stick with me and let’s explore this together.

1) You’re constantly questioning

In a world that often values quick answers over thoughtful deliberation, you’re the one who pauses.

You don’t just accept things at face value; you probe, you dig deeper. You’re not being difficult or contrarian, you’re simply exercising your critical thinking muscles.

Sure, it can be inconvenient at times. Who hasn’t rolled their eyes at the person who asks “why” one too many times?

But here’s the thing: questioning is a cornerstone of critical thinking. It’s about refusing to settle for the first, easiest, or most popular answer.

You see, critical thinkers understand that the world is complex, and that true knowledge comes from exploring this complexity rather than shying away from it.

So if you find yourself asking “why” more often than not, take it as a sign that your critical thinking skills are stronger than average.

It’s not a flaw, it’s a strength. And it’s one that can serve you well in many different aspects of life.

2) You embrace ambiguity

Life isn’t always about clear-cut, black and white answers. No, it’s often about navigating through the grey areas. And as a critical thinker, you’re no stranger to ambiguity.

I remember a time when I was deciding on a career move. I had a cushy job, but there was this other opportunity that promised more growth. It was a risk, no doubt about it. There were no guarantees, no assurances.

Many people would have gone for the safer choice. But for me, the ambiguity wasn’t something to be feared; it was something to be explored.

I asked myself: What if this new job pushes me to grow in ways I can’t even imagine right now? What if the risk pays off in ways that safe choices never could?

So I took the plunge. And yes, there were moments of doubt and uncertainty.

But by embracing the ambiguity instead of running from it, I was able to learn and grow in ways I never could have if I had stuck with the safe choice.

If you’re like me and you see ambiguity not as a roadblock but as an opportunity for growth, then you might just have stronger critical thinking skills than the average person.

3) You see failure as a teacher

Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor of the light bulb, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

It’s a powerful statement that reveals a lot about his critical thinking ability.

Edison saw each unsuccessful attempt not as a failure but as a lesson learned. This is a quintessential critical thinking trait: to view setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

I’ve had my fair share of failures. From flunked exams to botched presentations, I’ve been there.

But instead of letting these failures define me, I chose to learn from them. Each setback taught me something new about myself, about the world, and about how I can do better next time.

So if you’re the kind of person who picks themselves up after a fall, dusts themselves off, and tries again with newfound wisdom, then you might just have stronger critical thinking skills than your peers. 

4) You’re a master of perspective

Did you know that the Ebbinghaus illusion, a famous optical illusion, can trick us into perceiving two identical circles as different sizes based on their surroundings?

It’s a fascinating demonstration of how context can influence our perception.

Similarly, in life, people often get trapped in their own point of view, their perspectives shaped by their immediate surroundings, their experiences, and their biases.

But as a critical thinker, you have this uncanny ability to step outside of your immediate context. You can detach yourself from your biases and assumptions, and view situations from multiple perspectives.

This ability to switch perspectives, to see the larger picture beyond your immediate surroundings, is a clear sign that your critical thinking skills are well above average.

5) You value active listening

In a world where everyone seems to be screaming to be heard, you are a silent observer. You listen – really listen – without the urge to interrupt or push your own agenda. And that’s a rare quality.

Active listening is more than just hearing the words that are spoken; it’s about understanding the underlying sentiments, the unspoken feelings, and the nuanced meanings.

It’s about empathizing, comprehending, and responding in a meaningful way.

If you find yourself being the listener more often than not, it’s another sign that your critical thinking abilities are stronger than average. Because to think critically, you first need to listen actively.

6) You’re open to changing your mind

In a world that often views changing your mind as a sign of weakness or inconsistency, you see it differently.

You see it as a testament to your ability to think critically, to assess new information, and to adjust your beliefs accordingly.

I remember a time when I was staunchly against remote work. I believed that it would lead to decreased productivity and a loss of team camaraderie. But then the pandemic hit, and like many others, I was forced to work from home.

Instead of sticking to my old beliefs, I chose to reassess them in light of my new experiences. And I found that remote work, when managed properly, could actually lead to increased productivity and flexible work-life balance.

So I changed my mind. And it wasn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to my ability to think critically and adapt.

If you’re someone who’s open to changing your mind when presented with new information or experiences, then congratulations. Your critical thinking skills are definitely stronger than average.

Because being open to change isn’t a sign of inconsistency; it’s a sign of intellectual flexibility and growth.

7) You’re comfortable with being wrong

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, isn’t it? The realization that you were wrong.

But if you’re a critical thinker, it doesn’t bother you as much as it does the average person. In fact, you often embrace it.

Instead of feeling embarrassed or defensive, you might even find it freeing. After all, you know that being wrong isn’t a reflection of your worth or capability. It’s simply a chance to learn, to grow, and to improve. 

This brings me to the  next point…

8) You’re always learning

Here’s the thing about critical thinkers – they never stop learning. They see life as an endless journey of discovery, a continuous quest for knowledge.

So if you’re someone who’s always eager to learn, who sees every experience as a chance to grow and evolve, then you’re definitely a cut above the rest when it comes to critical thinking.

Because at the end of the day, critical thinking isn’t just about analyzing and evaluating; it’s about learning and growing.

It’s about challenging your own beliefs, embracing new perspectives, and being willing to change your mind. And if you embody these qualities, then rest assured – your critical thinking skills are stronger than average.

The final takeaway

If you’ve found yourself nodding along with these signs, it’s clear that your critical thinking skills are well above average.

But here’s what’s even more important: critical thinking is not a static quality. It’s a skill that can be honed and developed over time. It’s the journey of constant learning, questioning, and growing.

So, keep feeding your curiosity. Keep asking questions. Keep challenging your assumptions. Embrace different perspectives. And above all, stay open to changing your mind.