If you’ve ever questioned your intelligence, you’re not alone.

Psychology has identified a few signs that might indicate you’re definitely smarter than the average person. 

This isn’t about bragging or feeling superior.

Like any other trait, intelligence varies from person to person – and it’s not a measure of someone’s worth.

But knowing the psychological signs of higher-than-average intelligence could be intriguing.

So let’s delve into these eight signs you could be smarter than the average person, according to psychology.

Hold onto your hats – some of these might surprise you!

1) You’re a curious cat

If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Curiosity killed the cat,” don’t be alarmed. When it comes to intelligence, curiosity is a good thing. In fact, it’s one of the signs you might be smarter than the average person.

Curiosity drives us to explore new ideas, learn about new topics, and challenge our current understanding. It’s this passion for knowledge that often leads to higher intelligence levels.

If you’re always asking questions, seeking out new experiences or just love learning new things, you might be smarter than you think.

Don’t worry if you sometimes feel like your curiosity is making you a bit of a nerd. Embrace it! It’s not about being a know-it-all or showing off; it’s about having a thirst for knowledge and understanding the world around us better.

And, when you find yourself diving deep into a Wikipedia rabbit hole at 2 am or getting lost in a book about a topic most people find ‘boring’, remember: it’s just your brain showing its smarts.

And who knows? Maybe your curiosity will lead you to discover something incredible.

2) You embrace your mistakes

We’re often led to believe that smart people never make mistakes. But the truth is, those who are smarter than the average person are not only prone to making mistakes – they embrace them.

Mistakes are not failures, but rather opportunities for growth and learning.

If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from your blunders but instead sees them as stepping stones to improve and gain more knowledge, then this is a strong sign of high intelligence.

The real intelligence lies in understanding that perfection is unattainable and that every stumble brings us closer to our goals.

If you’ve ever felt down about a misstep, keep in mind: it’s not about never making mistakes but about what you do after you’ve made one.

3) You enjoy your own company

While social interactions are essential and enjoyable, if you relish spending time alone, it could be a sign of above-average intelligence.

Having the ability to be content and productive when you’re by yourself shows a level of self-sufficiency that can be linked to high cognitive function.

Those who cherish their alone time often use it to pursue personal interests, reflect on their experiences, and plan future actions.

This solitude can lead to self-awareness, creativity, and better problem-solving skills – all hallmarks of intelligence.

So, the next time you find joy in a quiet evening with a book or working on a solo project, know that it’s not just about introversion or extroversion. It’s a sign that your brain is happily engaged, even when you’re by yourself.

4) You’re a good listener

In a world where everyone is eager to share their thoughts, being a good listener is a rare and precious trait.

If you genuinely listen to others, understand their perspectives, and consider their feelings, you’re displaying emotional intelligence, which is an integral part of overall intelligence.

Listening goes beyond just hearing words. It involves understanding, empathy, and connecting with another person’s experiences.

Good listeners can pick up on subtle cues, display patience, and make others feel valued and understood.

Don’t forget that your ability to listen well doesn’t make you a doormat or mean you should accept poor treatment.

It simply means you have the strength and intelligence to appreciate the complexities of human communication. And that is something truly special.

5) You’re a procrastinator

If you’re reading this while you’re supposed to be doing something else, don’t fret. Procrastination, surprisingly, could be a sign of higher-than-average intelligence.

While it may seem like a bad habit, procrastination can actually be an indicator of being able to think and plan ahead. It can mean you’re good at prioritising tasks and managing your time effectively.

If you find yourself putting off tasks till the last minute, remember it’s not always about being lazy or unproductive.

It might just be your smart brain subconsciously at work, figuring out when is the best time to get things done. Just make sure you eventually get around to doing them!

6) You’re adaptable

Picture this: you’ve planned your day meticulously, but suddenly, unexpected changes come your way.

If you’re able to adjust your sails smoothly without getting overly flustered, it’s a sign you’re smarter than the average person.

Adaptability requires a good deal of mental agility and flexibility. It means you can think on your feet and adjust your strategies according to the situation at hand.

It’s like playing chess; when your opponent makes a surprising move, you alter your game plan rather than sticking to your original strategy.

This doesn’t mean you’ll always love change or that it won’t sometimes throw you off.

But if you’re generally good at rolling with the punches and navigating through life’s surprises, it’s likely you’ve got an above-average brain ticking away up there.

7) You don’t shy away from hard work

If you think intelligence is an excuse to avoid putting in effort, think again. Being smart isn’t about having all the answers effortlessly; it’s about being willing to roll up your sleeves and dive into the hard work.

True intelligence means recognizing that growth comes from effort, struggle, and perseverance. It’s about understanding that the path to success is often paved with challenges and obstacles that need to be overcome.

Be honest, if you’re someone who’s not afraid of a little sweat and grit when it comes to achieving your goals, give yourself a pat on the back.

It means you’ve got the brains and the brawn, a powerful combination that sets you apart from the rest.

8) You’re self-aware

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: true intelligence lies in being self-aware.

Understanding your strengths, recognizing your weaknesses, and being aware of your emotions and thoughts is a clear sign of intelligence that surpasses the average.

Self-awareness allows you to evaluate yourself honestly, make necessary changes, and steer your life in the direction you want. It’s about knowing who you are, what you want, and where you’re going.

In the end, being smarter than the average person doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone else. It simply means you have a certain set of traits and skills that can help you navigate life more effectively.

Embrace these traits, continue to learn and grow, and use your intelligence to make a positive difference in the world.

Parting thoughts

The truly intelligent person is one who understands that intelligence isn’t about superiority—it’s about using your unique gifts, strengths, and understanding to navigate the world around you more effectively.

The time you spend nurturing your mind and broadening your horizons is never wasted. And being truly intelligent means having the wisdom to not let others dictate what you should value or focus on.

Here’s to embracing your intelligence, continuing to learn and grow, and using your smarts to enrich your life and the lives of others around you.