1) Embracing the unfamiliar

A common characteristic among those who are smarter than average is their openness to new experiences. They don’t shy away from the unknown, rather, they use it as a platform to broaden their horizons.

Take a moment and think about your own behavior. Do you tend to gravitate towards the familiar or do you actively seek out new experiences? Are you excited by the prospect of learning something new, or do you find it daunting?

Being open to new experiences means you’re more likely to be exposed to different ideas and perspectives, which in turn can enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2) Enjoying solitude

Another sign that you might be smarter than the average person is if you enjoy your own company. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an introvert or that you don’t love spending time with others. It’s more about the ability to be alone without feeling lonely.

I personally find that solitude provides me with the space and peace I need to think, create, and recharge. It’s during these moments of quiet introspection that some of my best ideas come to life.

As philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said: “In solitude, the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself”.

3) Self-awareness and introspection

One of the most significant signs of intelligence is a heightened level of self-awareness. Smart people often spend time in introspection, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and motivations.

This self-awareness allows them to navigate life more effectively, making decisions that are in line with their values and aspirations.

It’s helped me embrace my vulnerabilities, recognize my achievements without needing external validation, and pursue a path of self-improvement grounded in genuine self-acceptance.

To help you embark on this journey of self-discovery, I invite you to watch my video on a transformative mirror exercise. This exercise features five powerful questions designed to boost your self-confidence and gain a deeper understanding of your inner strengths:

4) Turning obstacles into opportunities

Life is filled with challenges and setbacks. But what separates the smart from the average is not just the ability to overcome these obstacles, but to transform them into opportunities for growth and learning.

This perspective aligns with one of my core beliefs: that every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility. Instead of getting discouraged by failure, I choose to view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.

Let’s be honest here – it’s not always easy.

It can be incredibly tough to maintain this mindset, especially when you’re in the thick of a difficult situation. But in my experience, this is where resilience is born.

It’s a testament not just to your intelligence, but also your creative potential.

5) Seeking prosperity beyond wealth

If you believe that prosperity is about more than just accumulating wealth, you might be smarter than the average person. True prosperity, I believe, comes from aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.

This belief goes against the grain of traditional definitions of success. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s not always easy to live by. It requires us to question societal norms and expectations and forge our own path.

It’s a must-watch if you’re interested in exploring a more meaningful definition of prosperity.

If your vision of prosperity encompasses more than just material wealth, this could be a sign of your higher-than-average intelligence. It speaks volumes about your ability to see beyond surface-level definitions and strive for something deeper and more meaningful.

6) Valuing collaboration over competition

In a society that often glorifies competition, it may seem strange to value collaboration more. However, if you find yourself gravitating towards cooperative efforts, this could be a sign of your above-average intelligence.

This belief aligns with my commitment to reject rigid dominance hierarchies and cultivate relationships based on mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation. Competition can certainly drive innovation and progress, but collaboration fosters a sense of community and shared success.

When we work together, we pool our resources, ideas, and strengths. We learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences. This not only leads to more innovative solutions but also to more inclusive ones.

7) Questioning the status quo

If you frequently find yourself questioning societal norms and the status quo, this could be a sign that you’re smarter than the average person.

This trait is not about being rebellious or contrarian for the sake of it. Instead, it’s about having the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills to challenge conventional wisdom and explore alternative perspectives.

This aligns with my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth. By questioning the status quo, we encourage ourselves to confront our fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate self-compassion. This ultimately enables us to create the lives and the world we desire.

This intellectual curiosity and drive for continuous learning are hallmarks of those who are smarter than average.

Final thoughts

The concept of intelligence extends far beyond the confines of academic prowess or IQ scores. It’s a spectrum encompassing diverse traits like creativity, resilience, self-awareness, and the capacity to embrace the unfamiliar.

Each sign we’ve discussed, from seeking prosperity beyond wealth to valuing collaboration over competition, paints a picture of intelligence that’s more nuanced and holistic.

So the next time you find yourself questioning societal norms or enjoying your own company, remember – these could be signs of your above-average intelligence.

And if you’re turning obstacles into opportunities or aligning your financial decisions with deeper values, know that these are marks of a smart individual navigating life’s complexities.

Intrigued? Want to explore more about living life with purpose and authenticity? Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here. Join thousands of others in our shared journey towards understanding ourselves better and embracing our unique potential.

As we conclude this exploration of intelligence, I leave you with this question: Which sign resonates most with you and why?