Lucas Graham
There’s a certain thrill that comes with discovering something new about yourself, especially when it involves your intellectual prowess.
You might be the kind of person who enjoys challenging activities, or maybe you just have a unique way of passing your free time.
Often, it’s not about acing every IQ test you come across or being the top of your class.
Sometimes, it’s the seemingly simple things you love doing that reveal a lot more about your potential brainpower than what conventional wisdom might suggest.
In this article, we’re going to examine 8 activities that, if you find yourself enjoying, could indicate you’re probably smarter than the average person.
Let’s dive in!
1) You love solving puzzles
There’s something about a good puzzle that you just can’t resist. It could be a crossword, a Sudoku, or a challenging riddle, but the thought of cracking the code gets your adrenaline rushing.
This isn’t just about the satisfaction of finding a solution. It’s the process itself that you love – the mental gymnastics, the strategizing, the moment of revelation when it all comes together.
This is more than just a pastime. It’s a workout for your brain. And guess what? If this is something you enjoy, there’s a good chance your intelligence quotient might be higher than average.
Why? Because puzzles challenge your cognitive abilities. They push you to think creatively, apply logic, and use your memory effectively. All these are signs of a sharp intellect.
So if you’re someone who relishes the challenge of a good puzzle, congratulations! You might just be smarter than you thought.
2) You’re a fan of strategy games
Speaking of strategy, you love games like chess, online multiplayer games, or even old school board games like Risk or Monopoly, don’t you?
Games like these require critical thinking, strategic planning, and an ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves. It’s a mental workout of sorts.
Studies have shown that individuals who frequently engage in strategy games tend to have higher intelligence quotient scores.
It makes sense when you think about it – these games require a lot of cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and memory.
3) You’re drawn to abstract art
I’ve always found myself in awe of abstract art. Something about the mystery, the interpretation, the sense of wonder it provokes just captivates me.
It’s not just about appreciating the colors or the composition — it’s about trying to decipher what the artist was attempting to convey.
I often find myself lost in thought, trying to understand the emotions and thoughts hidden behind those seemingly random brush strokes.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it actually suggests a higher level of intellectual curiosity. The ability to appreciate and interpret abstract art is linked with complex cognitive abilities.
Abstract art challenges us to think beyond the literal, to explore different perspectives and to engage with concepts that are not always straightforward.
4) You’re curious about the world
Curiosity is definitely a hallmark of intelligence. It’s a desire to learn and grow, a thirst for knowledge that isn’t easily quenched.
It’s not about knowing everything, but rather about not being afraid to ask questions and seek answers.
Intelligent people love losing themselves in thought, pondering the mysteries of the universe, questioning the workings of life, and being curious about different cultures and ideas.
If you share this insatiable curiosity about the world and its workings, chances are you’re more intelligent than you give yourself credit for. And chances are, you’ll also relate to this next activity…
5) You’re a voracious reader
Ever since I was a child, books have been my refuge. I remember the thrill of flipping through the pages of a new novel, the excitement of entering a different world, and the satisfaction of finishing a good story.
I’m not just talking about academic books or highbrow literature. It could be fantasy, sci-fi, biographies or even comic books. The genre doesn’t matter. What matters is the joy I derive from reading.
Reading, for me, is not just a hobby. It’s an activity that stimulates my mind, expands my vocabulary, and gives me new perspectives.
Research has shown that people who read regularly are more likely to have higher cognitive abilities. It’s no surprise then that many intelligent people are also avid readers.
So if you, like me, can’t resist a good book and find solace in the written word, there’s a high chance you are more intelligent than the average person.
6) You love to write
Speaking of the written word, isn’t there something magical about putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and crafting a world with words?
Whether it’s journaling, writing poetry, or creating stories, the act of writing is a joy for you.
But it’s more than just creating compelling narratives or expressing thoughts. It’s about organizing those thoughts, making connections, and presenting them in a way that others can understand and appreciate.
Writing, just like everything else on this list, requires a high degree of cognitive function. It involves creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and even empathy to create characters or situations that resonate with readers.
If you find solace in writing and enjoy the process of crafting words into meaningful sentences, it could very well be a sign of your higher-than-average intelligence.
7) You enjoy learning new languages
There’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to converse in a language other than your mother tongue.
For me, learning a new language is like unlocking a new world, full of different sounds, expressions, and ways of seeing things.
This isn’t just about impressing others with my multilingual skills. It’s about expanding my horizons, understanding different cultures, and challenging my brain in a unique way.
Language learning requires a good memory, logical thinking, and an ability to grasp complex rules and structures. These skills are strongly linked to intelligence.
8) You thrive on challenges
Rather than shying away from them, you’re the kind of person who embraces challenges. You see them as opportunities to grow, to learn, to stretch your abilities.
Whether it’s a difficult project at work, a complex riddle, or a new skill you’re trying to master, you dive in headfirst.
You’re not afraid of failure, because for you, it’s just another stepping stone towards success.
How come you have this kind of mindset?
Well, it’s pretty simple – you have the intellectual capacity to analyze problems, devise solutions, and apply your knowledge in practical ways. Where the less intelligent would likely give up, you find it all rather stimulating.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been nodding along to these signs, there’s a good chance that you’re more intelligent than the average person.
And here’s the exciting part – this isn’t a fixed trait. Intelligence can be nurtured and developed.
The activities mentioned in this article are not just enjoyable pastimes, they’re also tools for cognitive growth. By engaging in these activities, you’re not just having fun, you’re also sharpening your mind and expanding your intellectual capabilities.
Embrace your intellectual curiosity, keep challenging yourself and never stop learning. You might be surprised at just how far your intelligence can take you.
