9 quirky habits that indicate an unusually high level of intelligence (according to psychology)

We all have our own little quirks and habits that make us unique.

Some of these habits may seem odd or out of the ordinary to others, but could they be an indication of a higher level of intelligence?

According to psychology, certain behaviours, which might initially be perceived as quirky, can actually be signs of an unusually high level of intelligence. These habits can range from being a night owl to having a penchant for self-deprecation.

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you 9 quirky habits that psychology links with an unusually high level of intelligence.

Join me as we delve into these intriguing habits and find out if you or someone you know might just be a hidden genius.

1) They’re night owls

Being a night owl isn’t just about binge-watching shows or scrolling through social media into the wee hours. For some, it could potentially signify a high level of intelligence.

Psychology suggests that those who prefer to stay up late and do their best work in the quiet of the night, may actually be more intelligent. 

You may notice this habit in someone who thrives in the peace and solitude that nighttime offers, using it as their prime time for brainstorming, reading, or working on their latest project.

They might seem out of sync with conventional schedules, but their late-night productivity could be indicative of an unusually high level of intelligence.

So, the next time you come across a night owl, remember they might just be smarter than the early bird who catches the worm.

2) They frequently lose track of time

Ever find yourself so engrossed in a project or a book that hours slip by unnoticed?

This habit, often exhibited by highly intelligent individuals, is known as ‘hyperfocus‘.

Hyperfocus allows someone to become completely absorbed in a task that they lose all sense of time. They may forget about other commitments or even basic needs such as eating and sleeping because they are so caught up in what they are doing.

While it may seem like a negative trait, especially when important tasks are neglected, it can also indicate an ability to think deeply and concentrate intensely – traits often associated with high intelligence.

So if you or someone you know frequently loses track of time due to intense focus on a task, it might just be a sign of an unusually high level of intelligence.

3) They’re messy

Cleanliness is next to godliness, or so we’ve been told.

However, what if I told you that a cluttered desk or an untidy room might be a sign of high intelligence?

Those who are highly intelligent often have their minds buzzing with ideas and thoughts, leaving little time or inclination to tidy up their surroundings.

They may find comfort in the chaos and can locate their belongings amidst the clutter with surprising accuracy. The disorder in their physical space could be representative of a mind full of creative ideas and problem-solving capabilities.

So, the next time you see a messy desk or room, remember, it might just be the workspace of a genius.

4) They’re prone to anxiety

It’s not all roses when it comes to high intelligence. Often, those with a high IQ are more prone to anxiety and overthinking.

Their minds are constantly racing, dissecting situations, analyzing outcomes, and pondering life’s big questions. This can lead to feelings of unease, worry, or even panic.

While anxiety is a serious issue and not something to be romanticized, its connection with high intelligence suggests that those who often find themselves worrying may have a deep-thinking and highly analytical brain.

So, if you’re someone who often finds themselves in the clutches of anxiety, take heart. It could just be your intelligent mind trying to make sense of the world around you.

5) They’re sensitive to others’ feelings

People with high intelligence often have a heightened ability to tune into the emotions of others. They are likely to pick up on subtle cues, like a slight change in tone or body language, that others might miss.

This sensitivity can sometimes be mistaken for being overly emotional or too soft-hearted. However, it’s actually a sign of emotional intelligence, a key characteristic of highly intelligent people.

Being able to understand and empathize with others’ feelings is not just a nice quality – it’s a powerful ability that enables deeper connections and more effective communication.

So, if you or someone you know is often deeply affected by the emotions of those around them, let them know they’re not weak – they could just be incredibly intelligent.

6) They tend to procrastinate

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating at some point. But did you know that this habit could be an indicator of high intelligence?

Highly intelligent people often have a whirlpool of ideas and thoughts running through their minds. Sometimes, deciding which one to act on can feel overwhelming, and as a result, they might put things off.

They might also have a tendency to overthink tasks, causing them to delay starting until they feel they have the perfect plan in place.

So the next time you’re feeling guilty about that task you’ve been putting off, remember: it might not be laziness, but your intelligent mind taking its time to align everything perfectly.

7) They love their alone time

While socializing and spending time with friends can be great, highly intelligent individuals often crave some good ol’ alone time.

They might prefer to curl up with a book or delve into a personal project rather than hitting the town on a Friday night. This isn’t because they’re anti-social or shy, but rather they find solitude refreshing and rejuvenating.

In these quiet moments, they get to explore their thoughts, dive deep into their interests, and let their creative juices flow without interruption.

So, if you know someone who often prefers their own company over others, don’t worry. They’re probably just busy nurturing their brilliant mind.

8) They can be brutally honest

Highly intelligent individuals have a knack for seeing the world as it is, not as most people would like it to be. This often translates into a brutal honesty that can come off as harsh or insensitive.

They’re not trying to be cruel – they simply value truth over comfort. They believe in constructive criticism and aren’t afraid to voice out their opinions, even when it’s not what others want to hear.

While this trait may rub some people the wrong way, it is an indication of intellectual integrity and a refusal to sugarcoat reality.

So, if you know someone who always tells it like it is, brace yourself. You’re dealing with a mind that values truth above all else.

9) They’re eternally curious

Above all, highly intelligent people are characterized by a never-ending curiosity.

They have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an unquenchable desire to understand the world around them.

They’re the ones who are always asking questions, always exploring new ideas, and never content with just the surface-level understanding of things.

They dive deep into topics that interest them and aren’t afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

So if you or someone you know is always asking “why” or “how,” take note. This relentless curiosity is perhaps the most significant sign of an unusually high level of intelligence.

In conclusion

These nine habits we’ve discussed are just potential indicators, not definitive proof of someone’s intelligence. They simply highlight the fact that high intelligence can often present itself in ways we might not initially recognize.

If you found yourself identifying with some or all these habits, take a moment to appreciate your cognitive complexities. You might just be more intelligent than you give yourself credit for.

Or perhaps you’ve recognized these traits in someone you know. If so, you might want to consider their quirkiness from a new perspective.

Ultimately, this article isn’t meant to provide a standard for measuring intelligence. Instead, it’s meant to encourage a broader understanding and appreciation of the many different ways intelligence can manifest itself.

Intelligence comes in many forms, and these quirky habits are just a few indicators. So keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep learning!