7 signs you have far more wisdom than the average person, according to psychology

Contrary to popular belief, wisdom isn’t the exclusive domain of the elderly or a select few ‘enlightened’ individuals.

It’s a fundamental capacity that each one of us can cultivate if we choose to engage with life in a certain way.

With that said, let’s get into these signs that according to psychology, suggest you might be wiser than you think.

1) Embracing uncertainty

In our fast-paced, information-rich world, we often feel pressure to have an answer to every question, a solution to every problem.

But wise people understand that life is inherently complex and unpredictable, and that it’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”

This concept is supported by psychological studies, which show that those with higher levels of wisdom are more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty.

They don’t rush to judgments or make hasty decisions. Instead, they take the time to explore different perspectives, consider multiple possibilities, and are open to changing their minds when new information comes to light.

Embracing uncertainty requires a certain level of self-awareness and courage. It means acknowledging our limitations and being open to the possibility that we might be wrong.

This sign of wisdom is about recognizing the complexity of the world around us and our limited capacity to fully grasp it.

2) Deep sense of empathy

A second sign of wisdom, according to psychology, is a deep sense of empathy. This is more than just being able to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s about genuinely caring for their wellbeing, even when their experiences or perspectives differ from our own.

I’ve noticed in my journey that wise people often have a remarkable capacity for empathy. They can put themselves in the shoes of others, understand their emotions, and respond with compassion and respect. This ability to connect with others on a deep emotional level is a powerful indicator of wisdom.

Empathy goes beyond mere sympathy or pity. It involves recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

It’s about acknowledging our shared humanity and striving to alleviate the suffering of others.

Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”

This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of empathy and its role in fostering authentic connections.

3) Authentic self-awareness

One of the most profound signs of wisdom is authentic self-awareness. This involves a deep understanding of oneself, including one’s strengths, weaknesses, passions, fears, and values.

It’s about knowing who you are at the core and living in alignment with your authentic self.

True self-awareness goes beyond superficial self-knowledge. It involves confronting our fears, challenging our limiting beliefs, and embracing our vulnerabilities.

It’s about doing the inner work necessary to understand ourselves on a deeper level and to grow as individuals.

I’ve come to realize that self-awareness is a lifelong journey rather than a destination. It’s not about achieving some ideal state of self-knowledge, but about continually seeking to understand ourselves better and to live more authentically.

To delve deeper into this topic, I invite you to watch my video on imposter syndrome. Here I discuss how feeling like an ‘imposter’ can actually be a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.

If you resonate with the content and would like to join over 30,000 others exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

You can do so by clicking here. Through these videos, we can embark on this journey of self-discovery together.

4) Embracing failure as feedback

Possessing wisdom often goes hand in hand with the ability to embrace failure as feedback. This is less about adopting a positive mindset and more about viewing obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

The reality is, life is full of challenges. We all make mistakes, experience failures, and face disappointments.

But rather than letting these experiences discourage us or shake our self-confidence, wise individuals choose to learn from them.

By viewing failure as feedback, we shift our focus from what went wrong to what we can do differently next time.

We stop blaming external circumstances or other people for our problems and start focusing on what we can control – our own attitudes, actions, and responses. We become more resilient, more adaptable, and better equipped to navigate the complexities of life.

This approach aligns with my belief that true empowerment comes from taking full responsibility for our lives. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it’s an essential part of living with authenticity and freedom.

5) Recognizing the importance of authentic relationships

Wisdom is often associated with the recognition of the profound importance of authentic relationships.

It’s about understanding that our connections with others are not just about mutual benefits or shared interests, but about a deeper sense of shared humanity.

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to lose sight of the value of genuine, meaningful connections.

We often prioritize quantity over quality, accumulating hundreds or even thousands of ‘friends’ on social media while neglecting to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Wise people, however, understand the value of authentic connections. They invest time and energy in building relationships based on mutual respect, empathy, and understanding.

They recognize that it’s through these connections that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

This aligns with my belief in the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships.

No matter how independent or self-reliant we may be, none of us can thrive alone. We need others not just for practical support, but for emotional connection and a sense of belonging.

To delve deeper into this topic, I invite you to watch my video on being single and lonely in a big city.

In this video, I share my personal experiences and insights on the importance of slowing down, focusing more on ourselves, and building authentic connections.

 

6) Prioritizing purpose over prosperity

Another sign of wisdom is the recognition of the true value of prosperity. Far from simply accumulating wealth, wise individuals understand that real prosperity is about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.

In a world where success is often measured in dollars and cents, this perspective can seem unconventional.

Yet, it stems from a deep understanding that monetary wealth alone cannot bring fulfillment or happiness.

True prosperity involves cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.

This belief is woven into my commitment to being a conscious consumer and investor. I recognize that every financial choice I make is a vote for the kind of world I want to live in.

By directing my resources towards businesses and initiatives that promote social good, I am contributing to a more just and sustainable future.

7) Valuing diversity and collaboration

A significant sign of wisdom is the appreciation for diversity and collaboration. Wisdom isn’t about seeking to dominate or impose one’s views on others.

Instead, it involves recognizing the inherent value of multiple perspectives and the benefits of collaborative efforts. Research says that culturally diverse groups, for example, have the potential for improved creativity relative to culturally homogeneous groups.

Wise individuals aren’t threatened by differences. They see diversity not as a source of division, but as a strength that can enrich our shared experiences and collective problem-solving abilities.

They understand that we all bring unique gifts to the table, and that by combining these gifts, we can accomplish far more than we could alone.

This aligns with my belief in rejecting rigid dominance hierarchies and valuing every individual’s dignity and worth. It’s about cultivating relationships based on mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation.

Final thoughts

Are you embracing these signs in your journey? Are you living your life in alignment with your deepest values and contributing to a more compassionate world?

Reflect on these questions and if you want to delve deeper into these topics, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here. Together, we can explore living a life of purpose, authenticity, and freedom.