When you think of intelligent people what kind of habits come to mind? You might think of a brainiac wearing glasses, reading, books, and studying. But did you know that there are other, lesser-known habits they engage in? Here are some unusual things highly intelligent people do:
They often talk to themselves
What do you think when you see someone talking to themselves? It might look a bit odd from the outside but researchers believe, that this habit is actually a useful technique, used by highly intelligent people.
In a study published, in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, it was found to improve, visual perception and understanding.
Talking out loud, allows the brain to retrieve information more efficiently, which helps to interpret the environment around you, find objects, and explore ideas.
So when you see someone talking to themselves, they might be a highly intelligent person, using this technique, to think of solutions and ideas, much faster than everyone else.
Staying up late
They are night owls. What time are you most active? Research shows, that night owls are more intelligent than those with regular sleep cycles.
A 2009 study, published in the Journal of Personality and Individual Differences, found that high childhood IQ was associated with nocturnal behaviour in adulthood.
The authors theorised, that humans didn’t evolve for nocturnal activity but highly intelligent people often choose to live life their way, rather than sticking to societal conventions.
So instead of being active when everyone else is awake, they stay up late, when they have no obligations or distractions so they can pursue their goals more productively.
A little chaotic
How much structure do you like in your life? You might think that plans, schedules, and systems, are a sign of intelligence but research suggests, it’s the other way around.
Studies have found, that the personality trait, that has the strongest link with high intelligence is low conscientiousness. This means they have a preference for disorder and flexibility, rather than organisation and routine.
Researchers believe, that highly intelligent people don’t need rules, plans, and reminders, as they’re smart enough to figure it out, and manage themselves. Sometimes, order even restricts their freedom and originality.
They can be daydreamers
How much do you focus on the task at hand? You might think that highly intelligent people, always have a strong focus, so that they can accomplish their objectives.
But a 2013 study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that mind-wandering, is another form of intelligent thinking, and that daydreaming should be seen, as a positive and constructive mental technique, not a distraction.
Highly intelligent people use daydreaming to plan for the future, explore creative solutions, and enhance the learning of new information.
Some researchers even suggest, that the attention demanded by modern schools and workplaces, is hurting our intelligence. This is because it reduces our capacity, for mental reflection and daydreaming.
They often like to be alone
How much time do you spend alone? A study published in the British Journal of Psychology showed that highly intelligent people spent a great deal of time alone.
They have many goals to pursue, to make the most of their abilities and ambitions which reduces the time they spend socialising.
On the plus side, they tend to be quite satisfied with this, as working on long-term objectives gives them a form of happiness that nothing else can. Highly intelligent people are not only loners, they’re happy being alone.
So there you have it, unusual things that highly intelligent people do. Do you relate to any of the things mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article if you think someone else will find it interesting.
