9 unusual habits that indicate a high level of intelligence, according to psychology

Intelligence is a curious thing. It’s not just about our IQs or how many books we’ve read. In fact, some of the smartest people I’ve met have a few quirky habits that set them apart.

As a keen observer of human behavior, I’ve noticed that these unusual habits are often indicators of a high level of intelligence. They’re not the typical things you’d expect, but they’re fascinating nonetheless.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 9 unusual habits that could suggest you’re smarter than the average bear. All in an easy-to-digest, friendly chat kind of way. And who knows? You might discover you’re more intelligent than you thought!

So let’s dive in, shall we?

1) A tendency to daydream

Let’s start with something that might surprise you. Daydreaming, often seen as a sign of laziness or inattention, can actually be an indicator of a highly intelligent mind.

Yes, you heard it right. Those moments when you’re lost in your thoughts, not focused on the here and now, could be a sign of high intelligence.

According to psychology, intelligent people have a tendency to let their minds wander. This is not because they are disinterested or not paying attention, but rather because their minds are constantly processing new ideas and concepts.

Now, as a mindfulness practitioner, I encourage living in the present moment. But this doesn’t mean we should suppress our natural tendency to daydream. Instead, we can acknowledge these moments as a sign of our innate intelligence and creativity.

Just remember to also take some time to come back to reality and live in the present moment too!

2) Embracing solitude

You might assume that the person who’s always the center of attention, the life of the party, is also the sharpest tool in the shed. Well, it doesn’t quite work like that.

Turns out, the really smart folks often prefer hanging out with themselves, according to studies. They cherish those solo moments—to think, ponder, and recharge. It’s during these peaceful breaks from the world that they stumble upon some of their greatest ideas.

Speaking as someone who’s all about mindfulness, I’ve seen firsthand how solitude can be our gateway to tapping into our own depth of wisdom and insight. Being at ease in our own mental space opens doors to more creativity, sharper problem-solving abilities, and a deeper emotional intelligence.

3) Questioning everything

Intelligent individuals are inherently driven to question the status quo. They refuse to merely accept things at face value or passively nod along with the crowd. Instead, they tirelessly delve into every facet of a subject, relentlessly seeking the underlying “why” behind each phenomenon.

And here’s the fascinating part: research confirms that this insatiable curiosity is a prominent hallmark of intelligence.

This hits home for me. I’ve always been that person who can’t stop asking questions. It’s actually what pulled me towards Buddhism and mindfulness—the whole journey of uncovering truth through your own lens, your own experiences.

If you’re someone who’s always digging deeper, always in pursuit of the bigger picture, it’s not just your curiosity showing. It could very well be a mark of your intelligence.

4) Comfortable with uncertainty

Life’s unpredictability can really rattle some of us, turning the mere thought of what’s next into a major stressor. Yet, those with a hefty dose of smarts seem to have this incredible knack for rolling with the punches of uncertainty, as per psychology. 

They get that nothing in life stays the same for long, and instead of sweating the unknown, they welcome it with open arms as a chance to grow and learn something new.

This whole idea echoes some deep Buddhist wisdom. Buddhism introduces us to ‘anicca’, or the reality of impermanence. This principle nudges us to embrace the constant flow of change as just another part of the adventure of living.

Thus, if you often find peace in not knowing and view it more as an adventure than a problem, it’s not just your courage showing. It could very well be a testament to your intelligence. After all, it takes a truly wise soul to see the ever-changing nature of life as an endless canvas of possibilities.

5) They’re night owls

I have to admit, this is one habit I can personally relate to. Being a night owl isn’t always seen as a positive trait, especially in a society that values early risers. But, psychologists suggest that those who prefer the quiet solitude of the late hours may actually be more intelligent.

Studies show that intelligent people are more likely to be nocturnal than those with lower IQ scores. The peace and tranquility of the night provide an ideal environment for the mind to wander, create and ponder over complex ideas.

As esteemed mindfulness expert, Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Silence is essential. We need silence just as much as we need air, just as much as plants need light. If our minds are crowded with words and thoughts, there is no space for us.”

So next time you find yourself awake long after others have retired for the night, remember: it’s not a bad thing. It could simply be your intelligent mind thriving in the silence and space that the night provides.

6) Practicing compassion

This might surprise you, but one unusual habit that can indicate high intelligence is the practice of compassion. Highly intelligent people often show a deep understanding of others’ feelings and demonstrate empathy in their interactions.

I am a firm believer in the power of compassion. In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the importance of compassion in Buddhism and how it can transform our lives.

Practicing compassion allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering understanding and harmony. It’s a form of emotional intelligence that’s often overlooked, but it’s a sure sign of a highly intelligent mind.

So, if you find yourself naturally empathizing with others and demonstrating compassion, pat yourself on the back. That’s not just emotional intelligence at work—it could be a sign of your high intelligence too.

7) Valuing experiences over possessions

In our material-driven world, it’s pretty rare to come across folks who treasure experiences over stuff. Yet, this preference is often a hallmark of the highly intelligent.

They’ve figured out something crucial: real joy doesn’t come from accumulating things, but from immersing themselves in life’s moments.

This perspective is deeply entwined with mindfulness and Buddhism, which remind us to embrace the present and value the experiences we gather, rather than chasing after more things. It’s the adventures we embark on, the lessons we absorb, and the connections we forge that truly add color to our existence.

8) Constant learning

The more you enjoy learning, the more knowledge you’ll gain, and the sharper your mind will become. This is supported by scientific evidence.

Research conducted at Goldsmiths University of London revealed that the manner in which individuals dedicate their time and energy to expanding their intellect—essentially, indulging their curiosity—significantly influences cognitive development.

This rings especially true for those who harbor a lifelong appreciation for learning. They don’t merely skim the surface of knowledge—they plunge into its depths. For them, life is an endless journey of discovery, extending far beyond the confines of traditional academia or career pursuits. 

In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, a visionary in the realms of Buddhism and mindfulness, “Because you are alive, everything is possible.” This powerful statement resonates as the anthem for the highly intelligent.

To them, the journey of discovery is not just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about the exhilarating experience of pushing boundaries, of forever reaching beyond the known into the realm of infinite possibility.

9) Embracing boredom

Here’s something that might surprise you: the really smart folks often don’t shy away from boredom. Sounds odd, right? But they get that boredom isn’t a nuisance to dodge. It’s actually a chance to hit the pause button, to mull things over, and to get back in touch with themselves.

Take a look at this: Psychologists Paloma Mari-Beffa and Alexander Kirkham from Bangor University conducted a study, and what they discovered is pretty fascinating.

They found that individuals who engage in self-talk tend to demonstrate higher levels of self-control, a key aspect of intelligence. In their experiment, participants were given tasks with written instructions; some read silently, while others vocalized the instructions.

Surprisingly, those who spoke out loud performed significantly better, showing greater focus and overall performance.

The next time you find yourself lost in thought and muttering to yourself, remember, you might actually be giving your brain a helpful boost.

Mindfulness echoes this idea. It nudges us to stay grounded in the present, even during the times that feel uneventful. Because, believe it or not, each moment is ripe with the potential for self-exploration and personal growth.

Embrace your quirks: The genius of uncommon habits

If you’ve ever felt out of step because your habits don’t line up with the crowd, take heart. The world’s most brilliant minds often march to the beat of their own drum, finding rhythm in what others might consider unusual.

These unique habits are not just quirks but are manifestations of how deeply intelligent people process the world around them.

Whether it’s embracing boredom as a creative catalyst, seeking solitude for deep thought, or questioning everything in a quest for deeper understanding, these practices are your strengths, not eccentricities. They allow you to explore the vast landscapes of your intellect and creativity.

And to that I say: Wear your uncommon habits like badges of honor!

Now, if you’re interested in exploring more about mindfulness and Buddhism, ways they can bring peace and purpose to your life, I’d recommend my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“.

Remember, intelligence isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about understanding, curiosity, empathy, and the ability to be present in every moment. Keep nurturing these habits, and continue on your journey of growth and self-discovery.