You’re Curious and Always Eager to Learn (6/6)

Highly intelligent people don’t assume they know everything. In fact, a sign of intelligence is recognizing that there’s always more to learn. “If they encounter something they don’t understand, they view it as an opportunity to learn rather than a threat to their intelligence,” Thompson says. “This curiosity drives them to expand their knowledge and skills continuously.”

7. You’re a Good Listener and Communicator

If people often seek your advice or enjoy having deep conversations with you, that could be a sign of high intelligence. According to Johnson, “Intelligent people are often excellent listeners and communicators. They can distill complex ideas into understandable concepts, and they’re genuinely interested in understanding others’ perspectives.”

8. You’re Able to Delay Gratification

Having the ability to delay gratification shows maturity and foresight. You understand that sometimes short-term sacrifices lead to long-term gains. According to Thompson, this ability is often linked to higher intelligence. “Studies have shown that individuals who can delay gratification tend to have better life outcomes and often score higher on various measures of cognitive ability,” he says.

9. You Have a Good Sense of Self-Awareness

Having the ability to delay gratification shows maturity and foresight. You understand that sometimes short-term sacrifices lead to long-term gains. According to Thompson, this ability is often linked to higher intelligence. “Studies have shown that individuals who can delay gratification tend to have better life outcomes and often score higher on various measures of cognitive ability,” he says.

10. You’re Adaptable and Embrace Change

“There’s a strong correlation between adaptability and cognitive flexibility in neuroscience research,” Dr. Michael Thompson, neuropsychologist and author of “The Adaptive Mind,” tells Bustle. “We’ve found that individuals who can easily adapt to new situations and embrace change tend to have more dynamic neural networks.”

In other words, being able to adjust your thinking and behavior in response to new information or changing circumstances is a sign of intelligence. So if you thrive in new environments and aren’t afraid of change, Thompson says, there’s a good chance you’re exhibiting high intelligence.