I used to enjoy watching the TV game show, "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" and, as it turns out, most of the time I was not. I.O. stands for intelligence quotient. It also happens to be my initials. But IQ, or your intelligence, isn't measured by how much you know, but rather at the pace you acquire new information. Studies have shown that intelligence is set at an early age so, unfortunately, you're kinda stuck with what you've got. Intelligence, however, isn't the only factor that determines whether or not someone is successful in life. In fact, research shows that it's not even an important factor but, still, having a high IQ is never a bad thing. My mom tells a funny story about when I was very young; how she'd hold me way up over her head and then tell everyone about her "high IQ." But I digress...
Most of us move through life and never really know how smart we are. IQ is difficult to measure and can can only be determined by a highly-paid trained professional. But some new research is providing clues linking "early life experiences to, among other things, a high intelligence. Here are 5 indicators of high intelligence, If any of them apply to you, well, you just just be smarter than that fifth grader!
1. You're anxious. It's hard to think of anxiety as being good but new evidence shows that it's not entirely a bad thing. Studies have shown that the most anxious participants were also the most focused and effective at executing tasks. So the next time someone tells you to quit worrying so much, you can tell them that it's just your over-sized intellect getting in the way.
2. You were an early reader. Learning to read at an early age, say researchers, has a developmental impact that actually makes kids smarter. So, if you were an early reader, it might not be because you’re smart. It may be that you’re smart because you were an early reader.
3. You're left-handed. There is some small correlation between being left-handed and being a criminal but, more importantly, there is mounting evidence to prove that being a "southpaw" has some intellectual advantages. One large study shows that left-handedness is associated with divergent thinking; more so in males. This unique ability to combine two unrelated objects in a meaningful way is a sign of intelligence. So, it turns out, all those teachers who tried so hard to force you lefties to learn to write with your right hand, had it all backwards.
4. You took music lessons as kid. Did you play an instrument when you were young? My parents made me take violin lessons. I hated those weekly lessons and the endless practice sessions. But now I'm grateful that my parents stood their ground and made me continue playing. And here's why. There are a number of studies out there demonstrating that musical training enhances verbal intelligence and executive function...a skill that is critical to focus and self-control. Now are you glad your folks made you play that tuba?
5. You're funny. Perhaps your teachers and parents didn't appreciate your youthful sense of humor or how your classmates unanimously voted you Class Clown, but research shows a strong connection between being funny and having high scores in verbal intelligence and abstract reasoning. Your witty repartee is the product of a sharp mind. Too bad more politicians are funny....I'm sure you can come with a good joke about that, right?
This isn't a complete list of attributes that might mean you're pretty darn smart, but it's a good place to start. If you possess any of these, you might just be smarter than you think, Or, as Yogi Bear might say, "You're smarter than than the average bear!"
Most of us move through life and never really know how smart we are. IQ is difficult to measure and can can only be determined by a highly-paid trained professional. But some new research is providing clues linking "early life experiences to, among other things, a high intelligence. Here are 5 indicators of high intelligence, If any of them apply to you, well, you just just be smarter than that fifth grader!
1. You're anxious. It's hard to think of anxiety as being good but new evidence shows that it's not entirely a bad thing. Studies have shown that the most anxious participants were also the most focused and effective at executing tasks. So the next time someone tells you to quit worrying so much, you can tell them that it's just your over-sized intellect getting in the way.
2. You were an early reader. Learning to read at an early age, say researchers, has a developmental impact that actually makes kids smarter. So, if you were an early reader, it might not be because you’re smart. It may be that you’re smart because you were an early reader.
3. You're left-handed. There is some small correlation between being left-handed and being a criminal but, more importantly, there is mounting evidence to prove that being a "southpaw" has some intellectual advantages. One large study shows that left-handedness is associated with divergent thinking; more so in males. This unique ability to combine two unrelated objects in a meaningful way is a sign of intelligence. So, it turns out, all those teachers who tried so hard to force you lefties to learn to write with your right hand, had it all backwards.
4. You took music lessons as kid. Did you play an instrument when you were young? My parents made me take violin lessons. I hated those weekly lessons and the endless practice sessions. But now I'm grateful that my parents stood their ground and made me continue playing. And here's why. There are a number of studies out there demonstrating that musical training enhances verbal intelligence and executive function...a skill that is critical to focus and self-control. Now are you glad your folks made you play that tuba?
5. You're funny. Perhaps your teachers and parents didn't appreciate your youthful sense of humor or how your classmates unanimously voted you Class Clown, but research shows a strong connection between being funny and having high scores in verbal intelligence and abstract reasoning. Your witty repartee is the product of a sharp mind. Too bad more politicians are funny....I'm sure you can come with a good joke about that, right?
This isn't a complete list of attributes that might mean you're pretty darn smart, but it's a good place to start. If you possess any of these, you might just be smarter than you think, Or, as Yogi Bear might say, "You're smarter than than the average bear!"
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