5 scientifically-proven reasons why you might have a higher IQ than the average person

writing night computer writing night computer
There are a few surprising clues that you may have a higher IQ.
  • Dr. Travis Bradberry is co-author of the bestselling book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, and the cofounder of TalentSmart.
  • He writes that most people don't know their IQs — but there are actually a few clues and life experiences that could tip you off that you have a higher one.
  • Intelligence isn't the most important factor in determining how successful you'll be in life, but it can certainly help.
  • If you have anxiety, or if you're left-handed, you may have a higher IQ than most.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Dr. Travis Bradberry published this post originally on LinkedIn.

Intelligence, or IQ, isn't what you know, but rather the pace at which you acquire new information. Longitudinal studies have shown that IQ is fixed at an early age, so you're stuck with what you've got.

While IQ is far from being the only thing that determines success in life — research shows that it isn't even the most important factor — a high IQ still isn't a bad thing to have. In fact, I don't know anyone who wouldn't mind having one.

Most of us move through life never knowing exactly how smart we are. IQ is a difficult thing to measure, and unless you're willing to fork over several hundred dollars to a trained professional, you'll never know for certain what your IQ is.


"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." — Albert Einstein

1. You’re anxious

worried woman
Anxiety may not be all bad.
Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock




They found that the most anxious participants were also the most focused and effective at executing tasks. The next time somebody tells you to stop worrying so much, just tell them it's your oversized intellect getting in the way.

2. You’re left-handed

woman writing laptop journal
Being left-handed is actually associated with divergent thinking.


3. You took music lessons as a kid

guitarist, musician
Those musical lessons may have helped your verbal IQ.
Natalia Kabliuk/Shutterstock

There are a number of studies demonstrating that musical training enhances verbal intelligence and executive function, a skill that's critical to focus and self-control. In a study conducted by psychologist Sylvain Moreno, 48 children between the ages of four and six participated in a computerized training program that was led by a teacher.

For one hour per day, five days a week for four weeks, half the students completed a musical program, and the other half completed a visual arts program. At the end of the experiment, 90% of the children who received musical training showed improvements in verbal IQ. So, if you took music lessons when you were a kid, that's a good sign.

4. You’re funny

sad clown
It doesn't just make you a hit at parties.
Eliana Aponte/Reuters


Bringing it all together

learning new language headphones
There are many ways to be intelligent.
Francesco Pierantoni/Flickr

This list is far from exhaustive, so if none of the items above apply to you, it doesn't exclude you from having a high IQ. But if a lot of these items do apply to you, you just might be smarter than the average bear.



This story was originally republished on Business Insider July 8, 2019.

Read the original article on LinkedIn. Copyright 2019. Follow LinkedIn on Twitter.

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