Hey there, Tina Fey here (no, not that Tina Fey—though I do get asked that a lot). As someone who has spent years researching psychology and self-improvement for Blog Herald, I’m here to share some surprising (and science-backed) signs that suggest your IQ might be higher than you think.
Trust me, I’ve come across plenty of eye-roll-worthy theories, but these seven are grounded in actual psychological studies and expert quotes.
Let’s dive in
1. You Talk to Yourself (And Answer, Too)
Talking to yourself might look a little odd—especially if someone walks in on you mid-monologue—but research suggests it’s a sign of enhanced cognitive function. A study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that speaking out loud can improve memory and focus. You’re literally boosting your brain’s ability to process information.
I’ll admit it—I’ve been known to rehearse my daily to-do list in front of the mirror. My dog looks at me like I’m nuts, but apparently, I’m just flexing my gray matter.
2. You Embrace Your Curiosity
You know how kids ask “Why?” a gazillion times a day? That childlike curiosity is a hallmark of intelligent minds. As Albert Einstein famously said, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Curiosity fuels learning, creativity, and deeper understanding of the world around us.
Studies show that curiosity correlates with higher levels of problem-solving ability. If you find yourself regularly going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, that might be your curious brain working overtime.
3. You’re Comfortable With Saying “I Don’t Know”
People with higher IQs tend to be more aware of what they don’t know. That humility actually opens doors to learning and prevents the dreaded “overconfidence trap.”
Socrates once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” By admitting ignorance, you create space to gain new insights. If you’re too busy pretending you have it all figured out, you lose that chance to grow.
I used to bluff my way through conversations about quantum physics (I know, who does that?), until I realized it’s more impressive to ask a genuine question than to fake an answer.
4. You Can Handle a Little Bit of Chaos
Intelligent folks tend to thrive—even when life gets messy. According to a study, people with higher cognitive abilities are better at managing multiple, unpredictable tasks.
When the coffee machine exploded in my kitchen right before a big Zoom meeting, I had to juggle cleaning up hot caffeine splatter and still appear professional. Chaotic? Yes. But it made me realize that staying calm through the craziness is a skill—and apparently a sign of higher mental agility.
5. You’re Deeply Emotional (and That’s a Good Thing)
Having strong emotional reactions doesn’t mean you’re irrational; it could mean your brain is going the extra mile to perceive subtle emotional cues around you. Daniel Goleman, who popularized the concept of “Emotional Intelligence,” points out that those who understand their own emotions can navigate social situations more effectively.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is different from IQ, but they overlap more often than not. A high EQ often signals advanced cognitive processing—because being in tune with your own emotions and those of others requires serious mental horsepower.
6. You’re a Night Owl (Or Just Have Strange Sleep Patterns)
There’s been plenty of debate on whether night owls or early birds have the advantage. A study found that people who prefer staying up late tend to score higher on certain measures of intelligence. (Though don’t rub this in a morning person’s face—people vary a lot here!)
This connects to something called the “Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis,” which suggests our ancestors had more rigid sleep schedules—so being comfortable staying up late might point to a mind that adapts beyond our evolutionary constraints.
For years, I felt guilty scrolling through random articles at 2 AM, but hey, if it means I’m nurturing my IQ, I’ll accept that trade-off.
7. You Love a Good Sarcastic Joke
Quick, witty responses indicate fast processing speed and a certain level of creative thinking. According to research, engaging in sarcastic banter requires both parties to create and resolve psychological distance—fancy talk for “it takes smarts to be cleverly sarcastic.”
Oscar Wilde said, “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit but the highest form of intelligence.” I’m inclined to agree (with the second part, anyway).
If you’ve ever seen me respond to a random spam email, you’ll know I can’t resist a dash of sarcasm—it’s practically my lifeblood.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to ace every standardized test to be considered intelligent. Psychology suggests that our thinking, behavior patterns, and openness to new experiences paint a more comprehensive picture of our brains’ capabilities. So, if you’ve recognized yourself in any of these seven signs, give yourself a pat on the back—your IQ might be higher than you realized.
Keep learning, keep questioning, and never shy away from being your authentic, curious, and sometimes sassy self. After all, that’s what real intelligence looks like.
