 Co-author of the best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and the co-founder of TalentSmart, Travis Bradbury once wrote that most people don't know how smart they are but there are a few clues and life experiences that could tip you off that you have a higher level of intelligence than many people. Although intelligence is not the most significant determinant of your success, its importance in your journey to success cannot be overemphasized. In this video, I will be sharing with you 14 signs that you're smarter than most people. If you're new here, consider subscribing to this channel for more awesome videos. 1. You don't overblow your trumpet. The smartest people are so self-aware that they question their skills. The fact is that the more you know, the more you're aware that there is much you don't know and the less of the urge to blow your trumpet. On the other hand, the Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive predisposition in which people think they're smarter than they are. This attitude is probably not new to you, as you might have observed this type of unjustified overconfidence in a workplace or social setting. If you have a high level of conscientiousness when it comes to assessing your performance, you're most likely smarter than those around you. In the words of Shakespeare, Put, the fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. 2. You have a sharp tongue. Do you have to hold yourself back from swearing or being sarcastic in professional environments? Well, it might not be such a bad thing after all. It may be a sign that you are smart. A 2015 study revealed that taboo words for lency is correlated with having a broad vocabulary. It also explained that the tendency to have a dirty mouth is related with the trait of openness. Based on the Big 5 personality traits psychology model, which is about being imaginative, curious and open-minded, traits that tend to be shared by geniuses and innovators. So, if it seems like you often have to restrain your tongue from giving piercing responses, then you are smarter than most people. 3. You are a nightcrawler. Could being late to bed and late to rise make you wiser? Well, yes, it can. According to a study that explored morningness, evenness and intelligence, researchers found that evening types are more likely to score higher on intelligence tests. Shocking, right? Well, this does not mean that you should spend all your night watching TV. 4. You have a good sense of humor. According to a 2011 study from the University of New Mexico, a killer sense of humor translates into a killer intellect. At least, the researcher observed that not only do funny people tend to be more attractive in a dating context, but intelligence precedes the ability to be funny. So, if your sense of comedy is impeccable, it's perhaps a reflection of your IQ. 5. You are not shy to ask questions. Famous scientist Albert Einstein once said, If I had an hour to solve a problem in my life dependent on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask. For once I know the proper questions, I could solve the problem in less than 5 minutes. Most people today do not like to ask questions. They will instead remain in their ignorance than ask questions, because they never want to admit that they don't know. But if you don't ask, how will you learn? If you're not ashamed to ask questions, then you are smarter than most people. 6. You think outside the box. One of the notable signs of smart people is that they don't allow their thinking to be enclosed in a box. It is a definitive sign of intelligence because it requires flexibility and necessitates the ability to shift and change your patterns of thinking from one way to another. If you can see and think outside the things from different perspectives, then you are smart. Not many individuals possess this ability. 7. You crave for and enjoy your me time. Recent research from the British Journal of Psychology suggests that smarter people tend to derive less satisfaction than most people do from socializing with friends. A lot of individuals find it difficult to spend and enjoy quality time alone. But if you like your own company and do not need being around the crowd, it's a sign that you are smarter. Keeping to oneself helps to concentrate and think properly and deeply and also stimulates creativity. 8. You quickly adopt. Several corner users pointed out that intelligent people are flexible and are able to succeed in diverse settings, as Donna F. Hammett writes. Smart people adapt by showing what can be done regardless of the complications or restrictions placed upon them. Intelligence is highly dependent on being able to change your behaviors to cope more effectively with your environment or make changes to the environment you're in. So, if you find it easy to adapt to new environments, then you are more intelligent than most people. 9. You understand your limitations. The smartest folks can admit that they aren't familiar with a particular concept. In the words of Jim Weiner, intelligent people are not afraid to say, I don't know. If they don't know it, they can learn it. Weiner's statement is backed up by Justin Kruger and David Dunning's research, which was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The study found that the less intelligent you are, the more you overestimate your cognitive abilities. In one experiment, for instance, students who had scored in the lowest quarter on the test overestimated the number of questions they'd gotten right by nearly 50%, whereas those who had scored in the group top quartile slightly underestimated how many items they'd gotten right. Being able to admit that you don't know it all is a sign that you're smarter than most people who would prefer to overrate themselves. 10. You are curious. In the words of Albert Einstein, I have no special talents. I'm only passionately curious. Keisabar Alice also puts it this way, intelligent people let themselves become fascinated by things other stake for granted. A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Individual Differences suggested there's a link between childhood intelligence and openness to experience, which encompasses curiosity and adulthood. Scientists followed thousands of people born in the UK for 50 years and learned that 11-year-olds who had scored higher on an IQ test turned out to be more open to experience at 50. Hence, if you have a curious mind, your intelligence level is higher than many others. 11. You have an open mind. Smart people don't close themselves up to new ideas or opportunities. Hemet writes that intelligent people are willing to accept and consider other views with value and broad-mindedness and are open to alternative solutions. However, at the same time, smart people care about which ideas and perspectives they adopt. Although they listen, he also says an intelligent mind has a stronger version to accepting things on face value and therefore would hold its belief until presented with ample evidence. 12. You have high self-control. In one 2009 study published in the Journal Psychological Science, participants had to choose between two financial rewards, a smaller payout immediately or a more massive payout at a later date. Results showed that participants who chose the more massive payouts at a later date, that is, those who had more self-control, generally scored higher on an IQ test. If you can control yourself, as well as delay gratification, you are smarter than most people. 13. You are sensitive to others. A poorer user once said that smart people could almost fill what someone is thinking or feeling. Some psychologists also argue that empathy, being attuned to the needs and feelings of others and acting in a way that is sensitive to those needs, is a core component of emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent individuals are typically very interested in what is going on with others and helping them. If you are like that, then chances are high. You are smarter than a lot of people. 14. You question things about the universe. According to Ram Kumar, intelligent individuals wonder a lot about the universe and meaning of life. They always ask, what is the point of everything. That existential confusion may be one reason why smart people are more likely to be anxious and always learning. In the words of David Wilson, intelligent people may be better prepared to consider situations from diverse angles, meaning they are always aware of the possibility that things will go askew. Do you find yourself wondering why you are even in this world in the first place? Then you are smarter than most individuals around you and in the world at large. Knowing your degree of smartness is not an avenue to intimidate others. You won't if you are smart. It is just for you to feel more confident and strive to be a wiser person.