If You Have These 4 Behaviors, You're Probably Smarter Than Most People

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The word “smart” is used a lot, so much so that it has sometimes lost its meaning. If someone is good at math, we say “they are very smart.” If someone makes a well-timed joke, they are still “smart.” But being truly smart is a bit more complex.

If you have these 4 signs, you're likely ahead of most:

1. You seek the opinions of others and are not afraid to admit that you don't know everything.

Smart people don't pretend to know it all. In fact, they know very well that the more you know, the more you understand how little you know. That's why they ask, they listen, they learn. They're the ones who want to be in a room with people smarter than them - not for competition, but for growth.

2. You can smell it right away when something is wrong.

If you can immediately sense when a situation is toxic, like a conversation with a lot of gossip that makes you feel bad and you just walk away with aplomb, congratulations. Mindfulness is a superpower. It helps you understand what works for you, what doesn't, and when it's time to say "no, thanks."

3. You want to learn more and are always asking questions.

No, they don't need to know every fact in the world, but truly smart people are "eager" to learn. They're the ones who get lost in long articles, who open 6 new Google windows because one topic led them to another. According to a study, curiosity is directly related to the ability to solve problems and think outside the box.

4. Listens

Most of us think about what we’re going to say next while the other person is talking. Smart people don’t just listen, they make the other person feel heard. It’s a skill, not an accident. Active listening isn’t just politeness, it’s a tool for building rapport, gaining deeper understanding, and gaining insights that others miss.

If you engage in any of these behaviors - even just one - there's a good chance you're smarter than you think. The important thing is to always be on the lookout, not in a race.