11 Signs You Are Indeed Smarter Than The Average Bear
Everybody wants to be the smartest person in the room, but it takes more than a high IQ to be intellectually superior.
Benevolente82 / Shutterstock It was easy to justify Yogi Bear's "smarter than the average bear" moniker. He was basically a bear with human characteristics, able to outwit his less-than-smart beastly buddies and create complex plans to get his hands on a picnic basket. It was easy for Yogi to be the smartest bear in the park, but how do you know if you, indeed, are smarter than the average bear?
Some people who want to know how they fare intellectually when compared to their peers base their level of intellect solely on how high they score on an IQ test, but being smart is much more intricate than that. Intelligence is a broad concept that is multidimensional, consisting of emotional, creative, logical, and cognitive forms. If you have the traits below, you are definitely smarter than the average bear — and the average human as well.
Here are 11 signs you are indeed smarter than the average bear
1. You are curious and love to learn
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The smartest amongst us are never satisfied with stupidity. While a lesser mind might dismiss something they don't know with an "Oh, well" attitude and shrug, smarter people have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and are always willing to learn new things. They are students of life, curious about everything and everyone.
Those who are smarter than the crowd tend to lean into the uncomfortable and unfamiliar, eager to learn something new. And the most valuable benefits they receive from this constant curiosity are not external, but intrinsic, building their self-worth as they grow.
2. You are adaptable and open-minded
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Being able to roll with the punches and change directions is an absolutely necessary characteristic that the smartest people on earth possess. They thrive in fast-changing environments, are able to adjust quickly ,and think on their feet to adapt quickly and efficiently.
Unlike those who might not be labeled smart, people who are smarter than the average bear know that the only thing guaranteed in life is change, and if you struggle with adapting, you will find yourself left behind. An openness to new ideas and a willingness to modify your existing beliefs when presented with new evidence are fundamental traits of intelligent individuals.
3. You think critically to solve problems
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The smartest of the smart approach challenges with creativity and effectiveness. They think clearly and try to avoid assumptions, allowing them to reason based on facts, not feelings. Smart people are able to formulate independent thoughts and ideas, and they articulate them easily.
While others might see a problem as insurmountable, people who are smarter than the average bear believe that there is no problem for which a solution does not exist. And they strongly believe that they are the person qualified for the job of finding alternatives that work for everyone.
4. You have emotional intelligence
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If you want to be considered top-tier from an intellectual perspective, you have to be willing to master emotional intelligence. The smarter members of our society can not only manage their own emotions, but can recognize and influence the emotions of others.
This is especially helpful when building rapport and relationships with others and navigating social interactions. Everyone has a strong desire to be seen and heard, and when you show up as a person who can do just that, your personal property value skyrockets.
5. Your memory is on point
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The ability to take in and retain information is a high-level function of those who are smarter than the average person. They not only store the data in their photographic memory bank, but also choose the perfect time to pull that virtual file as needed.
Brainy people know that memory and recall are not just about collecting information for your internal hard drive. They are able to discern what they should add to their database and what knowledge can be discarded. People who are smarter than the average bear connect the dots in chaotic situations to make it all make sense.
6. You have a great sense of humor
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Sometimes, you have to laugh to keep from crying because at the end of the day, laughter is always the best medicine. The smartest people balance their professionalism with a keen sense of humor that can lighten the load and brighten their day. People love to see them coming because smart folks leave others better than they found them.
Being quick-witted and possessing a sophisticated sense of humor is a sign of intelligence. You must have creativity, a deep understanding of language and social norms, and be able to make connections between concepts that seem to be unrelated at first glance.
7. You are aware of your limitations
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Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is underrated. The ability to be introspective keeps you accountable and humble. People of superior intellect are not prideful when it comes to their capabilities. They confidently handle things in areas where they excel and know when to admit that there might be someone better-qualified for the job.
Smart people are self-aware, so they know what they don't know and understand the limitations of their knowledge. This humility can drive them to continuously learn and grow, fostering an environment of ongoing evolution and transformation.
8. You communicate effectively
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Communication problems seem to be a societal norm. People tend to talk at each other instead of to each other, perpetuating more conflict and frustration. Very astute people know how to express themselves with clarity and calm. They understand the goal of every communication and only do things that enhance understanding.
Effective communication is not only knowing how to get your point across. It's listening to understand, rather than respond, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and embracing the possibility that everyone will not agree with you. You accept people's perspectives as their truth and let them feel their feelings without dismissing them.
9. You pay attention to detail
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The ability to observe is one of the cornerstones of supreme intellect. Watching, listening, and learning help the smartest people notice things that others might easily overlook. They read between the lines, picking up on body language and tone, to decipher the true meaning and intention.
Part of these expert observatory skills is the ability to see patterns in data, behavior, or events to understand what lies beneath. Hearing what is unsaid and understanding everyone's motivations is key in decision-making and understanding complex issues.
10. You are persistent and determined
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Wise people rarely wave the white flag. They strongly believe they can achieve the impossible through persistence and determination. Even in the face of failure, they take lessons learned and transmute them into power, making them more likely to succeed should the same or similar circumstances come about in the future.
These bright minds never lose. They either win or they learn and tend to fail forward, embracing mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Those who are smarter than the average bear see the blessing in the lesson and commit it to memory so they never make the same mistake again.
11. You are resourceful
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There will be times when you don't have all the answers, but you know who does. When you are smarter than the average bear, you become resourceful, connecting with subject matter experts and people who might know more about certain topics than you do. You aren't afraid to loop them in should the need arise.
You also know exactly where to find the tools and assets necessary to get things done. Your outlook remains positive because you know that wherever there is an overwhelming problem, you have the resources to come up with a satisfactory solution.
NyRee Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington, and the author of seven books. She focuses on lifestyle and human interest stories that delivers informative and actionable guidance on interpersonal relationships, enlightenment, and self-discovery.
