If You Were A Gifted Kid In The 70s, 80s & 90s You Likely Have 10 Specific Traits As An Adult
rubchikova / Shutterstock If you were an extremely intelligent kid growing up in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s, there's a good chance you either tested for, or, if you were at the absolute top of the class, were accepted into, your school's gifted program.
Even if you never took part, if your IQ put you into the gifted category, it's likely that now that you're an adult, you share some specific traits with your fellow smarty-pants.
People who grew up as gifted kids in the 70s, 80s, and 90s usually have these specific traits now that they're adults
1. You're self-directed
insta_photos | Shutterstock
Most people need someone to tell them what to do, to some extent. Unsure of themselves, the average person asks for guidance, whereas gifted kids are more likely to be self-directed. They don't need someone breathing down their necks. Because they're knowledgeable, they take the initiative without thinking twice.
For many, making the first move is scary, but gifted kids aren't fazed. Even if they mess up, they understand that mistakes can lead to better learning results in the long run.
2. You're comfortable with being bored
Gorgev | Shutterstock
Most kids nowadays can't tolerate being bored. In the world of advancing technology, the thought of staring at the wall and doing nothing sounds like a cardinal sin. However, gifted people love the peace. Unlike the rest of us, 70s, 80s, and 90s gifted kids enjoyed their alone time.
With no distractions, they could focus on what mattered most: thinking. By reflecting on historical facts or hypotheticals, gifted kids got a dopamine rush. Taking time to explore their thoughts, they'd let their imagination run wild.
3. You research everything before making a decision
DukiPh | Shutterstock
Gifted kids back then weren't just dreamers; they were strategists, too. They don't depend on hopes and dreams to get them through life. Because of their strict upbringing, gifted children research everything before deciding. Call them extra, but you can't call them irrational.
Gifted children plan ahead and rarely leave their decisions up to chance. Especially if it's a life-altering moment, they aren't about to go with the flow. As Professor Carlos Alós-Ferrer, Ph.D., said, "There is no perfect way to make good decisions while avoiding hard work."
So, as exhausting as it may be, they think things through carefully. It's tiring; however, they rarely regret taking caution.
4. You become completely absorbed in new interests
Miljan Zivkovic | Shutterstock
The average person spends very little time on a new hobby before getting bored. They lose interest as learning gets harder. But rather than throwing in the towel and admitting defeat, people who were gifted kids in the 70s, 80s, and 90s become utterly absorbed. Once they're hooked, they're hooked for life.
Gifted kids are dedicated to learning. Unlike the rest of us, they don't become frustrated because they don't understand. Instead, they push forward and do more research. They might not have gotten it right the first time; however, in their eyes, they'll get there eventually.
5. You don't need others to validate you
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock
Most people don't want to admit it, but many of us need some level of validation from others. After throwing out the trash or cleaning the dishes, being acknowledged for your work can feel heavenly. But while most need validation, gifted kids weren't built the same.
They don't need a special reward to feel motivated. They lean on themselves for support and don't need validation to feel supported. Instead, gifted kids back then hyped themselves up. Always confident in themselves, they saved themselves from a world of pain, as people who depend on validation experience anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem.
6. You instinctively question everything
Gyorgy Barna | Shutterstock
Gifted kids back then weren't followers. Unlike everyone else, they weren't the first to listen to the loudest voice in the room. With their sharp minds at full power, they instinctively question everything.
Sorry, but they aren't about to sit there and obey blindly. Those born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s have a rebellious streak. Challenged to think outside the box, they push back on hive mentality. This is why they research on their own time. It's more work, but if there's one thing gifted kids aren't scared of, it's going the extra mile.
7. You have a strong attention span for things that interest you
DimaBerlin | Shutterstock
Gifted kids back then weren't easily distracted. With their observational skills on full display, they have a strong attention span, especially for things that spark their interest. It doesn't matter what the subject is.
Their strong attention span helps them focus on what matters most. And while it's exhausting at times, their relationships thank them. Their close attention to detail helps them avoid missing out on what's most important.
8. You are always teaching yourself something new
Iryna Inshyna | Shutterstock
Gifted kids back then weren't scared of a little hard work. They didn't throw a fit just because life became challenging. For many, hard work means the reward is that much sweeter. This is why they're always teaching themselves something new. By strumming their guitar or crocheting, gifted adults learn faster.
They might have a few delays, but self-teaching is more helpful than people realize. For many, it stimulates a desire to learn new topics. Especially once they've mastered these skills, gifted kids are eager to move to the next big challenge.
9. You retain an unusual amount of information
PeopleImages | Shutterstock
Gifted kids from the 70s, 80s, and 90s are brainiacs now. Unlike the rest of us who struggle, they retain an unusual amount of information. This is because their resources were limited back then. With only the library at their disposal, gifted kids have to read rather than depend on ChatGPT.
According to a study published in blank, this is crucial, as reading is associated with better cognitive function. This is why they're encyclopedias. Raised in an environment that pushed them, combined with their natural intelligence, gifted kids remember seemingly every fact forever.
10. You can be impulsive
Drazen Zigic | Shutterstock
Sure, being Albert Einstein is something we all dream of. If given the chance, we'd all love to have great memory and research skills. However, there's a dark side to having been gifted in the 70s, 80s, and 90s that people rarely talk about.
Born in an era of rebellion, it's no shocker that these gifted people can be impulsive. They don't care to follow the rules. Especially if it doesn't make sense, they're quick to do whatever feels right. Even if it means upsetting others, they don't care. As long as it worked, these gifted kids shrugged off people's concerns.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help topics such as relationships, career, family, and astrology.
