Have you ever been called stupid? Have you ever felt stupid because you couldn’t learn something as easily as others? Do you sometimes feel inferior or intimidated by “smart” people? If so, I have good news for you—because you are smarter than you think.
Just as we each have unique personalities, talents, interests, and ethnic backgrounds, so too we each have a unique combination of intelligences.
Yes, I meant intelligences, as in, more than one.
You are smarter than you think
Experts have identified nine distinct types of intelligence (based on the Multiple Intelligences theory developed by Howard Gardner). Unfortunately, schools and standardized testing tend to focus primarily on two of the nine types. If those don’t happen to be our particular strengths, it leaves us feeling like we’re not intelligent.
But I’m writing this to say that each of us is smart in our own unique way. All of us have some amount of each of the nine intelligence types. However, we’re stronger in some and weaker in others.
Read through the list and pinpoint which ones you are strongest in.
Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence
Those high in this intelligence are good with words, writing, or communication. You are sensitive to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words, and can use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Typical occupations high in verbal intelligence include: journalist, public speaker, teacher, translator, author.
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
Those high in this intelligence are good with numbers, analysis, or sequential reasoning. It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Typical occupations high in logical intelligence include: bank teller, physicist, engineer, programmer, detective.
Students with high verbal and/or logical intelligence typically thrive in a traditional school, where lessons and tests focus on these kinds of thinking. If school wasn’t your thing, those two types of intelligence are probably not your top strengths. And that’s OK!
We complex humans are made up of much more than words and numbers! Let’s take a look at seven other types of intelligence that your teachers, parents, peers or coworkers may have overlooked.
Visual/Spatial Intelligence
Are you good at visualizing in three dimensions? Do you have the capacity to think in images and pictures? Are you a whole-picture thinker who grasps a concept all at once and sees the whole before understanding the details? Do you have vivid imaginations and are often good at coming up with unusual or unexpected ways to solve problems? Typical occupations high in spatial intelligence include: architect, pilot, photographer, interior designer, and air traffic controller.
Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence
Do you have good coordination, fine motor skills, and a good sense of timing? Are you able to handle objects and tools skillfully? Typical occupations high in kinesthetic intelligence include: dancer, painter, glass-blower, surgeon, athlete.
Musical Intelligence
Are you good with sounds, music, rhythm, discerning pitch and timbre? Are you aware of sounds others seem to miss? Do you have the ability to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music? Typical occupations high in musical intelligence include: musician, worship leader, conductor, sound mixer.
Naturalistic Intelligence
Are you highly attuned to the natural world, including both living things and non-living features? People high in this intelligence often have fine-tuned discrimination in other areas, too, such as wine or perfume. Typical occupations high in naturalistic intelligence include: farmer, chef, geologist, biologist, and horse trainer.
Interpersonal Intelligence
Are you empathetic and good with people and social situations? People with this intelligence are good with verbal and nonverbal communication. They are also sensitive to the moods and temperaments of others, and are able to entertain multiple perspectives. Typical occupations high in interpersonal intelligence include: nurse, teacher, politician, actor, and social worker.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Are you self-aware and in touch with your emotions, inner thoughts and thinking process? Are you able to appreciate yourself and also care about the human condition? Typical occupations high in intrapersonal intelligence include: pastor, psychologist, therapist, and writer.
Existential Intelligence
Are you good at pondering the meaning, origins, and purpose of life? Concerned with spiritual and moral issues? Typical occupations high in existential intelligence include: philosopher, poet, theologian, and activist.
In which ways are you smarter than you think?
If you have struggled under the mistaken belief that you were not smart, then I hope the above list has given you hope.
First of all, forgive yourself for the types of intelligence types you aren’t strong in. Nobody is meant to be brilliant in all of them. Remember that the people you think of as “smart” aren’t talented at all nine, and I bet you are actually smarter than they are in at least one area.
Which of the types on the list will resonated with your unique interests, talents, and abilities? How would you feel if, from now on, you thought of yourself as smart every time you used that area of strength?
For further reading
If you’d like help deciding where your strengths are, try this free online assessment quiz.
If you want to learn more about the nine intelligences, this post gives a more detailed description of each intelligence type.
And here’s a 14-minute YouTube video that explains the nine types in detail.
I loved this. I think my intelligence is more verbal and linguistics and intrapersonal but in a lower degree. I have soent years of my life working as a programmer and I was suffering. I felt so stupid compared to everyone else in the actual job. However, they all needed me to review their emails, documentation and advice them on how to handle some important meetings. What I always remember myself saying is that everyone is smart in a different way. Now I know more about it and thank you!
Yes, we are all smart in different ways, and we all need each other to work best.