Quirky Quotient

Obviously all my readers are exceptionally intelligent, and according to this article, there are 9 quirky habits that are associated with high IQ. It disturbs me that they couldn’t come up with a perfect 10, but that’s probably not a sign of anything but my OCD. Let’s check out the quirks ~ how many do you have?

1. Night Owls. They aren’t talking about insomnia or lack of sleep; this is re people who are on a different sleep/ wake schedule and do their best work during the quiet, dark hours. Back in the day, I sometimes did my best writing late at night, but I wouldn’t try to do math or solve problems in the evening. I am better at those tasks earlier in the day, though not super early when I am preoccupied with whatever pain has materialized during the night. Overall, as far as mental acuity, I consider myself an “afternoon person.” I am usually asleep by 11pm and (on good nights) stay asleep until 6am. Usually, I wake up a few times in between.

2. Messy Desks. The idea is that when everything is visible, creativity flourishes. That’s not the case for me because I can’t be creative in a jumble ~ I obsess over cleaning it up. I liken a clean desk to a blank canvas for painting. But I also remember where I put stuff, so if I need something I can easily find it again. Clutter can correlate with unconventional thinking, according to the article. I definitely know super-smart, messy-desk types.

3. Precise Swearing. Apparently they mean a well-crafted, witty line that includes profanity as opposed to screaming random obscenities at jerks on the freeway. Whatever. 

4. Talking to Yourself. Yippee! Here we go! I talk to myself constantly. “Far from signaling confusion, it shows active metacognition.” Hell yeah it does. (Preen.)

5. Doodles and Fidgets. These minor distractions serve as an excess energy outlet and help to focus the main channel of attention toward the speaker or topic. Unless I am reading a riveting novel, I do fidget a lot, and I’m a doodler too. You?

6. Daydreaming. Mental drifting can lead to insights. It benefits creativity and solution-finding to allow your thoughts to wander down previously unexplored paths. The important thing is for your mind to pivot back after a short break. The pivot! Knew I forgot something.

7. Sarcasm and Subtext. They mean the ability to get sarcasm/ subtext and also to deliver it. I pretty much always get it, but I try not to use sarcasm much unless it’s against myself. It can be hurtful. I don’t consider being frequently snarky a sign of anything other than personal insecurity.

8. Curiosity and Questions. Insatiable curiosity is a sign of high IQ (look at cats!). Asking good questions and synthesizing information to adapt and revise opinions indicates active and flexible brainpower. I do agree with this: the smartest people I know are curious and passionate about knowledge. I take this as a blanket excuse for losing many hours in the rabbit holes of the internet. 

9. Musical Ability. This involves pattern recognition and memory, two indicators of high IQ. You also need the ability to improvise and correct your own errors. The brain is modeling, testing, and adjusting, and these are skills which translate to other areas. Unfortunately, I have no musical talent. I began piano lessons around age 5, but we moved and discontinued them. I suppose it’s possible that I might have become good at piano if my lessons had gone on. Let’s go with that idea!

I think one of the main takeaways from these various items is that intelligence is closely linked with creativity (which comes in many forms) and the willingness to explore new ideas and adapt to updated information. It’s OK to admit you were wrong. It’s OK to change your mind. When I meet someone who refuses to admit he (it’s always a man) is ever wrong, that’s a red flag indicating he is not as bright as he claims to be.