Do you talk to yourself? Stay up late? Doodle when bored? These might seem like quirky or unproductive behaviors — but science suggests they could actually be signs of intelligence. In this article, we explore 7 weird habits that show you’re smarter than average, based on psychology and cognitive science.
If you’ve ever felt odd for doing things differently, you might just be gifted in a way most people overlook.
1. Talking to Yourself
While it might make you feel strange, talking to yourself can actually improve memory, focus, and emotional control. Psychologists call this self-directed speech, and studies show it helps clarify thoughts and solve problems more efficiently.
Verbalizing your thinking process makes abstract ideas more concrete, especially during complex tasks.
2. Staying Up Late (Night Owl Brain)
You might’ve heard “early to bed, early to rise” is the path to success — but many high-IQ individuals are night owls. Research shows that intelligent people often feel more mentally alert in the evening.
Staying up late allows uninterrupted time for deep thinking, creativity, and introspection.
Explore how your brain processes emotions differently in The Psychology Behind Procrastination
3. Messy Desks and Creative Chaos
Albert Einstein once said, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, what does an empty desk signify?” A messy workspace doesn’t mean you’re disorganized — it may reflect divergent thinking, which is common among highly creative and intelligent individuals.
A bit of chaos can actually promote out-of-the-box ideas.
4. Doodling During Conversations
Ever caught yourself doodling in meetings or during phone calls? Far from being a sign of distraction, doodling can enhance memory retention and cognitive processing.
A study from the University of Plymouth found that doodlers recalled 29% more information than non-doodlers. It helps the brain stay lightly engaged while filtering relevant details.
5. Constantly Questioning Everything
Smart people tend to question assumptions, challenge norms, and ask “why?” a lot. This behavior may seem annoying or over-analytical to others, but it’s actually a key trait of critical thinking.
Being intellectually curious — especially about topics others take for granted — is a strong indicator of high cognitive ability.
Want to see another surprising way the brain works? Read Why Do We Remember Embarrassing Moments So Clearly?
6. Talking to Pets or Inanimate Objects
If you chat with your cat or name your car, you’re not weird — you’re showing a trait called anthropomorphism. Research from the University of Chicago found this to be linked with higher levels of social intelligence and empathy, traits often present in highly intelligent individuals.
It reflects a powerful imagination and the ability to assign meaning to relationships, even imaginary ones.
7. Getting Easily Distracted — Then Hyperfocused
You might get distracted by the smallest things… but when something excites you, you can focus for hours without stopping. This is a phenomenon known as interest-driven focus — common in both highly intelligent and neurodivergent individuals.
You’re not unfocused — your brain just requires stimulation that matches your intellectual curiosity.
Final Thoughts
So if you recognize these weird habits that show you’re smarter than average, take pride in them. Intelligence comes in many forms — and often shows itself in unexpected ways.
Instead of suppressing your quirks, learn to embrace and channel them.
✅ Next Up: Curious how mindset shapes emotions? Read Can You Rewire Your Brain for Happiness?
