Feeling smart or gifted is not solely determined by your IQ score. Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted trait that encompasses various cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, creativity, and more. While IQ tests are designed to measure certain cognitive abilities and provide an estimate of general intelligence, they do not capture the entirety of a person's capabilities or potential.
Several factors can influence why you might not feel as smart or gifted as your IQ score suggests:
Self-perception: Your self-perception can be influenced by various factors, such as personal experiences, societal expectations, and comparisons with others. If you have high expectations of yourself or are surrounded by individuals with exceptional abilities, you might feel less gifted in comparison.
Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage emotions, empathize with others, and navigate social situations effectively. IQ tests do not measure emotional intelligence, which can play a significant role in how one perceives themselves and interacts with the world.
Specialized skills: IQ tests focus on certain cognitive abilities like analytical reasoning, memory, and problem-solving, but they may not reflect your expertise or skills in specific areas. For example, someone might have a high IQ but excel in artistic, athletic, or musical pursuits that IQ tests do not assess.
Subjectivity of intelligence: Intelligence can be subjective and diverse. Different people might value and appreciate various forms of intelligence differently. Your abilities and strengths might lie in areas not fully captured by IQ testing.
Imposter syndrome: Many people experience imposter syndrome, where they doubt their achievements and fear being exposed as inadequate, despite evidence of their competence. This can affect how you perceive your intelligence even with a high IQ.
Learning and communication styles: Some individuals might have unique learning or communication styles that are not always fully acknowledged in traditional educational settings, leading to feelings of being less intelligent than they actually are.
Remember, intelligence is just one aspect of who you are as an individual. It is essential to recognize and value your strengths and talents, whether or not they align with traditional measures of intelligence. Feeling gifted or smart is not solely dependent on an IQ score but on how you perceive and utilize your abilities in various aspects of life. Embrace your uniqueness and focus on personal growth and self-improvement rather than comparing yourself to others or relying solely on IQ scores to define your worth.