On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
One study found that introverts may actually have better interpersonal skills than extroverts. Since they often spend their time observing others, they are usually better at predicting reactions from others in social situations. This allows them to read others and respond appropriately.
'Introverts are thoughtful listeners'
“Being an introvert is actually a strength because they do take that time to process and filter their responses,” says Owens. “And they tend to be better active listeners and strategic thinkers.”
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
Around one-third to one-half of all people in the U.S. are introverts. Though it looks different in everyone, introverts have many of the same patterns of behavior.
You're an introvert.
It gets better. As an adult, you now leverage your strength for processing, contemplating and thinking things over, which is a trait of highly intelligent people. In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
Introverts tend to experience more anticipatory anxiety and anxiety disorders than extroverts. Anxiety typically means your stress response is constantly activated, even if there's no clear cause for it.
Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent.
Introverts are easily distracted by external stimuli and while they might be too nice to say anything, get very frustrated with constant interruptions when they are trying to concentrate.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
Introverts are more likely to be effective leaders in organizations that encourage workers to contribute ideas. Introverts' listening skills may draw top results from their teams. 7 Introverts also are observant, noticing details and connections others may not—including contributions that other introverts can make.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
introverts may be more objective, and thus, are less likely to be affected by certain emotional cues that might confound an extrovert's ability to accurately determine credibility.” In other words, introverts have an advantage in reading people's body language because of their natural tendency to be observant and ...
Introverts tend to be slow thinkers, and in turn, slow at responding to conversation. So, Introverts avoid them to minimize those long pauses. Long pauses happen when we are trying to think fast about what to say back to the person on the end of the line.
Unlike shy people, Introverts are not necessarily bound by fear. If Introverts choose not to speak, it's because they prefer not to rather than because they are afraid. The other side of that coin is that there is nothing basic to their makeup that stops Introverts from talking as much as they like.
Can you be introverted and have ADHD? Absolutely. People with ADHD have a diverse range of presentations and personality traits. This 2017 study of children with ADHD found that 58% of participants were introverted.
One of the biggest fears of an introvert is being caught off guard and being asked to say or do something that they aren't prepared for. Having people stare at you whilst you are framing your sentences and preparing yourself to speak can often feel intimidating and uncomfortable.
Introverts are actually great team leaders, but they are also successful when working independently. Since introverts have often struggled to get their true talents seen and appreciated, they are generally quite respectful of the different working styles and preferences of others. Introverts don't give up easily.
There have been many popular historical leaders who are introverts, including Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Throughout history and in business, introverts have been exceptional leaders. For instance, as many know, Bill Gates is an introvert, yet he built Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest people in the world.
This isn't necessarily true, and while not all quiet people are necessarily smart, highly intelligent people will often refrain from speaking if they are accessing a situation. They will take some time to think about what was said and prepare an adequate response, and they find silence better than pointless small talk.
No correlation (positive or negative) exists between intelligence and shyness. Research indicates that shy children have a harder time expressing their knowledge in social situations (which most modern curricula utilize), and because they do not engage actively in discussions teachers view them as less intelligent.
Introverts Are Honest
Unlike extroverts, introverts do not care much about what others think about them. This is why they have no qualms expressing their opinions outright.