They share common qualities and traits. Psychotherapist Lynn Azpeisha offers to get acquainted with the list of these features and understand if we have them.
The first question that gifted adults ask me when they come to training or psychotherapy is, «How do you know I’m gifted?»
First, I explain that I’m just seeing it, and talk about my observations. Then—because I know that gifted adults need to figure things out for themselves—I give them a list of characteristics, ask them to read it and consider whether they recognize themselves in these descriptions. Then we start working.
There are many such lists, but I made this one specifically for the most complete answer to the main question, which opens the door to a completely new way of perceiving and understanding yourself and the world as a whole: are you a gifted person?
Read this list and decide for yourself if you have these traits.
So, gifted adults:
1. Intellectually different from others. Their thinking is more global, refined, they have the ability to draw general conclusions and see complex interactions in the world around them.
2. They are distinguished by an increased ability to perceive beauty, deeply feel the richness of the colors of the world and see harmony in human relations, nature, and literature.
Prefer subtle jokes, sarcasm, word play. The jokes of gifted people are rarely understood by the audience.
3. Like to exchange ideas with other gifted adults. Many people love heated intellectual discussions.
4. Have an inner need to live up to their own expectations. They feel guilty when they fail to achieve their goals.
5. They have a special sense of humor: they prefer subtle jokes, sarcasm, puns. The jokes of gifted people are rarely understood by the audience.
6. Often have strong feelings. It is difficult for them to understand the inconsistent and short-sighted behavior of others. The stupidity, insincerity and danger of many actions are obvious to them.
7. Can predict the consequences of actions, understand cause and effect relationships, and anticipate problems that are likely to arise.
8. It is difficult to decide on risky ventures, because they are more aware of the risks. In general, they need more time to make a decision.
9. They often invent their own ways of knowing and understanding reality, which can lead to conflicts with those who do not use these methods or do not understand them.
10. They experience anxiety, a feeling of dissatisfaction with themselves, strive to satisfy personal needs.
They have a rather narrow circle of friends, but these relationships mean a lot to them.
11. They have difficulty focusing on one thing: they have too many abilities in different areas, and everywhere they want to succeed.
12. Often experience too much pressure of creative energy. Talent is drive, pressure, the need to act. It encourages improvement in the intellectual, creative and physical planes. The reason is the need to understand how our world works and create your own.
13. Need time to sort out their inner life and understand themselves. Clarifying thoughts and feelings is not a quick process, it requires thoughtful contemplation, solitude and the opportunity to dream.
14. They are best treated by those who share their interests.
15. They have a rather narrow circle of friends, but these relationships mean a lot to them.
16. Demonstrate independent thinking, do not automatically obey the decisions of superior people. They fit perfectly into a society whose members participate in the life of society on an equal footing, and get along well with those who accept their position and innovations.
17. Adhere to strict moral rules, use their talents, inspiration and knowledge to make the world a better place.
18. Understand the complex interrelationships between various global events and are able to offer balanced complex solutions instead of short-term ill-conceived measures.