Have you ever felt like your intelligence is only measured by tests and grades? It's easy to think this way, especially when standardized tests only assess our math and language skills. But there are more than two ways to be smart.
Read more: 5 Tips to Improve Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace If You Don’t Have It Already
In the 1980s, Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University, reflects on the range of skills people use in life and the creative and problemsolving skills that are valuable to society. At that time, he coined the term “multiple intelligences” and stated that people have at least nine categories of intelligence.
The theory of multiple intelligences refers to the way our brains can function in a variety of ways. Recognizing which of these intelligences are our strengths (and which ones we may need to work on) can help us succeed in and out of the classroom.
What are multiple intelligences?
1. Linguistic intelligence
You are…
A genius at reading, writing and maybe even public speaking.
You…
Uses words effectively to tell a story, explain a topic, or persuade others of an idea, whether through speaking or writing.
Careers with more affinity
Journalist, lawyer, marketing consultant, politician, social media manager, author/editor.
2. Logicalmathematical intelligence
You are…
A master at constantly solving puzzles, calculating how much money each person must give to contribute to the pizza, or deconstructing fallacies in unconvincing arguments.
You…
Uses numbers effectively (e.g., to solve math problems) and pays close attention to patterns and ratios.
Careers with more affinity
Accountant, actuary, computer programmer, database designer, doctor, engineer, mathematician, programmer.
3. Spatial intelligence
You are…
A master at playing video games, building objects from a kit, or mentally rearranging rooms.
You…
You think in terms of physical space and are aware of your internal and external surroundings.
Careers with more affinity
Architect, artist, physicist, civil engineer, game designer, interior designer, outdoor guide, city planner.
4. Bodilykinesthetic intelligence
You…
You have great dance moves, a steady hand, or a natural talent for sports.
You…
Use your own body to express feelings or ideas, or use your hands to transform things.
Careers with more affinity
Actor, athlete, carpenter, craftsman, dancer, jeweler, mechanic, personal trainer/fitness trainer, sculptor, surgeon.
5. Musical intelligence
You are…
The one who is always playing an instrument, singing, or making the best playlists.
You…
Understands, creates or expresses music or sound in its various forms.
Careers with more affinity
Conductor, DJ, music critic, musician, singer, sound engineer, speech therapist, talent agent.
6. Interpersonal intelligence
You are…
The first person your friends ask for advice and one of the last people to leave a social event.
You…
Understands other people's moods, intentions, feelings and motivations and knows how to deal effectively with social situations.
Careers with more affinity
Business economist, hotel or restaurant manager, nurse, psychologist, PR agent, salesperson, social worker, teacher.
7. Intrapersonal intelligence
You are…
Confident, selfmotivated, adaptable and enjoys thinking about short and long term goals.
You…
Understands your strengths, biases and limitations and makes decisions based on your goals and interests.
Careers with more affinity
Businessman, CEO, career coach, consultant, consultant, psychologist.
8. Naturalistic intelligence
You are…
Skilled at recognizing living creatures around you, e.g. B. which types of trees grow in your neighborhood and which birds live there.
You…
Pay particular attention to natural species and phenomena in the area (e.g. flora and fauna, cloud formations, mountains) or apply the same lens to the urban environment.
Careers with more affinity
Anthropologist, botanist, biologist, conservationist, environmental lawyer, florist, geologist, veterinarian, wildlife specialist.
9. Existential intelligence
You are…
Sensitive and reflective and uses principles of metacognition to guide your decisionmaking.
You…
She is constantly looking for answers to “big” questions, such as the meaning of life and what we can contribute during our stay on the planet.
Careers with more affinity
Artist, behavioral scientist, meditation trainer, pastor, startup founder, author, yoga teacher.