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Characteristics of Gifted Individuals

This article is part of a series on Giftedness. Before proceeding, read the preceding article:-
  1. Understanding Gifted Individuals – Overview
  2. Characteristics of Gifted Individuals
  3. Harnessing Potential of Gifted Individuals
  4. Challenges of Gifted Individuals: Living With Giftedness
Introduction
Studies and research classify gifted individuals as people with Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of 130 and above. However, scores on IQ tests may be affected by various factors not limited to psychological, environmental, health and technical factors.
Gifted individuals exhibit unique traits that set them apart from the rest of the population. If not understood and expressed, their gifts can turn against them and subject them to severe suffering. This happens mostly in environments lacking information on giftedness. In such places, people often fight giftedness instead of nurturing it and the gifted persons languish in hiding, confusion, depression and disability.
Sadly, the intense nature of a gifted person can sometimes be misdiagnosed resulting in severe psychological damage to a person. Giftedness therefore, needs to be identified early and nurtured to ensure these people lead well-rounded and fulfilled lives. 
Below is a list of common characteristics of a gifted individual 
  • Fast thinker
  • Quick in understanding new ideas and concepts
  • Quick to spot inconsistencies
  • Easily connects unrelated issues
  • Ability to perceive and interpret nonverbal cues
  • Good memory – Large storage of information and ability to retrieve it quickly – pass as a know it all.
  • Sees outcomes/things before they occur
  • Avid reader
  • Able to concentrate for lengthy periods
  • Rich vocabulary
  • Motivated by complex challenges
  • Finds pleasure in intellectually stimulating activities and discussions
  • Good in numbers and doing puzzles
  • Excellent problem-solving skills – finds pleasure in solving problems
  • Very creative – Conceptualizes and generates original ideas
  • Rich imagination and thoughtful
  • Strong moral convictions- strong sense of right and wrong
  • High degree of integrity/honesty
  • Sometimes points out truths at the wrong time or place
  • Very compassionate
  • Champions justice and fairness
  • Visionary, passionate and perfectionist
  • Sets high goals/standards
  • Keen observer and detail oriented
  • Highly organized and goal oriented
  • Deep passion for excellence
  • Highly-driven and energetic
  • Intense passion for interests characterized by high degree of commitment, persistence and perseverance
  • Insatiable curiosity
  • Highly inquisitive – Seeks to dig into the ‘why’ of issues
  • Deep passion for finding purpose in life
  • Often underestimates simple answers in pursuit of complex solutions
  • Sometimes asks embarrassing questions
  • Highly sensitive
  • Awareness of own irrationality
  • Intuitive/ insightful
  • Well developed inner world – Retreats to solitude as a guard against emotional overload
  • Silent sense of humor
  • Highly independent and non-conformist
  • Questions rules and authority
  • Treats all opinions equally – whether from higher authority or colleagues
  • Follows procedures and adapts processes only if they are well founded and effective
  • Little interest in what interests others
  • Multi-talented – Possess many skills and interests
  • Childlike wonder
  • Fear failure and humiliation
  • Easily depressed when not engaged in involving tasks
Conclusion
This list is by no means exhaustive but it’s a good scale for identifying giftedness. Giftedness should not incapacitate anyone but rather should be harnessed for the benefit of all. Do not hesitate to share your thoughts by commenting below.

Series
  1. Understanding Gifted Individuals – Overview
  2. Characteristics of Gifted Individuals
  3. Harnessing Potential of Gifted Individuals 
  4. Challenges of Gifted Individuals: Living With Giftedness
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