Years ago researchers discovered that smartness does not equal intelligence. Intelligence is systematically measurable and defined as an ability to acquire new knowledge and skills and to use them.
Genuinely smart people do not have to be 'brainiacs'. Most often than not, they will go through school being average, never drawing attention to themselves by being stellar performers, athletes, or spelling bee champions. Their unique skill set will help them out more in the real world, which is not boxed into a set of academic rules and expectations. Highly intelligent people have the upper hand in a well-organized, structured environment, but they will still often be outperformed by smart individuals who might not be their intellectual equals.
Mental proficiency and ability can be categorized in different ways. A popular manner is 'book smarts' and 'street smarts'. 'Book smarts' refers to academically focused mind, good at abstract thought, but bad at common sense and simple relationships.
'Street smarts' is the opposite strong common sense, good with real world situations, but bad at academic study. There is a group of people that fit within both groups. These people are truly intelligent and use their brilliance to adapt and grow as needed to any situation.
Their Mind Operates In Constant Flux
Different perspectives and states of mind have different strengths and weaknesses. They keep themselves purposely uncertain on their desires, ambitions, thoughts and emotions. They know that uncertainty can breed possibility. They won't get stuck in a mind set and limit their potential and future prospects.
They Think Before They Speak
They pause and give real, conscious thought to the question and their answer. They don't use any 'gimmick' like wit or clever attitudes to answer a question. They take the time they need.
They Aim To Contribute
Genuinely intelligent people add to conversations and break silences only if they feel it is a worthwhile contribution. They don't speak to fill the silence, they do it too because they genuinely believe the people who can hear it will benefit from it. If they have nothing insightful or awesome to say then, they say nothing.
They Think For Themselves
Smart people don't let other people's ideas mold control their reality. They understand that everyone is human and therefore fallible. They know that the majority is not always right. Conformity doesn't happen so they can fit in.
They Are Not Afraid To Be Wrong
Truly intelligent people understand that mistakes happen and that's alright. A smart individual will actively reign in his or her ego, admitting fault and occasionally stupid decisions.
They don't care about what you think
How many times have you've been stopped dead in your tracks just because you considered what other people will think before doing something? If your answer is often, then you have some work to do on your 'smarts'. Genuinely smart people rarely take into account how others will feel about the decisions they make. They pursue their interests without the fear of looking foolish or being judged by others.
They trust their gut
We often get off the track thanks to their wild-running impulses. Smart people don't allow themselves to get sidetracked and derailed easily. They ignore impulses and stick with their instincts, often forgoing short-term benefits for the sake of long-term goals.
They are problem solvers
They think long and hard about their problems and how to solve them, preferring steadfast solutions to temporary fixes. That is why other people often turn to them when in need. For that reason, they themselves consider this particular trait both a blessing and a curse.
MOST IMPORTANT They are not antagonistic
Genuinely smart people know that, once you lose your cool, all hope for constructive discussion goes out the window. That is why they avoid being argumentative and picking fights with others. After all, you'll attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. They know it, and they use it.
Comment: Being genuinely smart also implies having a high degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness: