Guiding Question: Sometimes my ideas and random connections move really fast. Before I can fully flesh one out, I’m on to the next one. Other times, I am engaged with one idea for months and months on end but no one around me understands why. Is this normal?
The deep thoughts and questions of the curious never seem to slow down, and the outer environment often doesn’t have time to support this intensity:
- Why did you show up at this party with a book?
- How did you make that connection? That seems out of nowhere.
- That’s not what we’re talking about right now.
- We only have time for one more question on that topic.
- Please shut off your mind for a bit so you can listen to others, etc.
These messages from the outside world can cause a young person to retreat even further into themselves, causing them to lose out on important skills involved in communicating and organizing creative ideas.
Intellectually minded individuals cover a lot of ground on intricate journeys through inner landscapes—places that can be difficult for others to grasp. After all, no one can read your mind, and they may not comprehend how you arrived at a conclusion unless you take the time to articulate your thought process for them. This takes focus, communication skills, and… slowing down.
All Traits Have Pros and Cons
This post specifically addresses the pros and cons of “intellectual intensity,” a term that encompasses the depth and fervor with which individuals engage with complex ideas, critical thinking, and academic pursuits. Intellectual intensity can manifest as an overwhelming passion for learning, leading individuals to delve deeply into subjects, challenge existing paradigms, and engage in endless questioning.
The Pros
On the positive side, intellectual intensity fosters creativity and innovation. Those who approach problems with a high level of intellectual engagement are often able to connect disparate ideas, think outside the box, and generate novel solutions. This kind of engagement can also lead to profound personal growth and a greater understanding of the world, as individuals push themselves to confront challenging concepts and diverse perspectives.
The Cons
There are potential downsides to this level of intellectual engagement. It can lead to burnout, as the relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Additionally, individuals with high intellectual intensity may sometimes struggle with group interactions, finding it challenging to relate to others who do not share their level of enthusiasm or understanding on a given topic. This can create a sense of isolation and frustration in collaborative environments.
As you’ve probably witnessed or experienced, curiosity can take a passionate person away on “a long train of thought” at any moment. How can these individuals “come back to the station” and clearly execute on the vision they had while they were away in their mind? Sometimes they need assistance and explicit instruction when it comes to focusing their internal energy. In other words, they benefit from learning when to listen to their rich internal world and when to put it aside for a bit. (Don’t worry. You were born this way. That rich internal world won’t go away if you stop for a bit to take care of daily tasks and the realities of daily living.)
Big takeaways:
- How is intellectual intensity helpful to you? For example, it can help you learn quickly, it can help you excel in your classes and master your favorite hobbies, and it can help you problem solve in a very original manner.
- How is intellectual intensity unhelpful in certain situations? For example, it can interfere with relationships if you don’t know how to focus in class or listen to others. It can cause you to lose track of the little things that eventually become big things (e.g. the fish need to be fed, the plants need to be watered, you need to show up on time, you need to stop and eat, etc.)
- Build time into your schedule for intellectual wandering. If you don’t, ideas will find you at night and interfere with your sleep.
- Feed your mind with high quality leisure activities. If you do not make time for true intellectual challenge, your mind will create problems where there aren’t any.
- Learn about note-taking. Write down your big ideas so you can come back to them later. If your mind doesn’t trust that you are keeping track of beneficial ideas, it will cycle back to them unexpectedly (like a current dragging things from the deep). In essence, without note-taking, your mind won’t be able to empty itself, and the result will be overwhelm.
- Mindfulness activities can help you come back to the present. Your breath is always with you. Make a point to notice at least five breaths in a row. Can you do it before your mind wanders?
Journal exercises:
- What are some topics you’ve been really interested in?
- How can you make a targeted plan for exploring these topics so you can learn more? What classes? How about books? Do you have access to any mentors or role models? Make a plan and build it into your schedule so you can stay present during other classes and activities.
Go Deeper:
https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/executive-functioning-and-gifted-children/
https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/critical-and-creative-thinking-the-joy-of-learning/
https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/creatively-gifted-child/
https://www.hoagiesgifted.org/creatively_gifted.htm
Additional Tips For Teachers/Parents:
Create a Curiosity Corner
- Tip: Designate a space for exploration and inspiration.
- Example: Set up a “Curiosity Corner” at home with books, puzzles, science kits, and art supplies where they can freely experiment and explore new ideas.
Use Creative Journals
- Tip: Keep a journal dedicated to creativity and exploration.
- Example: Students can use a sketchbook to doodle ideas, write down questions they have about the world, or even paste in photos or clippings that inspire them.
Set Clear Goals
- Tip: Help them define specific creative projects or areas of interest.
- Example: If they enjoy drawing, encourage them to complete a series of themed illustrations, such as “animals in different habitats.” This gives them a clear objective to work towards.
Create a Schedule
- Tip: Establish a routine that includes dedicated time for creative activities.
- Example: Set aside specific times during the week for creativity, such as “Art Fridays” or “Invention Wednesdays,” where they can focus on their projects without distractions.
Limit Choices
- Tip: Narrow down options to prevent overwhelm and encourage deeper exploration.
- Example: Instead of letting them choose any craft, suggest a specific medium, like painting with watercolors, and challenge them to create something using only that.
Break Down Projects
- Tip: Teach them to break larger projects into manageable steps.
- Example: If they want to write a short story, guide them to start with character development, then outline the plot, and finally draft the story, focusing on one step at a time.
As always, I hope you find these tips helpful. The students I work with have greatly benefited from connecting with other intellectually intense individuals who share similar experiences, as well as from working with a coach to channel their creativity. Remember, you’re not alone in making a friend with your mind!
Posted in Creative Thinking, Executive Functioning
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