9 ‘Lazy’ Habits That Are Linked to Higher Intelligence

Ever been called lazy for certain habits you just can’t shake? Good news – some of those so-called ‘lazy’ behaviors might actually be signs of higher intelligence. Scientists have found connections between specific laid-back tendencies and increased brain power. Let’s explore how those habits your parents or teachers may have scolded you for could actually indicate you’re pretty smart.

1. Daydreaming Regularly

Spacing out during meetings or while riding the bus isn’t just wasting time. Research shows that daydreaming activates the brain’s “default mode network,” which helps with problem-solving and creativity.

Smart people often use these mental wandering sessions to make unexpected connections between ideas. Their brains are actually hard at work during what looks like zoning out.

A 2012 study found that people with higher working memory capacity, a trait linked to intelligence, were more likely to daydream effectively while performing simple tasks.

2. Sleeping In Late

If you’re more of a night owl, it might just mean your brain works a little differently—often more intelligently—than early risers.

The evolutionary explanation suggests that our smarter ancestors had the mental capacity to change natural sleeping patterns. This adaptation allowed them to pursue activities during nighttime hours when others couldn’t.

Your tendency to hit snooze might actually be your brain’s way of following its optimal schedule for creative thinking and problem-solving.

3. Avoiding Small Talk

Avoiding the typical weather chatter often means you prefer meaningful conversations, which tend to make people feel more connected and satisfied.

Highly intelligent individuals often prefer meaningful discussions about ideas rather than superficial chitchat. They find more value in exploring concepts than exchanging pleasantries.

This preference isn’t about being antisocial – it’s about seeking mental stimulation through conversation that challenges their thinking and expands their knowledge base.

4. Procrastinating Strategically

Sometimes putting things off can actually be helpful because procrastination gives your ideas more time to develop and grow creatively.

Smart procrastinators often use delay time to gather more information or consider different approaches. They’re not avoiding work – they’re processing it differently.

A study from the Technical University of Berlin found that many successful writers and artists use procrastination as a deliberate strategy to improve their creative output. The key is being intentional about when and why you delay.

5. Being Messy

A cluttered desk could be a sign of a creative mind, where the chaos actually sparks more innovative ideas than a neat workspace.

Creative geniuses throughout history, from Albert Einstein to Mark Twain, were known for their disorganized workspaces. Their physical chaos often reflected mental freedom from conventional thinking.

Your mess may represent a mind that’s busy making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts – a hallmark of intelligence. The disorder allows your brain to spot patterns that might be missed in overly structured environments.

6. Talking To Yourself

Don’t worry about talking under your breath when solving problems—it’s called “private speech,” and psychologists say it actually boosts your focus and thinking.

Self-talk allows your brain to process information both verbally and auditorily, essentially giving yourself a cognitive boost. Studies show this habit helps with complex problem-solving and memory retention.

Albert Einstein reportedly talked to himself regularly. This habit activates different parts of the brain simultaneously, creating more neural pathways for processing information and finding solutions to difficult problems.

7. Preferring Solitude

Choosing solitude doesn’t mean you’re avoiding people; it can indicate a mind that thrives in reflection and introspection.

Smart people often use solitude for deep thinking, reading, and developing ideas without interruption. Their minds provide rich internal experiences that can be more stimulating than external social interactions.

Historical geniuses like Newton and Kant were known for their solitary habits. Your preference for alone time might be providing the perfect environment for your intelligent mind to thrive on its own terms.

8. Being Easily Distracted

If focusing on one thing feels difficult, it could be because your brain is juggling many ideas at the same time, making it harder to tune out distractions.

This seemingly scattered attention actually reflects a brain that notices connections between disparate concepts. You’re not easily distracted – you’re continuously gathering information from your environment.

Creative geniuses often report being easily sidetracked by new ideas and observations. Your wandering attention might be the same mechanism that helps you make innovative connections that others miss.

9. Doubting Yourself

Second-guessing your own knowledge shows intellectual humility. The Dunning-Kruger effect reveals that less intelligent people often overestimate their abilities, while smarter folks recognize the limits of their knowledge.

Self-doubt drives continuous learning and improvement. When you question your understanding, you’re more likely to seek additional information and consider alternative perspectives.

Socrates famously said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Your tendency to question yourself reflects a sophisticated understanding of how much there is to know and learn in the world.