12 Traits Of Complex Thinkers Who Process The World Differently From Everyone Else
These unique people perceive the world on their own terms.
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock.com Our perception of the world is inherently shaped by our own interests, traits, and experiences, but there are certain traits of complex thinkers who process the world differently from everyone else. From social interactions, to their unique hobbies, and interesting relationships, they’re able to re-imagine and inquire about their reality to a higher degree than the average person.
While social interactions and connection are suggested to greatly influence our worldly perception, according to philosopher expert Shaun Gallagher’s book “Normativity in Perception,” these people harbor unique, eccentric, and inquisitive traits that not only help to form their authentic identity, but the way they live their lives.
Here are 12 traits of complex thinkers who process the world differently from everyone else
1. They’re curious and ask lots of questions
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Similar to how successful education curricula promote the use of questions to learn new material for students, we can implement this kind of curiosity in our own lives to make better sense of our connections, the world, and ourselves.
Curiosity is one of the most important traits of complex thinkers who process the world differently than everyone else, because it sets apart the complacent, stagnant, and ignorant from the self-aware, interested, and empathetic. They’re engaged in every conversation, always yearning to learn something, and intrinsically curious about the world around them.
2. They’re empathetic
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While the majority of people navigate life with an inherently inward focus, unbeknownst to the stress of strangers and potential interactions around them, complex thinkers tend to be vastly more empathetic and aware of their surroundings.
From emotional recognition in other people to genuinely trying to understand their perspectives and struggles, these complex thinkers learn more about themselves and others by being radically emotionally aware.
3. They have niche hobbies and interests
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Going hand-in-hand with innate curiosity, complex thinkers also tend to have complex hobbies and interests. They might have a niche reading genre they love to indulge in or an artistic outlet that’s entirely self-serving in their routine.
They cultivate healthy habits and de-stressing activities that serve them, rather than jumping on trends or trying out hobbies that have a shareable output driving external validation. Because they’re more interested in learning about the world, they’re also more likely to come across a niche interest or creative outlet in their impromptu investigations than the average person.
4. They’re self-aware and introspective
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Change causes stress, it’s only human nature, as author Harry Edelson argues in an investigation on positivity. So how we learn to navigate it, support ourselves, and pave a new path forward will define the happiness and fulfillment we experience throughout our lives.
Complex thinkers, who tend to navigate and perceive the world uniquely, tend to be more self-aware than others — with emotional intelligence that gives them the confidence to be uncomfortable. It’s profoundly important that you are happy and secure in your own identity, especially when you go out into the world and start connecting with others, and that’s exactly one of the traits of complex thinkers who process the world differently from everyone else.
5. They’re committed to a healthy routine.
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Health can be defined in a million different ways, but complex thinkers invest in routines that are “healthy” for them — whether that means reading 10 pages, going to bed before midnight, or prioritizing a social meal a couple times a week. A review of research on routines published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine’s reveals that they’re incredibly impactful for everyone in every stage of life.
Whether we’re healing from an illness, working towards a new lifestyle goal, or simply working to give ourselves some peace of mind, the right routine can help support you in the things that matter — connections, love, happiness, and fulfillment outside of the house.
Complex thinkers who have a unique perception of the world aren’t stressed about chaos or individual struggles in their own lives 24/7, because their routines, habits, and priorities passively address them.
6. They’re open-minded
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Open-mindedness, a trait that’s widely sought-after, but relatively misunderstood, is another important trait of complex thinkers who perceive and process the world differently from others. Kasim Khorasanee defines open-mindedness as a three-pronged trait, where we synthesize and screen new information that could potentially shift or inform our belief systems, without a layer of outward judgment.
Complex thinkers don’t always have a solid belief system or clear values, although most do solidify their own with a curious intellect. When they have conversations with other people, expressing opinions and debating, they’re not closed off or ready to defend, regardless of the topic and its closeness to their identity.
This kind of open-mindedness helps them to harbor a more fulfilling life, with closer unexpected connections and less unwieldy stress in their daily lives.
7. They’re comfortable being alone
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Reed W. Larson from the University of Illinois reveals that as we grow older, we tend to think less negatively of the time we spend alone. Not only is it more comfortable with old age, as alone time during adolescence is primarily for identity formation and developmental growth, it’s more important for our self-awareness and confidence.
Our realities become more chaotic, stressful, and sometimes challenging outside of the house as we grow into adulthood, which requires more rest and reflection.
Complex thinkers are innately aware of that need for introspection, and often appreciate the de-stressing activities they engage in alone — from meditation, to journaling, to other niche hobbies.
8. They’re humble
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Humility, especially amongst intellectuals and self-aware individuals, tends to be difficult to channel in our current societal structure. Many of us thrive on external validation, recognition, and appreciation from others, without even realizing it.
Complex thinkers are committed to humility and their connections with others thrive because of it. They don’t process the world in a self-serving manner, they think about what they can contribute and learn from it. Their relationships are founded on a level, curious, and empathetic playing field — whether it’s a conversation with a stranger or their long-term partner.
9. They’re not afraid of change
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Complex thinkers, who are curious about the world and new experiences, are not typically afraid of change in the same way that their anxiety-ridden peers are. Change is always disruptive, like a 2016 article published in Construction Journal suggests, but not always negative.
Complex thinkers embrace the disruptiveness of change in their lives, whether it’s an influential life event, a disappointing rejection, or the end of a relationship, they take time to understand and heal before moving onto the next thing with excitement.
They don’t process these events as the universe taking something away, but rather being given the chance to move forward, towards experiences and people that are better suited to them.
10. They’re emotionally intelligent
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Many studies, including one from the American Psychological Association, argue that there’s a distinct difference between emotional intelligence and a general set of eclectic traits that exemplify pure positivity, and oftentimes they get confused with one another.
Complex thinkers tend to be innately emotional intelligent, which they define as a “sophisticated information processing ability” that helps people to understand their emotions in a way that informs their interactions, thinking, and behavior.
As one of the most influential traits of complex thinkers who process the world differently from everyone else, emotional intelligence informs a healthy mindset for people to meet others, learn new things, and explore unique interests without the stress of judgment.
11. They set healthy boundaries
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The act of setting boundaries is entirely unique for every person and situation, but complex thinkers tend to find a way that works for them. Cognizant of their need for space in certain situations and self-aware enough to draw those lines, they tend to harbor healthier relationships than their peers.
Many adopt a specific strategy for setting boundaries, like the 4-step process counselor Audrey Tait describes, that helps to relieve stress and prioritize a balance in their relationships.
12. They pursue passion projects willingly
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While financial struggles and social barriers can keep the average person from pursuing a passion project or a career change better suited to their interests, complex thinkers find unique ways to integrate their interests into their daily lives.
Whether it’s finding a new schedule a work that integrates some of their interests or adopting a reasonable hobby that turns into a passion project, complex thinkers prioritize the exciting parts of their lives in an important balance. They process the world differently from others, prioritizing activities and practices that add fulfillment to their lives.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a News & Entertainment Writer at YourTango who focuses on health & wellness, social policy, and human interest stories