The Link Between Success and Intelligence, According to Psychology

We often hear about the people who have this spark of change and bring a positive impact on their community like Steve Jobs and Jay Gatsby. This extraordinary accomplishment might make us wonder, if having an extremely high IQ scores can predict success. However, the truth may not be that simple. IQ is a big part of success, but it’s not the only factor. In reality, the person does not succeed based on only IQ, it is not an indicator of success. Before anything, we first need to understand the connection between IQ and success, how IQ tests work, the potential limitations of  those tests, and finally, other major personal factors that can lead to someone’s success. 

What IQ Tests Indicate 

IQ tests are regularly used to assess cognitive skills, such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. The mean is 100, which is the average IQ score as per the Stanford-Binet intelligence scale and a score of 140 or more is given to those who are sharp, and can be regarded as geniuses as well. However, it is vital to keep in mind that only around 2% of people in the world attain the scores above 130, which signals a remarkable level of intelligence. 

With time passing, the goal of IQ testing shifted from identifying children who required academic assistance, to being able to identify those who had higher-than-average intelligence. Even though these assessments can give a quick overview of a person’s cognitive capacity, they can fall short of capturing the whole range of what intelligence entails. Therefore, is IQ the most important metric? Not quite. 

IQ test limitations 

IQ tests do have certain limits though their purpose is to assess cognitive abilities. First of all, no single test can properly or adequately assess every aspect of intelligence. This is because Intelligence is a very vast and complex concept. Analytical and logical thinking are frequently the main emphasis of IQ tests, but other crucial components like creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical problem-solving abilities are not  taken into consideration. The fact that different outside circumstances can affect the results of IQ tests is another drawback like a person’s health, diet, cultural background, and educational opportunities etc – can all affect their score.

Furthermore, biases may be introduced into the test’s design and scoring, decreasing its validity for particular populations. The shortcomings of IQ testing are further highlighted by some academics  who contend that they are especially biased against people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Most significantly, IQ tests frequently overlook abilities like emotional intelligence, interpersonal  skills, and flexibility that are critical for success in life. These abilities are essential in both personal  and professional contexts, where cooperation and communication are essential for success. 

Qualities of People with High IQs 

In addition to having a high IQ, highly intelligent people also display emotional intelligence, curiosity, and flexibility. They can solve problems in a variety of ways, swiftly adapting to new situations and  trying out various approaches. They investigate a variety of topics and pose inquiries because of their intense interest.

They also remain humble and open to learning, acknowledging their own limitations. Many are able to comprehend and effectively manage emotions because they possess high emotional intelligence. Another important quality is open-mindedness, since they welcome novelty and entertain outlandish ideas. According to some research, high-IQ people might prefer to be alone since it improves their capacity for introspection and distraction-free, productive work.

Read More – Psychology Behind Growth Mindset

Notable People with High IQs 

A few of people with extraordinarily high IQs have made noteworthy contributions throughout history. Marilyn Vos Savant became well-known as a columnist due to her IQ of 228. Greek physician Dr. Evangelos Katsoulis has an IQ of 198 to 205. With an IQ of 194, chess grandmaster Garry  Kasparov showed remarkable strategic abilities. Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen both had IQs between 160 and 170. Even if these people are outstanding, success is not still solely determined by IQ. Their accomplishments and general influence on the world are greatly influenced by a variety of other elements, including ambition, inventiveness, and personal circumstances. 

Studies on Individuals with High IQs 

Lewis Terman, a psychologist, selected 1,500 children in California with IQs averaging 150, and some even surpassing 170, for his long study on high-IQ youngsters at the beginning of the 20th century. In his research, called the Terman Study of the Gifted, Lewis tracked these kids for several decades to see how their IQ affected their lives. 

Terman discovered that the majority of the kids in his research were both physically and socially well-adjusted. Compared to their peers, they were resilient, healthy, & academically proficient. Many of the members of Terman’s study group went on to achieve remarkable academic  success as adults, becoming physicians, attorneys, scientists, and teachers. 

But not each one of Terman’s talented pupils really went on to succeed to a high degree. Some chose to pursue low-paying jobs as typists or police officers. Terman himself came to the conclusion that achievement and intelligence were not exactly associated, implying that success could not be  ensured by intelligence alone. 

Success and Personality Qualities 

Success is influenced by intelligence, but personality qualities are obviously just as significant. The  most successful individuals (Group A) were contrasted with the least successful (Group C) by Melita Oden, who carried on Terman’s research following his passing. Those in Group A had superior life outcomes even though their IQs were similar. They were more likely to have great self-discipline, a drive to succeed, and to be goal-oriented, tenacious, and confident. 

According to Oden’s research, success was better predicted by personality attributes like willpower and perseverance than by IQ. Additionally, a 2016 study supported this notion by arguing that achievement tests and grades, which gauge non-cognitive qualities like hard work and goal-setting,  are more reliable predictors of success in life than IQ levels.

Read More: Human Psychology Theories on Personality Development

Emotional Intelligence: An Important Aspect 

Emotional intelligence (EQ), in addition to cognitive intelligence (IQ), is a crucial component of success. The ability to recognize, control, and communicate one’s own emotions as well as to sense and respond to those of others are all components of emotional intelligence. In both their personal and professional life, those with high EQ are frequently more successful and have stronger relationships. 

Strong networks, dispute resolution, and social situational awareness are all facilitated by high EQ and are necessary for success in the majority of professional domains. Even though IQ can predict academic and professional success, EQ is essential for leadership, teamwork, and communication— skills that set successful people apart from their peers. 

The Significance of Being Experience-Open 

Additionally, studies have demonstrated that people with high IQs are typically more receptive to new experiences. Openness to experience is a personality trait that is associated with creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to take chances. But it can also be linked to dangerous habits like  substance abuse. 

Being receptive to new experiences has its drawbacks. Although it might encourage creativity and  invention, it could also result in actions that impede long-term success, including drug  experimentation or dangerous pursuits. This emphasizes that in order to guarantee successful life  results, cognitive abilities and other personality traits must be balanced. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, IQ is by no means the only indicator of success, even though it might provide  information about a person’s cognitive capacities and academic potential. A person’s ability to reach  their objectives and find fulfilment in life can be significantly impacted by a variety of factors,  including emotional intelligence, personality traits like tenacity and goal-orientation, and even life circumstances. 

High IQs may be advantageous in complex and cognitively demanding professions, according to studies, but they do not ensure success in general. Success is really determined by a person’s IQ,  personality, emotional intelligence, and capacity for resilience and adaptation in the face of  adversity. Therefore, keep this in mind the next time you consider the connection between IQ and  achievement. 

FAQs

1. If I have a high IQ, does that mean I’ll automatically be successful? 

Not at all! A high IQ can help me with problem-solving and academics, but success isn’t just  about being smart. Things like perseverance, emotional intelligence (EQ), creativity, and  even luck play a huge role. Studies show that discipline and determination often matter more than intelligence alone. 

2. Can an IQ test really measure how smart I am? 

Not completely. IQ tests focus mostly on logic and problem-solving, but they don’t measure  creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills. Plus, my score could be influenced by  things like education, background, or even how I’m feeling that day. So while IQ tests give an  idea of my cognitive ability, they don’t tell the full story of what I’m capable of. 

3. What exactly is emotional intelligence, and why should I care about it?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is how well I understand and manage emotions—both my own  and those of people around me. It helps me communicate better, build stronger  relationships, and handle challenges more effectively. Many successful people say that their  EQ, not just their IQ, is what helped them get ahead in life. 

4. Can my Personality traits predict success better than my IQ? 

Yes! Studies show that traits like grit, self-discipline, and goal-setting often predict success better than intelligence. If I keep pushing forward, stay motivated, and work hard, I have a  better shot at succeeding than if I just rely on being naturally smart. 

5. If I have a really high IQ, does that mean I’m destined for greatness? 

Not necessarily. Some people with high IQs go on to do amazing things, like Einstein or Stephen Hawking, but plenty of smart people live pretty normal lives. Intelligence alone isn’t  enough—I also need motivation, creativity, and good decision-making to truly succeed.