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In conversations with gifted individuals, I often hear that they felt "different" from a young age. Perhaps you recognize it: your thoughts racing like a high-speed train, sometimes faster than you can keep up with. Or maybe, as a child, you asked questions that adults sometimes couldn’t answer because they simply didn’t think about things that way. This sense of being different can bring a lot—insights, creativity—but it can also feel lonely when others don’t always understand you. So, what makes it feel so different?
Giftedness, like introversion, often evokes stereotypical images. Some people think that everything comes easily to gifted individuals and that they face few challenges. The reality is different. Many gifted individuals take in an enormous amount of stimuli, which can lead to overstimulation more quickly. And because they often ask in-depth questions, it can be challenging to connect with people who don’t naturally dive into details.
The way gifted individuals experience the world is unique and goes beyond just “being smart.” It’s an intense way of feeling, a need for autonomy, and a constant drive to learn and discover. If you recognize these qualities in yourself, this can be the first step toward understanding why you may have often felt “different.” Giftedness is a combination of talents and challenges—and an invitation to view the world in your own way.
Unique
Giftedness revolves around intensity and complexity. Gifted individuals often perceive the world differently: they’re sensitive to stimuli and notice details that others sometimes overlook. They have a strong need for autonomy and love to learn new things. Some immerse themselves in books and study, while others channel their energy into creative projects or solving problems.
Additionally, gifted individuals often experience emotions more deeply and intensely. They may be deeply moved by injustice but also find joy in small moments, like a beautiful sunset. This sensitivity can bring intense happiness, but it can also lead to overstimulation and a feeling of loneliness when the environment doesn’t fully understand them.
Scientific Insights
In the 1970s, psychiatrist Kazimierz Dabrowski explored the intensity often seen in gifted individuals. He identified five different types of "overexcitability": intellectual, emotional, imaginative, sensory, and psychomotor. This theory helps explain why gifted individuals often experience the world more intensely than the average person.
Neurobiological research shows that certain brain regions are more active in gifted individuals, especially those involved in information processing and emotions. As a result, they can make connections quickly, but they can also become overwhelmed by stimuli. Gifted individuals are also more sensitive to dopamine, a chemical linked to motivation and reward, which might explain their strong drive to learn and tendency to become bored with routine work.
The Delphi Model was developed by a panel of experts to provide a broad and nuanced view of giftedness. According to this model, giftedness isn’t just about intellect but also about who you are as a person. It often means having a great curiosity, quickly seeing connections, and wanting to think deeply about things. The model also emphasizes that gifted individuals often have a strong need for autonomy—the freedom to choose their own path. There’s also frequently a deep intuition, a kind of inner knowing that helps them sense things.
What I find beautiful about the Delphi Model is that it shows that giftedness looks different in everyone. One person might focus on learning and knowledge, while another is more creatively engaged or feels very involved in society. Giftedness also changes throughout life due to experiences and circumstances. Sometimes it’s very present, and at other times it’s more in the background.
The Canadian professor Francoys Gagné offers another perspective on giftedness. He distinguishes between “innate gifts” and what he calls “talent.” According to him, a person is gifted if they have certain aptitudes, such as learning quickly, feeling emotions deeply, or being creative. But that doesn’t automatically mean this potential develops into talent. Certain conditions are needed—appropriate guidance, practice, and especially motivation.
Gagné shows that you may have great potential, but without the right environment or effort, you might not fully realize it. You need to believe in yourself and have opportunities to grow. Think of inspiring teachers or an environment that challenges you. Without that support, giftedness can be a source of frustration, as you feel your potential but may not know how to use it. Based on all these models, here are some characteristics of giftedness:
Characteristics of Gifted Individuals
- Ability to think quickly and deeply, with an interest in complex topics.
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn, often with extensive knowledge of specific themes.
- Emotional intensity and deeply felt emotions.
- Creativity and original problem-solving approaches.
- Strong need for freedom and independence.
- Strong sense of justice and idealism.
- Critical thinking and openness to improvement.
- High standards and perfectionism.
- Perseverance and motivation to pursue meaningful goals.
- High sensitivity to stimuli, which can lead to overstimulation.
Misunderstandings
There are many misconceptions about giftedness. One of the most common is that gifted individuals have it easy, or that they face few challenges because they “understand everything.” In reality, gifted individuals encounter different kinds of challenges. Their intensity and sensitivity can lead to feeling overwhelmed by stimuli, struggling with superficial conversations, or feeling misunderstood by those around them. This can lead to a kind of inner isolation, where they want to connect with others but feel they can’t fully be themselves.
Many gifted individuals identify with the “sponge syndrome” metaphor: they absorb so much information and impressions that, over time, it becomes too much. While most people can more easily let go of certain thoughts or impressions, gifted individuals often keep thinking about details or wrestle with deeper life questions. This can feel lonely, especially in a society where speed and superficiality are often the norm.
Acceptance
For many gifted individuals, it’s important to accept themselves as they are. The intensity and depth with which they think and feel can be challenging in a society focused on speed and superficial interactions. Self-awareness and embracing giftedness often help in finding a place where they can be themselves and use their talents. Ultimately, giftedness isn’t about being “better” or “more,” but about experiencing the world in a unique way.
Would you like more insight into your giftedness and how to use it? Feel free to reach out to explore a suitable path together.
