Know Thyself Part 1: Discover Your Intelligence Mix

Skillshub. (n.d.). Multiple Intelligences Wheel [Infographic]. Skillshub. https://www.skillshub.com/blog/gardner-multiple-intelligences-theory-workplace-implications/

Do you sometimes look at the math and science wizards in your school and think they’re just smarter than everybody else? What if I tell you that’s just one way to look at intelligence? What if you're a different type of smart? What if your strengths lie somewhere else – like in music, relationships, sports, or problem-solving? Have you ever wondered what you can achieve if you know your true strengths and work hard to maximize them?

No, I’m not making this up. No, this is not some feel-good fluff. This is science - cognitive science. It’s called the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

What Is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences?

This theory was introduced by psychologist Howard Gardner. It says that there are eight types of intelligence, and each person has a unique mix of them.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Linguistic Intelligence – Good at reading, writing, storytelling, and learning languages.

• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence – Great at problem-solving and logical thinking.

• Musical Intelligence – Sensitive to rhythms, beats, and melodies.

• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence – Movers: athletes, dancers, or anyone who’s good at moving their body parts solve problems or create products (e.g., craftsmen).

• Spatial Intelligence – Visual thinkers: artists, designers, or people who think in pictures.

• Interpersonal Intelligence – People persons: great at understanding and connecting with others.

• Intrapersonal Intelligence – Deep thinkers: super self-aware and reflective.

• Naturalistic Intelligence – Nature lovers: in tune with animals, plants, and the environment, such as biologists, farmers, environmentalists.

  
  

What Does This Mean?

No one is one dimensional. Each of us is a mix of multiple intelligences, and for each type of intelligence, we each are somewhere on a spectrum. Maybe you’re very high on bodily-kinesthetic intelligence but less so on linguistic intelligence, while your sibling is super clever with words but not much of an athlete like you are? The mix of intelligences is what makes you you. Understanding your unique blend of intelligences can help you know yourself. You’ll understand how you learn best, what kind of things you naturally excel at, and where your true strengths are. This insight will enable you to make smart decisions in life. For example:

• Choose classes and extracurricular activities that actually excite you and you’ll succeed in.

• Pick a career path that suits you and makes you feel fulfilled.

• Realize that it’s pointless comparing yourself to others – People are not comparable because their intelligence mixes are different. You will be way better off focusing on growing your own strengths and maximizing your chance of success by investing yourself in things that align with your unique combination of multiple intelligences.

How to Find Your Intelligence Mix?

You can start exploring:

• Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time. Reading books? Building stuff? Helping friends solve problems? Playing chess? Playing sports? Singing?

• Ask family, friends, or teachers what they think you’re naturally good at.

• Take a test. There are tons of free “Multiple Intelligences” tests online that can give you a starting point. For example:

   https://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html

Find out how you're smart. Be your kind of smart!

References:

Marenus, M. (2025, March 26). Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/multiple-intelligences.html

Skillshub. (n.d.). Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory & Workplace Implications. Skillshub. https://www.skillshub.com/blog/gardner-multiple-intelligences-theory-workplace-implications

Tapping into multiple intelligences. (2004). Concept to Classroom. Thirteen Ed Online. https://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html