What If My IQ Is Low? Understanding and Embracing Your Potential
The Truth About IQ: Is a Low Score the End of the Road?
Well, I get it. If you’ve ever taken an IQ test and ended up with a lower score than you expected, you might feel like you're not as capable as others. Trust me, I’ve been there too. It's natural to feel a little down when you're faced with numbers that suggest you may not be the brightest bulb in the box. But here's the thing: IQ is not everything.
Honestly, I've had conversations with people who think their lower IQ score means they won’t succeed in life. I used to think that way too, until I realized that intelligence comes in many forms, and IQ tests only measure a very specific type. If you’re concerned about having a low IQ, let’s dig into it and see why it’s not the end of your story.
What Does Low IQ Actually Mean?
Okay, first things first. Let’s break it down: an IQ score generally ranges from 85 to 115, with an average of around 100. If your score falls below 85, it may be considered "low," but that doesn’t mean you're lacking intelligence or capability. It simply means that, based on the test, your cognitive abilities in areas like logic, reasoning, and problem-solving might not align with others in the general population.
But Can You Improve Your IQ?
Honestly, this is a question I’ve wrestled with for a while. I used to think, “If my IQ is low, is that it? Am I stuck with this?” Here’s the reality: while IQ scores are somewhat stable over time, your intelligence can grow. You can develop skills, build knowledge, and become better at problem-solving with practice. IQ isn’t set in stone, and it’s not the only measure of your abilities.
Embracing Your Strengths: Focus on What You’re Good At
Okay, I’ve got to admit – this was a game-changer for me. After feeling a bit deflated about my own IQ score, I started to realize that intelligence comes in many different forms. If you’re struggling with a low IQ score, try to focus on the things that you excel at.
Multiple Intelligences: Beyond Traditional IQ
Actually, have you heard of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences? He suggests that there are various types of intelligence – logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. So, even if you don’t score highly on a traditional IQ test, you might be exceptionally talented in other areas.
I know a friend who doesn’t score well on traditional IQ tests but is incredibly skilled in working with his hands and has a deep understanding of machines. That’s bodily-kinesthetic intelligence right there, and it's just as valuable as traditional IQ.
Embrace Learning and Personal Growth
If you find yourself feeling insecure about your IQ, shift the focus. Concentrate on your growth mindset. For example, I used to struggle with math, but through consistent effort and a willingness to learn, I got better at it. I didn’t suddenly become a math genius, but I improved. So don’t let a low IQ score limit you. With the right mindset, growth is always possible.
How to Leverage Your Strengths and Improve Your Skills
Well, even with a low IQ, there are ways to boost your abilities and really tap into your strengths. Here are a few things that have worked for me and others I know.
1. Focus on Practice, Not Just Results
I can’t stress this enough: practice makes perfect. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Don’t just focus on the end result of your work. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve your cognitive abilities, regardless of your IQ score. For example, when I learned a new language, I struggled at first. But by sticking with it daily, my skills improved, even if my IQ didn’t change much.
2. Find Your Passion and Hone It
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that passion fuels learning. When you're passionate about something, your brain is much more likely to absorb information and improve. Whether it’s art, writing, programming, or something else, immerse yourself in it. You’ll naturally improve with time and dedication.
3. Use Practical Tools and Techniques
If you're looking to boost your cognitive function, there are tons of tools you can use, like brain games, meditation, and memory exercises. I personally enjoy doing puzzles to sharpen my problem-solving skills. These activities don’t raise your IQ score in a measurable way, but they do enhance brain performance and cognitive flexibility.
Low IQ Doesn't Mean Low Potential
Honestly, the biggest takeaway I want to share is that a low IQ doesn’t define you. It doesn’t make you less valuable, and it certainly doesn’t limit what you can achieve in life. Some of the most successful people, like Albert Einstein or Steve Jobs, didn’t necessarily have perfect IQ scores, but their ability to think outside the box, innovate, and adapt made them great.
Embracing Your Own Journey
So, what if your IQ is low? It doesn’t matter as much as you think. Focus on your strengths, be patient with yourself, and continue learning and improving. Everyone has unique talents, and your potential is unlimited.
What do you think? Have you ever been discouraged by your IQ score? What’s something you’ve done that helped you overcome challenges? Let’s chat about it!
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Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.