Different Intelligences That Make a Person ‘Smart’

In an article released in magazine Working Mom on their November 2013 issue, it featured an article there talking about eight different intelligences inherent in each person. The story was written by Manila-based mompreneur advocate Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva, who has been tirelessly working to give moms in the Philippines the most memorable lifestyle and publications since 2001. Thus, she founded Mommy Matters, Mommy Mundo, Mompreneur Manila, Mommy Pages and Urban Mom.

In the article, it said that our talents and inclinations are mostly inborn, likened to seeds waiting to be fertilized and sown. Over time, we develop our skills, based on our exposure and education, and talents as the ones meant to help us achieve success. According to her, based on this premise are the theories of Dr. Howard Gardner which states that each human being is “smart” in his own way, and we have all eight main realms of intelligences, with one or two being prominent than the rest. These are:

1. Mathematical intelligence or “number smarts”, which refers to people who are good at numbers, as well as logic and reasoning. Number smart individuals can get into accounting, sales driven ventures and retail business.

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2. Verbal or linguistic intelligence or “word smarts” refers to people who are good at writing, orating, story telling or reading. Possible fields of expertise that word smarts can go into are publishing, blogging, and advertising.

3. Kinesthetic intelligence or “body smarts” is the ability to control movements and includes an innate sense of timing and muscles movement as dancers and athletes have. Possible business include setting up a dance school, or offering instructional sports programs.

4. Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to interact with others and relate well with other people. They communicate well with people, are able to empathize and draw people towards a common goal. “People-smart” individuals make good educators or preschool owners, and have an edge in sales and marketing.

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5. Intrapersonal intelligence or being “self-smart” refers to people who have a deep knowledge of oneself, and therefore are good at predicting their reactions as well as those of others. Possible businesses or work could be being a motivational speaker, trainer or a life coach.

6. Musical intelligence refers to the inclination towards rhythm and harmony, and sensitivity to what is auditory. People with this intelligence can work or pursue a business on setting up a music school, recording studio or even a theatre.

7. Spatial intelligence, also known as “picture smarts,” is an inclination towards what is visual. Possible work can be graphic design, interior design, or setting up an art gallery.

8. Naturalistic intelligence or being “nature-smart” is generally connected to interests in science or finding earth-friendly solutions. Nature-smart people can go into upcycling or recycling businesses, natural skin products or even become a chef.

Awareness of our innate strengths puts us a step ahead towards reaching our goals and being successful at what we do. The first step is just to learn about these different types of “smarts” and determine where our own inclinations are. From there, we can discover the natural gifts that increase our potentials, not only for success but for self-fulfillment.

Our talents have been with us from the very beginning, just waiting to be nurtured, used and bear fruit! We’re all born to to be ‘smart’!

Source: Working Mom, November 2013 issue

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