The 4 Types of Smart: Which One Are You?

In my counseling work, I often raise awareness about the 4 types of “Smart”:

1. Practical Smart – the pragmatic, hands-on, street-wise kind of smart that gets things done without paying too much attention to “feelings” or fine details. 

2. Book Smart – the science, maths, and theoretical kind of smart. Some would call this being “academically smart.” 

3. Social Smart – the kind of smart that comes from having a talent for reading the room and working with the “feelings” of others.

4. Self Smart – the kind of smart that comes from knowing your own feelings and values, and living a life that is true to them. This brings “inner awareness,” “self smartness,” and a sense of congruence in many things they do.

Types 1 and 2 relate to the thinking type of smart. 

Types 3 and 4 relate to the feeling type of smart.

I have never met anyone who is equally strong in all four domains.

Most people tend to be:
1. Great or talented in one
2. Good/very good in one
3. Okay/not great in one
4. And perhaps hopeless in one

Knowing your own kind of smart is very important. Equally, knowing your “blind spot” is just as important. 

School, parents, and friends often nurture the first three types of smartness. But the fourth – “Self Smart” – is often neglected until we engage in self-discovery, therapy or coaching. 

Without this awareness, maladaptation, adjustment difficulties, lack of thriving, anxiety, and stress are more likely.