When we talk about the concept of intelligence, it is very easy to think about what is needed to solve mathematical problems, repair an apparatus or plan a strategy to follow in concrete cases.

However, we can also consider that there is a type of mental skills that are of a more private nature, difficult to externalize in a very striking way . What has been called intrapersonal intelligence is a good example of this.

What is intrapersonal intelligence?

Intrapersonal intelligence is one of the types of intelligence proposed in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner . The set of cognitive abilities to which it gives expression is somewhat hazy and difficult to distinguish from other forms of intelligence, but in summary it can be said that intrapersonal intelligence refers to the degree to which we know the internal aspects of our own way of thinking, feeling and acting . In other words, it represents our ability to know ourselves and intervene in our own psyche, in a broad sense.

How can we know ourselves?

According to the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, recognizing the repertoire of feelings that define our own way of being (and the type of stimuli that can induce each of them), discriminating well between different states of mind and taking advantage of this knowledge to regulate our behavior towards certain objectives. In this way, intrapersonal intelligence is what makes it possible for us to know the internal aspects of our mind and use this information to our advantage .

For example, being especially sensitive to certain issues can make it easier to deal with conflicting situations, which can be key to avoiding losing control in these cases, while working on techniques to control levels of anxiety, anger, etc.

Differentiating concepts

Intrapersonal intelligence can easily be confused with emotional intelligence, a theoretical construct that several psychologists have worked on and that is not born from the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It is true that both types of intelligence emphasize self-knowledge and the regulation of emotions, but emotional intelligence is a broader concept. Thus, the difference between intrapersonal intelligence and emotional intelligence is basically that intrapersonal intelligence only accounts for some processes that could be compared to what is measured by studying the latter.

On the other hand, intrapersonal intelligence can also be confused with interpersonal intelligence, which is also framed in the theory proposed by Gardner. Interpersonal intelligence is related to our ability to relate to others and to work optimally as a team, while intrapersonal intelligence is of a private nature. In other words, the former allows us to know others and interact with them in a useful and successful way, while the latter allows us to do the same with ourselves.

Both, however, may have many links to what is understood by emotional intelligence .

How can I improve my intrapersonal intelligence?

At this point, it should be remembered that every form of intelligence can be trained and improved over time as if it were a muscle . However, it can be said that intrapersonal intelligence is insufficiently studied and that it is difficult to propose exact methods endorsed by science to improve it.

However, beyond the light that future scientific research may shed on this subject, I would recommend the following to see progress in the area of intrapersonal intelligence:

1. Give Mindfulness a Chance

Mindfulness has been shown to be useful in increasing one’s emotional self-regulation skills, so it may be a good idea to start practicing it on a sustained basis. You can also try traditional forms of meditation.

I leave you two links so that, if you wish, you can delve into these two interesting disciplines:

“Mindfulness: 8 benefits of full care”

“Benefits of meditation backed by science”

2. Ask yourself often what you are feeling

Standing up and reflecting on the feelings you usually experience will help you recognize them when they appear and detect their patterns, regularities, etc. In this way, you will know what situations trigger these moods and you will realise how you usually act when you feel this way .

Mentally labeling these emotions with names or words in general is a good way to start.

3. Consider how you can orient this knowledge towards goals

Knowing a lot about our way of thinking and feeling is of little use if we do not take advantage of that information to improve our quality of life . Intrapersonal intelligence is also, in part, being able to predict some things about our own behavior. Therefore, you can create action plans to intervene in your ways of feeling, thinking and acting.

An example would be hiding a chocolate bar because we know that when we enter periods of anxiety we tend to turn to food for relief.

4. Evaluate your progress

In order to progress in self-knowledge, it is good to look back to see what works and what doesn’t . Being critical of one’s own progress is also essential if we don’t want to get too optimistic about what we are doing.

These steps can help you to work better with your own person, but you have the last word, of course. Each person is a world, and the existence of intrapersonal intelligence is a reminder of that. No manual or self-help book will be able to give you all the pieces you need to fully understand how you function. That task is up to you.