Living with Gifted Intensity

Giftedness and intensity are two sides of the same coin. Gifted people's intensity is what leads to asynchrony, or uneven development. We're ahead of our years in some ways, yet certain skills are lagging behind. Gifted people tend to be exceptionally passionate and have strong interests. As a result, we can have trouble fitting in with others who just don't "get it."

Kazimierz Dabrowski, a psychologist, originally came up with the idea of "gifted over-excitabilities." While I agree with his ideas, I don't like to call them over-excitabilities because that suggests that there's something wrong or "too much" with gifted people. Instead, I prefer the term "intensities," which I feel is more accurate. 

Types of Intensities: 

• People with physical intensity tend to be active and high-energy. They like to be involved in many things. They can come across as restless or impatient. They're often sensitive to light, sound, touch, etc. Or they may be sensory seeking. 

• People with emotional intensity tend to have strong feelings. They are highly empathetic and have a firm sense of right and wrong. They are naturally in tune with their feelings and are very communicative and expressive. 

• People with imaginational intensity have a passion for fantasy. They are very creative and inventive. They may have trouble fitting in because they're seen as "weird" or different. They can also be prone to daydreaming. 

• People with intellectual intensity have a strong desire for knowledge. They tend to question authority and the status quo. They can come across as argumentative or challenging. 

Contrary to popular belief, being gifted isn't always easy. And to make matters even more complicated, every gifted person has his/her own strengths and challenges. Also, not all gifted people's intensities are obvious, meaning that their complex needs may fly under the radar. 

At the same time, though, it's important to remember that intensity is not always a burden—it's a part of the "gifted package." Gifted intensity, when channeled in healthy ways, can change the world. Ultimately, giftedness is just that—a gift. And it's time the world starts seeing it that way.