We are more intelligent than we give ourselves credit for. 90 per cent of our mental power works subconsciously without us being aware of it – the good thing is that we all can benefit and use this hidden intelligence. A few examples follow.

The ability of our brain to receive – and process – ‘first impression’ type information is remarkable and a sign of our hidden intelligence. It only takes about two seconds for the right side of the brain to check the first signals we are receiving from other people; two seconds for us to know whether the other person is honest and true, likable and genuine, or interesting enough for us to mingle with. This ability helps us in developing one of the key aspects for our personal happiness: the idea to surround ourselves with the right people.

Another example would be that laughter can help us when we’re stuck in a mental loop. Especially tricky situations can be raised by humor and it can help us in finding quick solutions. Sometimes thinking too rational for too long might lead to one-sidedness and a brain-lapse; we end up being in a state of mind in which solutions seem unreachable. We can break out of this by engaging wholeheartedly in laughter which is good for our soul and can lead to intuitive solutions, as well as out-of-the-box ways of thinking.

Also, do not rule out the idea that apparent useless knowledge can help us as well. The person who is genuinely interested in what others might label as ‘useless information’ is more apt to draw from other and unusual sources; the willingness to be interested in everything and anything can help in finding new ideas towards unusual solutions – and finding solutions for the problems in our lives is another key to our happiness.