Intelligence isn’t always a ticket to success. Sometimes, smart people find themselves stuck in a rut, unaware of the behaviors holding them back.
Often, these behaviors are subtle, camouflaged within their daily habits and attitudes. And while they might excel in intellectual pursuits, they unknowingly sabotage their progress with these little nuances.
In this article, we’ll delve into these common traits that highly intelligent people display, often without realizing it. We’ll examine eight behaviors that could be the unseen barriers standing between them and their success.
Let’s get started.
1) Perfectionism
Highly intelligent individuals often fall into the trap of perfectionism.
They have a tendency to set extremely high standards for themselves, driven by their intellectual capabilities. But this pursuit of perfection can ironically lead to stagnation and inhibit their progress.
The reason is simple – they spend too much time polishing and refining an already good-enough project or task, instead of moving forward with new opportunities. They are so caught up in making everything perfect that they lose sight of the bigger picture.
This perfectionism can also lead to procrastination, as the fear of not being able to achieve perfection can delay the start or completion of tasks.
Ironically, while they strive for excellence, they may not realize that their obsession with perfection is actually holding them back from getting ahead in life.
2) Overthinking
Another common trait shared by many highly intelligent individuals is overthinking. And trust me, I can relate to this one.
Back in college, I was known as the “thinker” of our group. I had a knack for dissecting problems, analyzing them from all angles, and often times, creating complex solutions for relatively simple issues. It was both a blessing and a curse.
While this trait helped me excel academically, it was a different story when it came to real-world applications. I’d find myself over-analyzing decisions, second-guessing my choices, and constantly worrying about potential outcomes.
I remember once when I had to choose between two job offers. One was with a well-established company with good pay but less challenging work. The other was a start-up with less pay but more potential for growth and learning. Instead of making a decision and moving forward, I spent weeks weighing the pros and cons, asking everyone for advice, and even losing sleep over it.
This pattern of overthinking caused unnecessary stress and often delayed my progress. It was only when I learned to trust my intuition more and reduce the over-analysis that I started moving forward more effectively.
Overthinking, though it may seem like due diligence at first, often becomes a hindrance rather than an advantage for highly intelligent people trying to get ahead in life.
3) Lack of emotional intelligence
While highly intelligent individuals often excel in logical reasoning and problem-solving, they may struggle in areas of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, includes understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as being able to empathize with others.
According to a study by TalentSmart, 90% of top performers in the workplace have high EQ, while just 20% of bottom performers are high in EQ. This suggests that emotional intelligence plays a significant role in achieving success.
Intelligent individuals often focus on logic and reason, neglecting the importance of emotional understanding and empathy. They may find it challenging to relate to others on an emotional level, which can hinder their relationships both personally and professionally.
This lack of emotional intelligence can create a barrier to their advancement, as effective communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills are crucial for success in most fields.
4) Fear of failure
Highly intelligent people often have a deep-seated fear of failure. Their intelligence has likely made them accustomed to success, and as a result, they may avoid risks that could potentially lead to failure.
This fear can hold them back from seizing new opportunities or stepping out of their comfort zone. They often prefer to stick with what they know and excel at, rather than trying something new and risking failure.
However, without taking risks and embracing the possibility of failure, it’s hard to grow and move forward. As the old saying goes, “The greatest risk is not taking one.”
Therefore, this fear of failure, while understandable, can be a major barrier for highly intelligent individuals trying to get ahead in life.
5) Neglecting self-care
Highly intelligent people often have a relentless drive to achieve, learn, and excel. While this is admirable, it can sometimes come at the cost of their own well-being.
They may find themselves neglecting self-care, working late into the night, and sacrificing their personal time. They become so engrossed in their pursuit of knowledge and success that they forget to pause and take care of themselves.
But the truth is, long-term success cannot be sustained without a healthy body and mind. Burning the midnight oil may provide short-term gains, but it can lead to burnout, fatigue, and health issues in the long run.
It’s like running a marathon without taking any water breaks – you may be leading in the beginning, but eventually, your body will give out.
So while it’s important to work hard and stay dedicated, it’s equally important to remember to take a step back, relax, refresh, and recharge. Because only when we take care of ourselves can we truly excel and get ahead in life.
6) Difficulty in accepting criticism
Receiving criticism can be tough, especially when you strive for perfection. I remember a time when I submitted a project I was particularly proud of, only to have it returned with numerous suggestions for improvement. My first reaction was defensiveness – I had poured my heart and soul into this project, and the critique felt like a personal attack.
But here’s the thing: Criticism, when constructive, is a powerful tool for growth. It provides a different perspective and highlights areas that could be improved upon.
However, highly intelligent people, used to being right most of the time, often have difficulty accepting criticism. They may see it as a threat to their competence and may dismiss or argue against it instead of using it as an opportunity for growth.
This defensive reaction can prevent personal development and hinder progress. It’s essential to learn that criticism isn’t personal – it’s an avenue for improvement, a stepping stone on the path to success.
7) Inability to adapt
Highly intelligent people often have a deep understanding and mastery of their chosen field. While this expertise is commendable, it can sometimes lead to rigidity and an inability to adapt to new situations or ideas.
They may become so entrenched in their ways of thinking and doing things that they resist change, even when it’s necessary. They might prefer to stick to the tried-and-true methods, even when innovative solutions could offer better results.
However, in our rapidly changing world, adaptability is key. The ability to learn new skills, embrace new ideas, and navigate changes is crucial for success.
Therefore, this inability to adapt can hold highly intelligent people back from reaching their full potential and getting ahead in life.
8) Lack of real-world experience
Book-smart and highly intelligent individuals may have a wealth of knowledge, but they sometimes lack real-world experience. They may excel in theory and academic pursuits, but struggle when it comes to practical application.
The importance of hands-on experience cannot be overstated. It’s in the real world that we learn to navigate complex situations, interact with different kinds of people, and apply our knowledge in practical ways.
Without this experience, all the intelligence in the world may not be enough to get ahead in life. It’s essential to step out of the theoretical realm and dive into real-world experiences to truly grow and succeed.
