Intelligence can’t be measured by test scores or professional achievement, by any means, but some people are simply naturally a bit more clever than others.
Of course, learning is accessible to anyone throughout their lives, so it’s certainly possible to gain some smarts with a bit of time and effort. However, for those to whom learning doesn’t necessarily come naturally, that process is usually accompanied by a few hiccups along the way.
1. They take longer to grasp complicated ideas.
When trying to break down tough concepts, they need more time to process and figure things out. It’s not that they can’t understand, but they might need to reread a passage or ask a few more questions to really get it. In fast-paced environments, this can be tricky because it feels like everyone else is racing ahead, leaving them stuck playing catch-up.
2. They feel awkward in intellectual conversations.
Jumping into a conversation about heavy topics like politics or philosophy can feel like stepping into a minefield. They’re afraid of saying something wrong or looking clueless, so they often stay quiet even if they do have something to contribute. That insecurity can make them feel like they’re always sitting on the sidelines when the big conversations happen.
3. They need more time to finish tasks.
Whether it’s a school assignment or a work project, these people tend to take a bit longer than others to get through things. They want to get it right, but that sometimes means staying late or stressing about deadlines. It’s tough when they feel like they’re working twice as hard just to keep up with everyone else.
4. Exams are their worst nightmare.
Even if they know the material, the pressure of exams can make it hard for them to show what they’ve learned. Timed tests, in particular, can leave them panicking or second-guessing their answers, which leads to even more stress. It’s frustrating because their test results don’t always reflect how much effort they put in.
5. They often feel left behind in group learning situations.
In a classroom or training session, they might feel like they’re always a step behind. They want to ask questions but worry about holding everyone else up or looking slow. It’s hard not to feel frustrated or embarrassed, especially when they can see other people moving on more quickly.
6. They have a hard time getting their thoughts out clearly.
Even when they know what they want to say, putting those thoughts into words can be a challenge. They might stumble over explanations or feel like they’re not making sense. This can be especially tough when they need to speak up in meetings or present ideas, making them feel like they’re not being understood.
7. They second-guess themselves a lot.
Decision-making can feel like a huge hurdle. They’re often caught in a loop of “What if?” scenarios, worrying they’ve missed something important or made the wrong choice. Instead of going with their gut, they might lean on other people for advice, which only adds to their self-doubt.
8. They feel intimidated by smart technology and gadgets.
When it comes to using new gadgets or navigating the latest apps, they might feel completely lost. Trying to figure out smart technology can leave them frustrated and overwhelmed, especially when everyone else seems to adapt so easily. They might stick to what they know, even if it means missing out on new tools that could make life easier.
9. They struggle to stay organised.
Managing time, tasks, and priorities is a constant challenge. They may find themselves juggling deadlines or surrounded by clutter because it’s hard to keep everything straight. This disorganisation can make them feel overwhelmed, like they’re always one step away from dropping the ball.
10. Their memory isn’t the best.
Remembering dates, facts, or even instructions doesn’t come easily. They might forget important details or need to write everything down just to keep track. This can be especially tough in fast-paced work environments, where being able to recall things quickly is crucial.
11. They feel self-conscious about their vocabulary.
Using fancy words or technical jargon makes them nervous. They’re scared of pronouncing something wrong or using a word out of context, so they tend to stick to simple language. This worry can hold them back from speaking up in conversations where they feel like everyone else is better spoken.
12. New situations throw them off.
Source: Unsplash Adapting to changes in routine or jumping into a new environment is tough. Whether it’s learning a new work system or navigating an unfamiliar place, they need more time to adjust. It’s stressful, especially when they feel like they’re lagging behind everyone else.
13. Thinking outside the box is a struggle.
Source: Unsplash When it comes to solving problems, they prefer clear, step-by-step instructions rather than abstract thinking. Open-ended challenges can leave them feeling stuck because they find comfort in structure. Without a roadmap, they often struggle to come up with creative solutions.
14. They worry about asking ‘stupid’ questions.
Source: Unsplash Even when they’re confused, they might hold back from asking questions out of fear they’ll be judged for not understanding something that seems obvious. This fear can leave them in the dark, unsure of what they need to learn because they’re too scared to speak up.
15. Imposter syndrome hits them hard.
Even when they achieve something great, they often feel like they don’t deserve it. They might worry that they’ve just been lucky or that they’re about to be ‘found out’ as a fraud. This feeling can stop them from going for new opportunities because they don’t believe they’re capable of succeeding.
