Being intelligent is obviously a good thing, but having higher than average brain power isn’t without its downsides.
People who are smarter than the average bear tend to have certain problems in life that people with more average levels of intelligence just can’t relate to. Here are some of the biggest troubles they face.
1. They often struggle to find intellectual peers.
Finding someone on the same wavelength can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. They’re not at all snobby, they just crave deep, stimulating conversations that many find boring or overwhelming. As a result, they can feel isolated, as if they’re speaking a different language from everyone else. It’s lonely at the top, as they say, and sometimes that top is an intellectual peak.
2. They’re prone to overthinking… everything.
Highly intelligent people have minds that are always in overdrive. They analyse every angle, consider every possibility, and often end up paralysed by the sheer number of options they’ve thought up. Deciding what to have for dinner can turn into a philosophical debate about the ethics of food production (yes, it’s a bit annoying to everyone else, but it happens). It’s exhausting, and sometimes they envy those who can make decisions without turning them into mental marathons.
3. They’re often misunderstood or seen as ‘weird’.
Source: Unsplash Their unique way of thinking can make them seem odd to others. They might make connections or jokes that go over people’s heads, or have interests that other people find strange or boring. It can lead to social awkwardness and feeling like an outsider. It’s not that they’re trying to be different; their brains just work in ways that don’t always align with social norms.
4. They can be their own harshest critics.
With great intelligence often comes great expectations — mostly from themselves. They set incredibly high standards and can be brutally self-critical when they don’t meet them. Their perfectionism can be paralysing, making them afraid to try new things or take risks. They’re acutely aware of their own flaws and mistakes, and they tend to dwell on them long after other people have forgotten.
5. They struggle with imposter syndrome.
Despite their obvious intelligence, many of them constantly doubt their abilities. They worry that they’re not actually as clever as everyone thinks they are, and that they’ll be ‘found out’ at any moment. Imposter syndrome can hold them back from pursuing opportunities or sharing their ideas. It’s a constant battle between their intellect and their self-doubt.
6. They often feel responsible for solving every problem.
Because they’re capable of understanding complex issues, highly intelligent people often feel obligated to fix everything. World hunger? Climate change? They’ll lose sleep trying to solve it all. The sense of responsibility they feel can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. They need to remind themselves that they can’t shoulder the world’s problems alone, no matter how smart they are.
7. They can struggle with small talk and social niceties.
For someone used to discussing quantum physics or philosophical theories, chatting about the weather can feel painfully trivial. They might come across as aloof or uninterested in social situations, when really they’re just not sure how to engage in what feels like meaningless chatter. This can make everyday social interactions a bit awkward and sometimes lonely.
8. They often battle with existential dread.
They tend to think about the big questions in life, which can lead to existential crises. They might grapple with the meaning of life, the vastness of the universe, or the inevitability of death more intensely than others. Their deep thinking can be both a blessing and a curse, giving them some pretty insights but also causing anxiety and depression.
9. They can be impatient with people.
Source: Unsplash When you’re used to picking up on things quickly, it can be frustrating when other people don’t keep up. This impatience can strain relationships and make teamwork challenging. They might finish other people’s sentences or jump to conclusions, coming across as rude or dismissive. It’s a constant exercise in patience and empathy for them to remember that everyone processes information differently.
10. They often struggle with choice paralysis.
With the ability to see multiple sides of every issue comes the difficulty in making decisions. They can easily get bogged down weighing pros and cons, considering every possible outcome, which can make even simple choices, like picking a restaurant, feel like a monumental task. The fear of making the ‘wrong’ choice can be paralysing.
11. They may have trouble ‘switching off’.
Their minds are often in constant motion, making it difficult to relax or fall asleep. They might lie awake at night mulling over abstract concepts or replaying conversations, and this mental hyperactivity can lead to insomnia and burnout. Learning to quiet their busy minds is a skill many highly intelligent people struggle to master.
12. They can struggle with practical skills.
Being book smart doesn’t always translate to being life smart. Some highly intelligent people might excel at complex maths but struggle with basic cooking or car maintenance. The disparity between their intellectual abilities and practical skills can be a source of frustration and embarrassment. It’s a reminder that intelligence comes in many forms.
13. They often feel misunderstood in romantic relationships.
Finding a partner who can keep up intellectually and emotionally can be challenging. They might struggle to connect on a deep level or feel like they have to ‘dumb themselves down’ to maintain relationships. As a result, they can experience feelings of loneliness even when they’re not alone. Balancing their need for intellectual stimulation with emotional connection is easier said than done.
14. They can be prone to mental health issues.
Source: Unsplash Studies have shown links between high intelligence and certain mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Their tendency to overthink, coupled with a heightened awareness of the world’s problems, can take a toll on their mental wellbeing. Finding ways to manage their mental health is vital for their overall happiness and success.
15. They might struggle with authority.
Highly intelligent people often question everything, including established rules and hierarchies, which can lead to major run-ins with authority figures at work or in society. They might struggle to accept decisions they see as illogical or inefficient. While their questioning nature can drive innovation, it can also create tension and career challenges.
16. They might not be great at teamwork.
Working in teams can be frustrating for highly intelligent people. They might get impatient with group processes or feel held back by the people around them. Learning to collaborate effectively and value different perspectives is an important skill they often need to develop. It’s about recognising that different types of intelligence can contribute to a stronger whole.
17. They may struggle with boredom.
Routine tasks or jobs that don’t challenge them intellectually can be mind-numbingly boring. When this happens, it often leads to underperformance or job-hopping as they seek more stimulating environments. Finding ways to stay engaged and challenged in everyday life is an ongoing battle for many of them.
18. Other people often have high expectations of them.
Once people know you’re smart, they expect you to excel at everything, and the pressure can be overwhelming and lead to fear of failure. They might avoid trying new things to prevent disappointing others. Learning to manage these external expectations while staying true to their own goals is a delicate balance.
19. They can struggle with empathy.
Sometimes, their logical approach to problems can make it hard for them to empathise with people’s emotional responses. They might dismiss feelings as irrational or struggle to understand why others can’t just ‘think their way out’ of emotional situations. Developing emotional intelligence alongside their cognitive intelligence is something a lot of book smart people have to work on.
20. They might have trouble with procrastination.
Ironically, their ability to quickly grasp concepts can lead to procrastination. They might put off tasks, confident they can complete them at the last minute, which inevitably causes unnecessary stress and underperformance. Learning time management and self-discipline is often key.
21. They can struggle with the gap between potential and achievement.
Many highly intelligent people grapple with the disparity between what they’re capable of and what they actually achieve, which ultimately leads to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. They might be labelled as ‘underachievers’ despite their clear potential. Reconciling their abilities with their real-world accomplishments is a journey, that’s for sure.
