People who struggle in the real world despite having excelled in school typically display these 7 behaviors

There’s often a stark contrast between acing your school years and nailing real-life challenges.
You see, excelling in an academic setting doesn’t necessarily translate to success in the real world. Sometimes, those straight-A students find themselves floundering outside the classroom.
It’s not about intelligence or ability, but rather, it often comes down to certain behaviors. Yes, those who struggle in the real world despite having been top of the class typically exhibit specific patterns.
In this piece, I’ll be highlighting these 7 behaviors. So if you were that whiz kid who can’t quite figure out why real life isn’t falling into place, you might want to stick around.
1) They’re perfectionists
It’s a common trait among high achievers in school.
They’ve thrived in an environment where perfection is rewarded. Every test, every paper, every project – it’s all about getting the highest score, the perfect grade.
But here’s the catch – real life isn’t graded.
In the real world, often it’s not about getting everything 100% right, but more about making progress, learning from failures and adapting. Perfectionism can become a crippling trait, preventing individuals from taking risks or even making decisions because they fear making a mistake.
This fear can result in people staying in their comfort zones, failing to explore new opportunities or grow professionally and personally.
So if you find yourself stuck in this perfectionist trap, it might be time to reassess. Mistakes are part of the learning process and no one expects you to be perfect in the real world.
2) They struggle with failure
This one hits close to home for me.
In school, I was the kid who always got straight As. Failure was a foreign concept. But once I stepped out into the real world after graduation, it was a whole different ball game.
I remember the first project I was put in charge of at my first job. Despite all my planning and hard work, it didn’t go as planned. The client wasn’t happy and my boss gave me a piece of his mind. It shook me to my core. I felt like I had failed.
But here’s what I learned – failure is a part of life. More than that, it’s a part of growth. The real world doesn’t hand you an ‘F’ and move on. Instead, it gives you a chance to learn, to improve and to try again.
Remember this: it’s not a mark against your worth or abilities. Instead, see it as an opportunity to grow and learn.
3) They lack interpersonal skills
In the bubble of academia, success often depends on individual performance. But in the real world, your ability to work with others can be just as important, if not more so.
A study by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center concluded that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft and people skills, while only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge.
Whether it’s collaborating on a team project, negotiating a deal or even just being able to communicate effectively, interpersonal skills are vital.
People who excelled in school often struggle with this because their focus has been largely on individual achievements. But once you’re out in the real world, it’s not just about what you know, but how you interact with others.
So take time to develop these skills. Join clubs, volunteer, network – immerse yourself in situations where you have to work with others. It’s a skill that will serve you well in the long run.
4) They’re not adaptable
One key thing about the real world is that it’s constantly changing. New technologies, market trends, societal shifts – these all demand flexibility and the ability to adapt.
Those who excelled in school often thrived in a structured environment with clear rules and expectations. But in the real world, the script isn’t always so clear.
Being adaptable means being open to new ideas, willing to change your mind, and able to handle unexpected challenges. It’s about being comfortable with uncertainty and making the best out of any situation.
If you’re finding it hard to adapt to changes, try pushing your boundaries. Don’t be afraid to learn new skills or take on new challenges. Remember, growth often happens outside of our comfort zone.
5) They struggle with self-care
I’ll be the first to admit it – when I was in school, I had a terrible habit of burning the candle at both ends. All-nighters were my best friend and meals were often skipped in favor of studying or working on projects.
But once I got into the real world, this approach simply wasn’t sustainable. My health started to decline and my stress levels went through the roof. It was a wake-up call.
Real life requires a balance. Success isn’t just about professional achievements, but also about maintaining mental and physical health. This means taking time for self-care, whether it’s regular exercise, eating healthy, or taking breaks when needed.
Ignoring your well-being in pursuit of success can lead to burnout and have serious implications for your health. Make sure you’re looking after yourself – your body and mind will thank you for it.
6) They lack real-world experience
This might seem obvious, but it’s a trap that many high-achieving students fall into. They’re so focused on their studies that they don’t gain the practical experience that comes from internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
The real world isn’t just about knowledge, but also about skills and experience. Employers value practical experience because it shows that you can apply what you’ve learned and handle the demands of a job.
If you’re fresh out of school and struggling to make your mark, consider seeking opportunities to gain real-world experience.
This could be through internships, volunteering, or even just taking on new responsibilities in your current role. Remember, every bit of experience counts.
7) They don’t pursue their passions
This might be the most crucial point of all. People who excel in school often do so by following a prescribed path. But real world success isn’t always about following the path laid out by others.
It’s about finding your passion and pursuing it relentlessly. When you’re passionate about something, you’re more likely to put in the extra effort, overcome challenges, and ultimately succeed.
If you’re not pursuing what you love, it’s never too late to start. It might be scary, and it might not be easy, but it’s well worth the effort.
Because at the end of the day, true success is about more than just a paycheck or a title – it’s about doing something you love.
Final thoughts: It’s all a learning curve
Life outside academia is a realm that exists beyond grades, deadlines, and structured curriculums. It’s a formidable ecosystem that values adaptability, resilience, and interpersonal skills just as much as it values knowledge.
Schooling is but a small part of your life journey. The real world is an expansive playground where the lessons are intricate and the learning, ceaseless.
The transition from school to the real world may be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. It’s about unlearning some habits, picking up new ones along the way, and understanding that it’s okay to stumble.
In the words of Albert Einstein, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
So if you identify with any of these behaviors associated with those who excelled in school yet struggle in the real world, take heart. It’s never too late to learn, adapt, and grow.
After all, the real world is less a competitive race and more an enlightening journey of self-discovery and growth. And like any journey, the transformation starts with the first step.