There’s a stark contrast between being highly intelligent and being successful in life.

It’s a paradox that throws many for a loop. You’d think those with a high IQ would naturally rise to the top, right? Wrong.

Ironically, some of the smartest people struggle to get ahead. They’re stuck in a perpetual cycle of underachievement, often without even realizing why.

These intelligent folks typically exhibit certain behaviors that inadvertently hold them back. These aren’t obvious mistakes, but subtle habits that hinder their progress.

In this article, we’ll uncover these 8 behaviors that smart people unknowingly display, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

1) Perfectionism

A common trait amongst the highly intelligent is the pursuit of perfection.

The idea of making a mistake or delivering less than perfect work can be paralyzing for them. They’re so engrossed in the minutiae that they lose sight of the bigger picture.

This constant striving for perfection can often lead to procrastination and the inability to finish projects. They get so caught up in perfecting every detail that they never get around to completing the task at hand.

Although striving for high standards isn’t inherently bad, when it spirals into perfectionism, it can become a major roadblock to success. In many cases, good is good enough.

The danger lies in not recognizing this behavior. If left unchecked, perfectionism can hinder progress and prevent smart people from reaching their true potential.

So if you find yourself obsessing over every little detail, take a step back and ask yourself if it’s really necessary, or if you’re just holding yourself back with your perfectionist tendencies.

2) Overthinking

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been caught in the trap of overthinking.

As someone with a high IQ, I tend to analyze things from every possible angle. While this can be beneficial in certain situations, it often leads to analysis paralysis in others.

I remember one time when I had to decide between two job offers. Each had its own set of pros and cons, and instead of making a decision, I found myself overthinking every tiny detail. I was so caught up in weighing the options that weeks flew by without me making a decision.

In the end, I lost both opportunities due to my indecision. That’s when I realized that overthinking was not just a harmless trait; it was something that could seriously hold me back.

Highly intelligent people often fall into the trap of overthinking because they want to consider all possible outcomes before making a decision. But more often than not, this leads to stress, anxiety, and missed opportunities.

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking, remember – sometimes, it’s better to make a decision and adjust as you go rather than waiting for the perfect choice to present itself.

3) Fear of failure

The fear of failure can be crippling, particularly for those with a high IQ. They are so used to excelling that the mere thought of failing can be terrifying.

This often stems from what psychologists call the “fixed mindset.” People with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is static. They think that if they fail at something, it means they’re not smart enough.

On the contrary, people with a “growth mindset” believe that intelligence can be developed. They view failure as a learning opportunity, not as a measure of their worth.

Highly intelligent individuals often struggle with the fear of failure without realizing that it’s holding them back. Embracing a growth mindset and seeing failures as stepping stones towards growth can make all the difference.

4) Ignoring emotional intelligence

It’s easy for highly intelligent individuals to fall into the trap of thinking that IQ is all that matters. They often overlook the importance of emotional intelligence, or EQ.

EQ includes skills like empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. It’s about understanding and managing not only your own emotions but also those of others.

Unfortunately, some highly intelligent people struggle in this area. They often focus so much on logic and reason that they fail to consider the emotional aspects of a situation.

If you’re finding it difficult to connect with others or navigate social situations, it might be worth focusing on developing your emotional intelligence. Remember, success isn’t just about being smart; it’s also about understanding and relating to people on an emotional level.

5) Lack of self-care

In their pursuit of success and accomplishment, highly intelligent people often neglect one crucial aspect – self-care.

They are so focused on their goals, so driven by their ambitions, that they forget to take care of themselves. They work long hours, skip meals, and sacrifice sleep – all in the name of getting ahead.

But the truth is, neglecting self-care can have serious consequences. It can lead to burnout, health problems, and even impact mental wellbeing.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. We need to recharge, to rest, to nourish our bodies and minds. Only then can we truly give our best to our work and to the people around us.

If you find yourself constantly running on empty, remember the importance of self-care. Take time out for yourself. Prioritize rest. And most importantly, remember that it’s okay to put your wellbeing first. It’s not just about getting ahead; it’s also about enjoying the journey and living a fulfilling life.

6) Avoiding risks

I’ve always been a cautious person. Taking risks, stepping out of my comfort zone – these were things I avoided at all costs. I thought I was being smart, playing it safe. But over time, I realized that my aversion to risk was holding me back.

You see, progress requires risk. Whether it’s starting a new project, moving to a new city, or even just speaking up in a meeting, there’s always some level of risk involved. And if you’re not willing to take those risks, you’ll likely find yourself stuck in the same place.

Highly intelligent people often have a lot on the line – their reputations, their success, their comfort. So it’s understandable why they might shy away from taking risks.

But sometimes, the biggest risk of all is not taking one. So if you find yourself constantly opting for the safe route, consider whether your fear of risk is holding you back from reaching your full potential.

7) Inability to accept criticism

Criticism, when delivered constructively, is a valuable tool for growth. It provides a different perspective and allows us to learn from our mistakes.

However, for highly intelligent individuals who are used to excelling, criticism can be difficult to swallow. They might take it personally, viewing it as a direct attack on their abilities or self-worth rather than an opportunity for improvement.

This inability to accept criticism can be a significant barrier to progress. It prevents learning and growth, and can even strain relationships.

If you find yourself getting defensive or upset when faced with criticism, it might be worth taking a step back and examining your reaction. Remember, criticism isn’t a personal attack; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better at what you do.

8) Neglecting relationships

In the pursuit of personal goals and achievements, it’s easy to overlook the importance of relationships.

Yet, relationships are the backbone of a fulfilling life – they provide support, love, and a sense of belonging.

Moreover, strong relationships can open doors to opportunities and collaborations that wouldn’t exist otherwise.

But highly intelligent individuals often become so absorbed in their work or studies that they neglect their relationships. They forget to invest time in nurturing bonds with family, friends, and colleagues.

Remember, success isn’t measured by accomplishments alone. The relationships you build along the way are equally important. So take the time to nurture your relationships. They’re worth more than any success or achievement.