“High intelligence coupled with perfectionism sounds like a recipe for success, doesn’t it?

Well, believe it or not, it’s not always as rosy as you might think.

You see, those who are highly intelligent but struggle with perfectionism often display behaviors that can actually hold them back from reaching their full potential.

Stay tuned as we dive into the 7 common behaviors exhibited by people who are highly intelligent but grapple with perfectionism.

1) Procrastination

I know, it sounds counterintuitive.

Highly intelligent individuals… procrastinating?

But it’s true.

Many smart people who struggle with perfectionism often procrastinate.

The reason?

They fear making a mistake or not meeting their own (or other’s) high expectations.

So, instead of diving into tasks, they might put them off.

Delaying the task helps them avoid the uncomfortable feeling of potentially not being perfect.

In this case, being a perfectionist isn’t driving productivity—it’s stalling it.

2) Overthinking

It’s something I’ve personally struggled with.

You see, being highly intelligent often means having a mind that’s constantly buzzing with ideas and thoughts.

When coupled with perfectionism, this can lead to excessive overthinking.

I remember once working on a project at work. I spent hours just pondering over every tiny detail, every possible outcome.

Instead of focusing on the bigger picture, I was lost in a sea of ‘what ifs’.

In the end, I missed my deadline because I was too caught up in making everything perfect.

Overthinking, a result of my struggle with perfectionism, had gotten the better of me.

If you find yourself getting trapped in the cycle of overthinking everything, it might be your perfectionist tendencies acting up.

3) Fear of failure

It’s a familiar foe for me and many others who are both highly intelligent and perfectionistic.

I recall when I was studying for my final exams in university. I was paralyzed with fear at the idea of not scoring the top grade.

The thought of seeing anything less than perfect on my report card was, to me, a sign of failure.

This fear of failure, stemming from my perfectionism, took a toll on me – mentally and emotionally.

It’s important to remember that making mistakes or not being the best at everything isn’t a reflection of your worth. It’s simply part of being human.

4) High levels of anxiety

Often, being highly intelligent and a perfectionist comes with its fair share of anxiety.

Sounds familiar?

The constant pressure to be perfect, to never make a mistake or fall short of expectations can really ramp up those stress levels.

It’s like walking on a tightrope, always worrying about maintaining the perfect balance and fearful of slipping up.

If you find yourself constantly anxious about not living up to your own high standards or those set by others, know that it is a common behavior among those who are highly intelligent but struggle with perfectionism.

The thing is, it’s okay to give yourself some grace. Life isn’t about being perfect—it’s about growth, learning, and embracing our imperfections.

5) Critical of others

Did you know that the same high standards perfectionists set for themselves are often extended to others too?

That’s right.

People who are highly intelligent and perfectionistic can sometimes be overly critical of others. They expect the same level of perfection from those around them.

I’ve seen this in action myself, expecting my team to deliver flawless work, just as I strive for. I soon realized this was unfair and created unnecessary pressure.

Everyone is on their own journey and has their own pace. It’s important to respect that and not hold everyone to the same high standards you set for yourself.

6) Difficulty delegating tasks

Delegating tasks is something I’ve always found challenging.

In my mind, no one could complete a task to the same level of perfection that I could. So, I’d end up taking on too much, often at the expense of my own well-being.

If you’re highly intelligent and struggle with perfectionism, you might have a hard time trusting others to handle tasks.

You may feel like you’re the only one who can do it ‘right’, which can lead to burnout.

Learning to let go and trust others was a tough lesson for me, but a necessary one.

If you’re finding it hard to delegate, remember it’s okay to ask for help and trust others to do their part. You don’t have to do everything yourself.

7) Never feeling satisfied

The most crucial thing to understand about being highly intelligent and struggling with perfectionism is this:

It often leads to a constant feeling of dissatisfaction.

No matter how much you achieve, how much you accomplish, it never feels enough.

There’s always a nagging feeling that you could have done better, been better.

This relentless pursuit of perfection can rob you of the joy and satisfaction that comes from your achievements.

Let’s celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. You’re more than your achievements and definitely more than your mistakes.

You are enough, just as you are.

Embracing imperfection

Awareness is the first step. Once you recognize these patterns, you can begin to shift them. Balance is key. Striving for excellence is admirable, but not when it leads to stress or self-criticism.

Start acknowledging times when your perfectionism surfaces. Notice if you’re procrastinating due to fear of failure or if you’re being overly critical of yourself or others.

When you catch yourself in these moments, take a pause.

Ask yourself – Is striving for perfection in this instance serving me? Am I setting unrealistic expectations? Can I give myself permission to be less than perfect?

It won’t always be easy. Changing ingrained behaviors takes time.

But with consistency and kindness towards yourself, you can certainly make progress. Each small act of self-acceptance fuels your journey towards embracing imperfection.

So as you continue on this journey, remember to be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress. Seek support when needed.

In time, you may find a more balanced, authentic version of yourself – one that embraces both intelligence and imperfection. And that’s a truly beautiful combination.