People who are incredibly smart but lack self-confidence usually display these 9 subtle behaviors

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | May 28, 2024, 7:14 pm

Smart people are often acutely aware of complexities and nuances others might miss.

This can lead to self-doubt and hesitancy.

They may display subtle behaviors that reveal their lack of self-confidence, even if they’re not aware of it.

In this article, we’ll look at 9 subtle behaviors commonly seen in highly intelligent people who lack self-confidence.

Keep reading and see if you recognize any of these traits in yourself or others.

1) Overthinking

This trait stems from their ability to see all the possible outcomes of a situation.

They have a keen eye for detail and can analyze situations from multiple perspectives.

While this might sound like an advantage, it often leads to indecisiveness.

They might spend so much time analyzing that they struggle with moving forward.

Overthinking can also lead to self-doubt.

They might constantly second-guess their decisions or become overly critical of their own ideas.

The key is understanding how to use this intelligence in a constructive way, rather than letting it hinder decision-making and foster self-doubt.

2) Perfectionism

As someone who falls into the smart-but-lacking-self-confidence category, I can attest to the fact that perfectionism is a common trait.

We intelligent folks often set incredibly high standards for ourselves.

We know our capabilities and potential, and anything less than perfect can feel like failure.

For example, I remember working on a project at work.

It was a relatively simple task, but I found myself spending hours fine-tuning every little detail.

Even after my boss praised my work, I still felt it wasn’t good enough.

The pursuit of perfection can lead to procrastination and a constant feeling of inadequacy.

It’s a subtle sign of low self-confidence, as it stems from a fear of failure or criticism.

It’s something I’ve had to learn to manage in order to maintain a healthy balance in my life.

3) Fear of public speaking

Their fear isn’t necessarily about the act of speaking itself. Rather, it’s the fear of being judged and criticized by others.

They worry that they might say something wrong or not live up to expectations.

Interestingly, public speaking is one of the most common fears globally, even more so than death.

It’s known as Glossophobia, and an estimated 75% of people experience some degree of anxiety or nervousness when it comes to public speaking.

While everyone can suffer from Glossophobia, it’s particularly prevalent among highly intelligent individuals with low self-confidence because they’re acutely aware of how they are perceived by others.

4) Constantly seeking approval

They might have a brilliant idea or make an insightful comment, but they’ll downplay it.

They’ll look to others to validate their thoughts and ideas, rather than trusting their own judgment.

This constant need for approval can be subtle.

You might notice them asking for opinions even when they don’t need to, or frequently checking in to make sure they’re on the right track.

While it’s healthy to seek feedback, the constant need for approval can be a sign of low self-confidence.

It shows that they’re doubting their own abilities and looking for reassurance from others.

5) Avoiding risks

They prefer to stick to what they know and maintain their comfort zone.

Their intelligence allows them to foresee all possible outcomes of a situation, including the worst ones.

This can make them overly cautious and resistant to taking chances, even when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

This risk-averse behavior is a subtle sign of low self-confidence.

It suggests that they may not trust in their ability to handle failure or bounce back from setbacks.

It’s a limit they set on themselves, which can hinder their growth and potential.

6) Difficulty accepting compliments

Compliments can be a minefield for smart people who lack self-confidence.

They might have a hard time believing that they truly deserve praise, and often downplay their achievements.

They might even dismiss compliments entirely, attributing their success to luck rather than their own abilities.

This isn’t false modesty. It’s a genuine struggle to see their own worth and recognize their accomplishments.

It’s heartbreaking to see such talented individuals unable to appreciate their own value.

Society often equates intelligence with confidence, but as we’re seeing, this isn’t always the case.

Building self-confidence is a personal journey that many smart individuals are still navigating.

7) Fear of failure

Failure is a part of life. But for smart people with low self-confidence, the mere thought of failing can be paralyzing.

I remember when I was asked to lead a project at work.

I knew I had the skills and knowledge to do it, but the fear of failing held me back.

I was so worried about making a mistake that I ended up declining the opportunity.

This fear stems from a deep-rooted belief that any failure reflects negatively on their worth or intelligence.

It can stop them from pursuing new opportunities and stunt their personal and professional growth.

It’s a tough barrier to overcome, but recognizing the fear is the first step towards breaking free from it.

8) Rarely asking for help

They might see asking for assistance as a sign of weakness or incompetence.

They’d rather struggle in silence than risk appearing incapable or insufficient.

This behavior can stem from a deep-seated fear of judgment or criticism.

They may worry that needing help will make them seem less intelligent or competent in the eyes of others.

However, it’s important to remember that everyone needs help sometimes, and asking for it doesn’t reflect negatively on your abilities or intelligence.

It’s a sign of strength and wisdom to recognize when you could use some support.

9) Reluctance to showcase skills and achievements

They might downplay their successes or avoid talking about them altogether.

They might even feel uncomfortable when their achievements are recognized by others.

At the core, this is a reflection of their struggle with self-worth.

They might not believe they deserve recognition, or they might worry that showcasing their achievements will make them appear arrogant or boastful.

Here the thing, it’s okay to be proud of your accomplishments.

Your skills and achievements are a part of who you are, and you should feel comfortable expressing that.

It doesn’t make you arrogant—it makes you authentic.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

One thing to remember is that intelligence and self-confidence don’t always go hand in hand.

In fact, some of the most intelligent people can be the ones who struggle the most with self-confidence.

American author and motivational speaker, Les Brown, once said, “You are the only real obstacle in your path to a fulfilling life.”

This quote resonates deeply with our discussion.

It’s a reminder that it’s not our intelligence, but our self-perception and self-confidence that truly define our potential.

For those who identify with these behaviors, remember that recognizing them is the first step towards growth.

Building self-confidence is not an overnight process. It’s a journey that requires patience, understanding, and compassion towards oneself.

The journey might be challenging, but it’s certainly worthwhile.

After all, our biggest growth often comes from overcoming our greatest challenges.

So embrace the journey, trust in your abilities, and remember to celebrate every step forward.