You know, there’s this intriguing gap between being smart and actually channeling that smarts into something tangible.

It’s something I’ve observed over time – some of the brightest minds just don’t seem to have that push, that zest for success.

They’re brilliant, no doubt about it. But there’s a catch: they often fall into habits that don’t do their intelligence justice, habits that somehow tether them just shy of their true potential.

In this piece, we’re about to take a deep dive into these 8 specific behaviors that even the smartest cookies sometimes fall prey to.

1) Overthinking

One of the most glaring hurdles I’ve noticed among highly intelligent individuals who seem to lag in the race to success is their tendency to overthink.

They possess an extraordinary knack for dissecting situations from every conceivable angle, envisioning outcomes ranging from the sublime to the catastrophic. You’d think such a skill would be a boon, right?

Well, think again.

Instead of leveraging this analytical prowess for effective planning and execution, they often find themselves ensnared in the quagmire of analysis paralysis. Their incessant overthinking becomes a barrier to taking decisive action.

In the realm of mindfulness, we emphasize the power of being present and not allowing our thoughts to hijack the steering wheel. It’s about acknowledging thoughts without allowing them to hold us hostage.

For these bright minds caught in the web of overthinking, mindfulness could be a game-changer.

By mastering the art of observing their thoughts without falling prey to them, they can break free from the shackles of overanalysis and propel themselves toward the success they deserve.

2) Fear of failure

One conspicuous behavior I’ve noticed among brilliant minds lacking motivation is their fear of failure.

They set the bar sky-high, creating a daunting hurdle to leap over. This fear paralyzes them, making them avoid tasks they’re not confident they’ll ace.

I’ve seen it play out countless times.

These bright sparks are so consumed by the dread of falling short—of missing the mark they’ve set for themselves or the expectations of others—that they opt to sit on the sidelines rather than take a shot at the game.

Well, as the famous mindfulness and meditation teacher, Jack Kornfield once said, “In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived, how well we have loved, how well we have learned to let go”.

Letting go here also includes letting go of the fear of failure.

It’s important to understand that failure isn’t a statement on your worth or intelligence but a part of life’s learning process. Embracing failure as a stepping stone towards success could help alleviate this fear and foster the drive to succeed.

3) Attachment to comfort

In the tapestry of Buddhist teachings, one thread stands out: the inevitability of change. Yet, for some bright minds, this truth seems elusive.

They cling fiercely to their comfort zones and routines, avoiding the unknown like the plague. While their intellect thrives in familiar territory, this fear of the unfamiliar holds them back from venturing into uncharted waters.

In essence, Buddhism implores us to dance with change, not against it.

Clinging to comfort is a futile battle against the natural ebb and flow of life. Stepping into the unknown may feel daunting, but it’s where growth and opportunity lie in wait.

4) Lack of self-awareness

Here’s a behavior that can be rather surprising. You’d think that highly intelligent people would naturally possess a high level of self-awareness. But that’s not always the case.

In fact, some smart individuals can be quite oblivious to their own behaviors, motivations, and emotional processes.

They may excel in logical thinking and problem-solving but fall short when it comes to understanding themselves.

This lack of self-awareness often leads to a disconnect between their actions and their desired outcomes. They might find themselves stuck in patterns that don’t serve their aspirations, without understanding why.

5) Living with a large ego

This is something that’s rather close to my heart. The presence of a large ego can often be a hindrance to success, especially among the highly intelligent.

These individuals might be so confident in their abilities that they dismiss the ideas and opinions of others.

They might believe they already know everything there is to know, which can prevent them from learning and growing.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into this topic. The book explores how our ego can blind us from seeing the bigger picture and limit our potential, and how we can cultivate humility and openness.

6) Avoidance of discomfort

This is a truth that’s often unpleasant to confront. Many smart people, despite their intelligence, avoid discomfort like the plague. They choose the easy path, the one with least resistance.

Yet, life isn’t always comfortable, and growth certainly isn’t. In fact, discomfort is often a sign of growth and expansion. But instead of facing and embracing this discomfort, they avoid it, often leading to stagnation.

In both Buddhism and mindfulness practices, there’s a lot of emphasis on facing discomfort head-on. These teachings tell us that discomfort is a part of life, and it’s through facing this discomfort that we learn and grow.

Sure, avoiding discomfort might provide temporary relief, but it won’t lead to long-term success. It’s through facing our challenges and fears that we truly evolve and progress towards our goals.

7) Procrastination

Procrastination is another behavior frequently seen in smart people who lack the drive to succeed. They often delay tasks, waiting for the perfect moment or conditions that never seem to come.

While they’re more than capable of completing these tasks, their hesitation and delay prevent them from moving forward. This inertia can be crippling. It can lead them to miss opportunities and fall short of their potential.

8) Ignoring the present moment

Here’s a surprising aspect of intelligence: overlooking the present moment. Many brilliant individuals get so consumed with plotting for the future or dissecting the past that they overlook the beauty of the here and now.

This constant mental time travel often leads to heightened stress, anxiety, and a detachment from current responsibilities.

Mindfulness serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of living in the present. It urges us to cherish each moment, as it’s the only one we truly possess.

By immersing ourselves in the present, we enhance our ability to focus on tasks, make sound decisions, and savor life’s precious moments.

While reflecting on the past and planning for the future are valuable, embracing the present is equally essential. After all, it’s in this very moment where life unfolds its magic.

Live the present, love the now: Embrace mindfulness for a brighter tomorrow!

In conclusion, being highly intelligent doesn’t necessarily equate to success. It’s the ability to harness that intelligence and couple it with drive, resilience, and mindfulness that truly sets successful individuals apart.

These behaviors aren’t a life sentence. With awareness and effort, they can be transformed to pave the way for success.

For those who are interested in delving deeper into embracing change, overcoming ego, and living with maximum impact, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step. Here’s to taking that step towards a more successful and fulfilling life.