There’s a fine line between being smart and acting smart.
The real difference? The actions you take. Highly intelligent people often avoid certain behaviors, not because they’re show-offs, but because they genuinely understand the implications of these actions.
Being smart isn’t all about IQ scores or having a degree from a fancy university. It’s about navigating life in a way that reflects wisdom and understanding. And there are certain behaviors that smart people tend to avoid, all without making a big scene about it.
Below are 8 common behaviors that people with high intelligence often steer clear of. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1) Following the herd
Intelligence isn’t just about knowing facts, it’s also about discerning when to swim against the tide.
Highly intelligent people understand the concept of social proof. Yes, they recognize its power in influencing human behavior, but they also know when to step away from it.
Think about it. Following the crowd or basing decisions on other people’s actions can sometimes lead down the wrong path. Smart people understand this and often make a conscious effort to avoid this common behavior.
They have the mental strength to resist the pull of popular opinion, to question norms and conventions, and make decisions based on their own reasoning and understanding – all without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.
Remember, intelligence is not about following others blindly, it’s about charting your own course thoughtfully and deliberately.
2) Jumping to conclusions
Let me share a personal example. I remember being part of a group project in college. We were assigned a complex problem to solve and one of my teammates immediately proposed a solution.
Without giving it much thought, a majority of the team decided to go along with it. But something didn’t sit right with me. I felt we were rushing into it without considering all the angles.
What did I do? I didn’t make a fuss about it or openly criticize the team’s decision. Instead, I asked some probing questions and suggested we explore other alternatives before settling on one solution.
That’s what people with high intelligence often do. They resist the urge to jump to conclusions prematurely. They understand the importance of taking time to analyze situations thoroughly before making a decision.
In the end, my team appreciated my approach and we ended up delivering an excellent project. This behavior isn’t about being contrarian or putting others down, but about ensuring well-informed decisions are made.
3) Overconfidence in abilities
Did you know the Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability? It’s named after David Dunning and Justin Kruger, the psychologists who first identified it.
Those with high intelligence are often aware of this bias, and they tend to avoid overconfidence in their abilities. They understand that skill and knowledge come with experience and continuous learning. They’re not afraid to admit when they don’t know something and are always open to learning more.
They also recognize that acknowledging gaps in their knowledge or skills isn’t a sign of weakness but of intellectual honesty. This humility helps them grow, learn, and improve – all without making a big fuss about it.
4) Procrastination
Procrastination is a common enemy for many of us, but highly intelligent people have learned to wage a successful war against it.
While it’s easy to put off tasks until the last minute, smart individuals understand that this often leads to unnecessary stress and subpar work. They value their time and aim to use it as efficiently as possible.
So, they set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and stick to their schedules. They also understand the importance of breaks in maintaining productivity and creativity.
Instead of making a big deal about it, they quietly manage their time effectively, leading by example rather than by preaching about their habits. This approach helps them stay ahead of their tasks and goals without falling into the trap of procrastination.
5) Ignoring the needs of others
Empathy is a trait that’s often overlooked when we think about intelligence. However, it’s a quality that highly intelligent people tend to have in abundance.
Smart people understand that their actions and decisions affect those around them. They are aware of the needs and feelings of others, and they make an effort to consider these factors in their behavior.
For instance, they might go out of their way to help a colleague struggling with a task or take the time to listen to a friend’s problems, even when they’re busy themselves. They do this not for recognition or praise, but because they genuinely care about the well-being of others.
This heartfelt consideration for others is a behavior that smart people embrace, showing that intelligence goes beyond mere academic or professional prowess to encompass emotional intelligence as well.
6) Being close-minded
I remember a time when I was so certain about my views on a particular issue. I held onto it so tightly that I was unwilling to listen to differing perspectives. It wasn’t until I realized that this close-mindedness was stunting my growth that things started to change.
Highly intelligent people recognize the value of keeping an open mind. They understand that every perspective holds some value and that there’s always room for learning and growth.
They are open to new ideas, willing to reconsider their own beliefs, and are not afraid to change their minds when presented with compelling evidence.
This openness isn’t about being indecisive or easily swayed, but about being adaptable and flexible in our ever-changing world. It’s about understanding that knowledge is vast and infinite, and we can always learn something new.
7) Complaining incessantly
We all know that one person who seems to have a knack for finding something to complain about in every situation. While venting frustrations is natural and can be therapeutic, constant complaining often does more harm than good.
People with high intelligence tend to steer clear of this behavior. They understand that while it’s important to recognize and acknowledge problems, it’s equally crucial to focus on solutions and positive actions.
Instead of dwelling on what’s wrong, they channel their energy into finding ways to make things better. They take responsibility for their own happiness and don’t let external circumstances dictate their mood or outlook.
By focusing on the positive and taking proactive steps, they cultivate an optimistic mindset that helps them navigate life’s challenges more effectively. And they do this subtly, without making a big deal about it.
8) Living in the past or future
Intelligence isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about wisdom. And part of being wise is understanding the importance of living in the present.
Smart individuals know that constantly dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the future can prevent us from fully experiencing and appreciating the present moment. They understand that life unfolds in the here and now.
They learn from their past, plan for their future, but most importantly, they live in the present. They appreciate every moment as it comes, knowing that it’s the only time that truly exists. This mindfulness helps them lead a balanced and fulfilling life.
The essence: It’s about balance
The complexities of human behavior are often intertwined with a subtle balance between knowledge, wisdom, and emotional intelligence.
At the core of intelligent behavior is the ability to adapt and maintain equilibrium in the face of life’s challenges. The capacity to learn from the past, plan for the future, but live fully in the present.
For those with high intelligence, this balance is key. They don’t just avoid certain behaviors; they actively cultivate others that enhance their growth, relationships, and overall well-being.
It’s not about flaunting their intellect or looking down on others. Instead, it’s about quietly navigating through life with wisdom, empathy, and an open mind.
So whether you’re engaging in thoughtful reflection, learning something new, or helping someone out, remember – intelligence is as much about how you act as it is about what you know.
