Being extremely intelligent is often romanticised in popular culture, but the reality is far more nuanced.
It comes with unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives that shape their interaction with the world. If you’ve ever wondered what it must feel like to have higher than average brain power, I’ve asked the smartest people I know to tell me just that. Here’s what they said.
1. You often feel like you’re speaking a different language.
Highly intelligent people often struggle to communicate complex ideas to other people. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re constantly translating your thoughts into simpler terms. It often leads to frustration and a sense of isolation, as you might feel that people don’t fully grasp your perspective or the depth of your ideas.
2. Boredom becomes a frequent companion.
When your mind processes information quickly, you might find yourself getting bored easily. Tasks that other people find challenging or time-consuming might seem trivial to you. The constant need for mental stimulation can be exhausting and may lead to restlessness in both your personal life and at work.
3. You’re often misunderstood or seen as arrogant.
Your ability to grasp concepts quickly or offer solutions to complex problems can sometimes be mistaken for showing off. People might view your intelligence as arrogance, even when you’re simply sharing your thoughts. It’s a huge misunderstanding that can create social barriers and make it hard to connect with people.
4. Imposter syndrome hits hard.
Paradoxically, extremely intelligent people often struggle with imposter syndrome. The more you know, the more you realise how much there is to learn, and this can lead to constant self-doubt and a nagging feeling that you’re not as smart as other people think you are, despite evidence to the contrary.
5. You have an insatiable curiosity.
Highly intelligent people are sponges for knowledge. You find yourself diving deep into various subjects, always eager to learn more, and this curiosity can be both a blessing and a curse, as it drives personal growth but can also lead to information overload and trouble focusing on one area.
6. Decision-making can be unexpectedly challenging.
Source: Unsplash With high intelligence often comes the ability to see multiple facets of a situation. While this can be advantageous, it can also make decision-making more difficult. You might overthink choices, considering too many variables, and struggling to commit to a course of action.
7. You experience intense emotional reactions.
Source: Unsplash Contrary to the stereotype of the cold, logical genius, many highly intelligent people experience emotions very intensely. Your ability to analyse and understand complex situations can lead to deeper emotional responses to events, both positive and negative. This emotional intensity can be overwhelming at times.
8. You struggle with perfectionism.
Source: Unsplash The awareness of your capabilities often comes with impossibly high standards for yourself. You might find it hard to accept anything less than perfection in your work or personal life. Of course, perfectionism can lead to procrastination, anxiety, and a fear of failure that can be paralysing at times.
9. Small talk feels excruciating.
Source: Unsplash For many highly intelligent people, small talk feels like a waste of time and mental energy. You crave deep, meaningful conversations and might find yourself struggling to engage in casual chitchat. This can make social situations challenging and lead to feelings of awkwardness or disconnection.
10. You’re often thrust into leadership roles.
Your intelligence might mean you’re frequently asked to take on leadership positions, whether you want to or not. While this can be flattering, it can also be stressful if you’re not naturally inclined towards leadership. You might feel pressure to always have the answers or to guide people, even in areas where you don’t feel fully confident.
11. You experience a unique form of loneliness.
Finding peers who can engage with you on your level can be challenging. As a result, the intellectual loneliness can be profound, as you yearn for connections with people who truly understand your thoughts and perspectives. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re on a different wavelength from those around you.
12. You’re hyper-aware of your own limitations.
While you might excel in many areas, you’re acutely aware of the things you don’t know or can’t do. So much self-awareness can be humbling but also frustrating, especially when other people expect you to be an expert in everything simply because you’re intelligent.
13. You find humour in unexpected places.
Source: Unsplash Highly intelligent people often have a unique sense of humour, finding amusement in wordplay, obscure references, or complex jokes that other people might miss. While this can be enjoyable, it can also lead to moments where you’re laughing alone, further highlighting the sense of being different.
14. You’re prone to overthinking.
Source: Unsplash Your mind might constantly analyse situations, considering every possible outcome or implication. While this can be beneficial for problem-solving, it can also lead to anxiety and stress. You might find it hard to “switch off” your brain, leading to restless nights and mental exhaustion.
15. You experience both admiration and resentment from other people.
Source: Unsplash People might admire your intelligence and ask for your advice, but this admiration can sometimes turn to resentment. You might encounter jealousy or hostility from those who feel threatened by your abilities. Navigating these complex social dynamics can be challenging and emotionally draining.
16. You feel a deep sense of responsibility.
Source: Unsplash With great intelligence often comes a feeling of responsibility to use your abilities for the greater good. You might feel pressure to solve big problems or make significant contributions to society. This sense of duty can be motivating but also overwhelming, especially when faced with the complexities of real-world issues.
17. You struggle with cognitive dissonance.
Source: Unsplash Your ability to see multiple perspectives can lead to internal conflicts. You might find yourself holding contradictory beliefs or struggling to reconcile different ideas. It’s a dose of cognitive dissonance that can be uncomfortable and lead to a sense of uncertainty about your own convictions.
18. You experience time differently.
Source: Unsplash Your mind might work at a different pace from other people, affecting your perception of time. You might find that you need less time to grasp concepts or complete tasks, leading to impatience with slower processes. Conversely, you might lose track of time when deeply engrossed in a stimulating task or conversation.
19. You have a heightened sense of justice and fairness.
Source: Unsplash Many highly intelligent people have a strong moral compass and a keen sense of justice. You might find yourself deeply troubled by unfairness or inconsistencies in the world around you, and that can lead to a drive to address these issues, but also to frustration when faced with the slow pace of change.
20. You experience moments of profound awe and wonder.
Source: Unsplash Despite the challenges, being highly intelligent also comes with moments of pure joy and wonder. Your ability to understand complex concepts can lead to a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the universe. These moments of insight and understanding can be incredibly rewarding, providing a sense of connection to something greater than yourself.
