Allow me to let you in on a little secret.
We all have that little voice inside our heads that sometimes whispers doubts and insecurities.
It’s part of being human. But, has it ever occurred to you that you might be underestimating your own intelligence?
Here’s the kicker.
You might not even be aware of it, but this self-doubt can lead to certain behaviors that are holding you back in life.
So, if you’re finding yourself wondering, “Could I actually be smarter than I think?”, then stick around.
In this article, we will uncover seven self-sabotaging behaviors you might be exhibiting without realizing it.
Trust me, shedding light on these habits could be your first step towards embracing your untapped potential and intelligence.
Let’s get started.
1) Overthinking
Let’s start with a big one – overthinking.
I’m sure we’ve all been there. You’re faced with a decision, and instead of making a choice, you find yourself trapped in an endless cycle of “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios.
When you underestimate your intelligence, it’s easy to fall into this trap, doubting your own ability to make smart choices. This can lead to indecision and unnecessary stress.
But here’s something to remember.
Often, the simple act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be wrong, is better than being stuck in the paralysis of overthinking.
It’s okay to trust your instincts and know that you have the smarts to learn from whatever outcome comes your way.
2) Avoiding risks
Okay, let me share a personal story with you here.
When I was younger, I used to avoid taking risks like the plague. Whether it was applying for a challenging job or trying out a new hobby, I always found reasons not to, thinking I wasn’t smart or capable enough.
But you know what?
When I finally mustered up the courage to step outside my comfort zone, I realized that taking risks wasn’t as scary as I thought. Sure, there were bumps along the way, but each one made me stronger and smarter.
So if you find yourself shying away from risk because you’re doubting your intelligence, remember my story. You might just discover that you’re more capable than you’ve given yourself credit for.
3) Rejecting compliments
Here’s something that might hit a little close to home.
You know that awkward moment when someone throws a compliment your way and you just don’t know how to handle it?
Instead of accepting it graciously, you brush it off, downplay your achievements, or even deflect compliments back to them.
Sounds familiar?
The truth is, when you underestimate your intelligence, accepting compliments can feel like a Herculean task. You might think, “Surely they’re just being polite,” or “They don’t really mean it.”
But here’s the thing.
Compliments are often based on merit. When people notice and appreciate your intelligence or efforts, it’s because you’ve done something worth noting.
So next time someone pays you a compliment, try embracing it instead of dodging it. You deserve recognition for your smarts and your hard work. Believe it.
4) Constant comparison
Ever heard of the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy”?
Well, I can’t stress this enough.
When you’re constantly comparing yourself to others, you’re setting yourself up for a never-ending cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
You take someone else’s achievements, strengths, or intelligence as a benchmark and undermine your own worth.
But wait a minute.
Your intelligence isn’t defined by how it stacks up against someone else’s. It’s about your ability to think, learn, solve problems, and adapt.
And guess what? These are things that can’t be accurately measured or compared.
So the next time you catch yourself in the comparison trap, remember that you’re on your own unique journey. Your intelligence is your own, and it’s not less than anyone else’s.
5) Ignoring your strengths
Playing down your abilities or neglecting your strengths is a common behavior among those who underestimate their intelligence.
It’s like owning a Lamborghini and insisting on taking the bus everywhere you go.
Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that most people have a tendency to underestimate their own abilities and achievements, while overestimating those of others.
So if you’re constantly focusing on what you can’t do while ignoring what you excel at, it’s time for a reality check.
Acknowledge your strengths, embrace them, and use them to your advantage.
Remember, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not always about filling in the gaps, but maximizing what you already have.
6) Setting unrealistic expectations
Let’s talk about expectations. It’s normal to strive for the best, right? But when you set unrealistic goals for yourself and then fall short, it can be a major blow to your self-esteem.
Here’s what you need to understand.
You’re human, not a robot. You’re allowed to make mistakes, struggle, and not know everything. Intelligence isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth and learning from your experiences.
So next time, remember to set realistic goals or kind expectations for yourself. There’s no rush.
Your journey is your own, and every step you take, no matter how small, is a testament to your intelligence and resilience.
7) Believing you’re not good enough
Above all else, the most destructive behavior is believing that you’re not good enough. This belief can seep into every aspect of your life, creating a barrier between you and your potential.
Your intelligence is not defined by external factors like grades, job titles, or other people’s opinions.
It’s about how you process the world around you, how you learn from experiences, and how you adapt to changes.
So if there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: You are intelligent. You are capable. And you are definitely, unquestionably, more than good enough.
The final take
If you see yourself in these behaviors, then it’s possible that you’ve been underestimating your own intelligence. But here’s the silver lining – it doesn’t have to be this way.
Realizing these behaviors is the first step towards changing them.
Start by becoming aware of when and why you fall into these habits. Notice when you’re overthinking, avoiding risks, or setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.
It’s okay to take it slow. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Every time you catch yourself in one of these behaviors, pause and reflect. Ask yourself – is this fair to me? Is this nurturing my growth and potential?
Change won’t happen overnight, but every small victory counts. Each moment of self-realization, each decision to trust your intelligence, is a step forward.
So be patient with yourself.
Celebrate your progress. Seek support when you need it. Gradually, you’ll start to see a shift. You’ll start to trust your intelligence more and undermine it less.
Because at the end of the day, intelligence isn’t just about knowing things. It’s about knowing yourself, trusting yourself, and being kind to yourself.
And you are more than capable of that.
