How to Embrace Your Intelligence and Achieve Success
First things first, forget about the IQ thing. It is inherently flawed and designed to cater to specific academic strengths, such as STEM subjects. Unless you have aspirations to become a quantum scientist, forget about it and focus on starting a business or pursuing another endeavor that aligns better with your interests and strengths.
Defining Intelligence and Accepting Yourself
Intelligence is a multifaceted trait that goes beyond a single test score. If you feel stupid or below average, change your behavior instead of accepting it as a fixed trait. If you are ignorant about something, learn as much as you can and do not accept effort that is not your strongest suit. Being intelligent means adapting and continually improving yourself.
Reflect on your past experiences. For years, I believed that I would never be the smart one, and instead, I preferred to be in the middle. This was both comfortable and challenging, with enough room for interesting accomplishments. In the US Air Force during the late 1950s, I learned that staying in the middle of the pack is where most people naturally tend to land. It’s a balanced and realistic approach.
The Powertalk of Genius and Ordinary Achievements
Consider the perspective that everyone else might be a genius waiting for you to catch up. Use this thought to motivate yourself to work a little harder and achieve incrementally smarter results. Alternatively, if you discover that others are indeed smarter and more capable, imagine how much better the world could be if they apply themselves wholeheartedly. Conversely, if you realize you are smarter and capable, think about what it would be like if you didn't work as hard or achieve your full potential. These thoughts encourage a growth mindset and self-improvement.
The Reality Check: Overconfidence and Underconfidence
Studies consistently show that people who feel stupid often believe they are much smarter than they actually are, while those who are smart tend to underestimate their own intelligence. This is because dumb people often don’t realize what they don’t know, and smart people assume that there must be more to learn. Overconfidence can lead to misguided decisions and eventually to disaster, while smart people tend to be more cautious and hold back. Recognize that if you feel overly confident but often get into trouble, your decision-making is probably overly optimistic. If you have doubts and questions about your decision-making, you might be smarter than you think.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Journey of Growth and Learning
In conclusion, the key to success is not the destination but the journey. Embrace your intelligence as a tool for personal and professional growth. Whether you feel stupid, average, or brilliant, use this information to motivate you towards greater achievements. Remember that challenge and growth are part of the journey towards fulfilling your potential. Accept yourself for who you are, work towards self-improvement, and strive to achieve your full potential.
Ultimately, the most important takeaway is that your intelligence is fluid and can be developed over time. By adopting a growth mindset and continuously learning, you can achieve success on your own terms.