People often suggest that intelligence and trust are moving by hand.
But that’s not always the case.
In fact, the brightest brilliant thoughts are fighting with deep self-confidence. They analyze everything, they put the impossible standards for themselves, and the second guess their value, even when others see their potential.
If this is familiar, you are not alone.
Low self-esteem High smart people often display certain ways of thinking and behavior that they keep them in ways they may not even understand.
Here are seven signs to look for.
1) They overestimate everything
Strictly smart people have a mind that never stops.
They separate conversations, reproduce past interactions and search for hidden meanings even in the smallest details. Although this level of thinking can be power, it can also cause unnecessary self-confidence.
Instead of trusting his instincts, they are stuck by guessing the second. They worry about saying the wrong thing by making mistaking or not signing when you really don’t study harshly.
This constantly overrun can leak their trust and make them feel that they are never enough.
2) they go down their achievements
I used to think that my success was not a big deal.
Even when I worked hard for something: Was it stimulated, a big project or even a simple compliment? I wish “someone could do it.”
The truth is that high smart people who have low self-esteem, often struggle to recognize their own achievements. They assume their achievements are not so impressive or that they don’t really deserve.
They are proud of what they do instead, they minimize it, always feeling that they had to do more.
But the height of success does not humble you. It’s just reinforcing the mind that you are never so good no matter how much you get to.
3) They put impossible standards for themselves
Nothing never feels so good.
No matter how much they implement, they always believe that they could do more, it did better, or did it faster.
They keep their standards they never expected anyone. If a friend made a mistake they would recommend trust. If they made a mistake they snatch each other.
Failure is not just disappointing. It feels personal as evidence they have never been as capable as people thought.
So they drive more? To work longer. Require more than they are reasonable. But no achievement is silent to dismlexes them that they say they have to be better.
And the saddest part. They rarely stop appreciating how much they have already come.
4) They are struggling to accept compliments
Simple “You have done a great job”, it should not be so difficult to accept.
But for low self-esteem, compliments may feel uncomfortable, even imperceptible.
Instead of saying “Thank you”, they are distracted. They claim that it is not a big deal, loans, or other people, or immediately pointing what they could do better.
Deep down, they don’t believe that praise is real. They assume that people are just polite, or if others really knew them, they wouldn’t think so high.
So, let’s not leave positive words inside, they leave them, strengthening the idea that they never meet.
5) They are afraid to be revealed as fraud
Even more capable, smart people sometimes feel that they do not belong.
They are worried that one day everyone will understand that they are not so smart or talented as it seems. That their success was flame. That they have somehow deceived everyone by believing that they are more eligible than actually.
This is called Cyprut syndrome, which affects the shocking number of highest conquerors, including the most successful people in the world. Studies have shown that up to 70% of people feel at some point of their lives.
But instead of recognizing it, what is it? A trick of thought. They do it as evidence that their self confidence is justified.
So they work harder “themselves”, hoping that one day they will finally feel worthy. But no matter what they reach, fear remains.
6) they first put others, even at their own expense
They are those who always appear, they always listen, always offer support, no matter how scattered.
They care for deeply others and do not want to leave anyone. So they say yes when they should not say, take more than they can handle and prioritize everyone’s needs.
But there is a calm conviction under all this that their value comes from what they can do for others not only from them.
They deserve the same goodness they give them so freely to everyone. But for some reason, suggesting that they feel more complicated.
7) They don’t see themselves for others
They are smart, able and full of potential.
But in their own minds, they focus on their shortcomings, their mistakes, in their opinion, that they are missing. They assume that others are just pleasant when they offer praise or admiration.
They do not realize that the option they see is not the option that everyone sees.
And if they could only walk out of their heads, they can finally understand how remarkable they really are.
Bottom line
If you could see yourself with these signs, you are not alone.
Very high intelligent people are fighting with self-esteem, not because they are not able, but because they have spent so long enough that they are not enough.
But intelligence is not just about solving complex problems or thinking deeper. It is also about recognizing the stories, we tell ourselves and challenge those who keep us with us.
Start paying attention to the way you talk to you. Would you talk to a friend in the same way?
Self-esteem is not something you need to earn. It is not based on achievements, perfection or anyone to prove.
You are already enough, just as you are.