The internet is full of articles and courses on how to emulate geniuses, learn faster, and get smarter. However, while being smarter sounds amazing; living daily life as a highly intelligent person may throw up some very real, but little-known challenges. And that’s why highly intelligent people may have a hard time finding true happiness. 5 Reasons Why Highly Intelligent People Have a Hard Time Finding True Happiness: – They have high standards Highly intelligent people know exactly what they want out of life and they refuse to settle for less, whether it’s their relationships or career. It makes it hard for them to find happiness. They have high standards, but little practical intelligence; and they maintain perfectionistic views of the world. And that’s why they are often disappointed. – They over-analyze everything They are deep-thinkers who process and analyze all new information that comes their way. They are constantly analyzing old habits, information, and ways of doing things to see if they can find ways to become better versions of themselves. They are all “analysts” in the sense that they consciously think about all new information that comes their way. They are great philosophers who care too much about living a happy, fulfilling life; and who contemplate the “Why” of existence, the “Why” of why they do what they do. They have a healthy appetite for a constantly improving mindset geared at improving themselves and always staying open to new ideas. They can see lots of angles, and that’s why oftentimes they can’t accept what is in front of them. It could be great when they are considering complex strategies or life decisions, but when they need to shut up and take action, they may struggle. – They are too ambitious They aren’t satisfied with what they already have. They always look for something bigger and better. They always aim for bigger things. They find ordinary life boring and that’s why they strive for perfection (that does not exist in reality.) They simply fail to enjoy mundane things in daily life as their minds crave something extraordinary and idealistic that can’t be found in the real world. They are too ambitious. They harbour detailed fantasies of the marvellous, happy endings toward which they strive. In these imagined happy endings, they picture themselves enjoying life free from fear and heartache. They believe that they are living in the wrong place at the wrong time. And they fail to accept the space and time they belong to. – They believe that no one understands them They feel lonely and misunderstood, as they believe that no one understands them. They are particularly prone to these feelings, since modern society is driven by superficiality and ignorance. They know that when they surround themselves with people who understand them, they feel happier. They are aware that there’s nothing more satisfying than having a deep, meaningful conversation with somebody who understands their ideas and views on everything from philosophy, personal life, to complex issues. So, they just want to meet people, have meaningful conversations and feel understood. – They are too hard on themselves The psychological reason why highly intelligent people are so hard on themselves is NOT necessarily a matter of low self-esteem. It is more likely a product of the need for affect, which’s the intensity at which they want to feel anything. They are too hard on themselves. And it isn’t only about their failures or successes, but everything that’s about them. They tend to over-analyse their actions and behaviors and compare them with highest standards. And they blame themselves for no reason. Discontent and guilt often fill their minds, preventing them from finding true happiness. Source
