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Defeating the striver's curse with two intelligences

People possess two types of intelligence.

Fluid intelligence is the ability to reason, think flexibly, and solve problems. You learn quickly, focus on what matters and create solutions but can't maintain this as you age.
Crystallised intelligence relies on a stock of knowledge. It increases through middle adulthood and does not diminish until very late in life.

If your career relies only on fluid intelligence, it will peak and decline early. But a career that requires crystallised intelligence will find that decline happens much later. If you can go from one to the other, you will thrive.

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When Working Harder Doesn’t Work, Time to Reinvent Your Career

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The striver's curse

Professional young athletes expect their talents to taper off in their early adulthood, and many prepare for a second career in advance. Musicians are similar and often find that their abilities decline over time.

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Ageing isn't all bad news. In some specific ways, you'll get smarter and more skilful. The trick to improve is understanding, developing, and practising your new strength.

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