5. Avoidance of Risk

Even those who have achieved high grades or excelled in their career may find themselves feeling anxious rather than happy. The expectation to maintain or surpass that level of achievement can be daunting.

Success can be scary because it raises the stakes, brings more attention, and increas...

Being smart doesn't always equate to high self-esteem. In fact, it's not uncommon for some of the most intelligent people to struggle with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.

Highly intelligent people often exhibit certain behaviors that hint at their low self-esteem, despite their intel...

I've always been driven to excel academically and professionally. However, beneath my drive for success, there was a deep-seated fear of failure and a relentless pursuit of perfection. I would spend hours refining a single paragraph in an essay or rehearsing a presentation to the point of exhaust...

1. Overthinking Every Decision

2. Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

3. Underestimating Abilities

4. Seeking Constant Validation

5. Avoidance of Risk

6. Struggling with Self-Acceptance

7. Fear of Success

8. Difficulty Accepting Compliments

9. Constan...

However, this type of perfectionism does not lead to excellence, but rather inhibits growth. It is a self-sabotaging behavior that stems from low self-esteem.

Despite their intelligence and potential, they often fail to see their own worth. They focus on their perceived flaws and shortcomings, while overlooking their strengths and capabilities.

Their internal dialogue is often one of self-criticism and self-doubt. They might be their own harshest...

Smart people with low self-esteem often have a tendency to overthink even the smallest decisions.

Their intelligence allows them to see multiple perspectives and potential outcomes, which, while beneficial at times, can also lead to indecision and anxiety. They might spend hrs contemplating...

Avoiding opportunities to shine or seeming uncomfortable with achievements, could be a highly intelligent individual struggling with low self-esteem and a fear of success.

They often underestimate their abilities and skills. They may excel in certain areas, but they'll dismiss their achievements as luck or timing rather than acknowledging their own capabilities.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

The most significant behavior exhibited by intelligent people with low self-esteem is the constant comparison with others. They are often in a perpetual state of evaluating their worth based on other people’s achievements, appearances or successes.

This comparison isn’t about competition or...

If you see someone who is excessively self-critical or struggles to acknowledge their own worth, they might be a highly intelligent person dealing with low self-esteem. It’s important to show empathy and understanding towards these individuals, as their journey towards self-acceptance might be a ...

Despite their intelligence, these individuals may struggle to believe in their own worth. As a result, they often look to others for affirmation, constantly seeking praise or validation to reassure themselves of their competence and worthiness.

This constant need for approval can lead them...

Instead of simply saying “thank you,” they might downplay the compliment, dismiss it, or even deflect it back. They may feel uncomfortable or undeserving, and might question the sincerity of the compliment.

This difficulty in accepting compliments is not about false modesty, but rather a g...