People who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t usually display these 7 behaviors (without realizing it)

There’s a fine line between truly being smart and simply believing you’re smart.

The distinction comes down to self-awareness. People who just think they’re smart often fail to recognize their flaws and limitations.

On the contrary, genuinely smart people are aware of their strengths and weaknesses and are constantly striving for improvement.

The irony is, those who believe they’re incredibly intelligent often display certain behaviors that suggest otherwise. And ironically, they’re usually oblivious to it.

In this article, we’ll delve into the 7 common behaviors displayed by people who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t.

Let’s get started.

1) Overconfidence

There’s a common saying that wisdom begins with the recognition of one’s own ignorance.

Interestingly, people who believe they’re incredibly smart often miss this point. They are typically overconfident, thinking they know more than they actually do.

This overconfidence is a clear sign of their lack of self-awareness. It blinds them from their own ignorance and prevents them from learning and growing.

They’re so sure of their intelligence that they fail to question their understanding or consider other perspectives. This behavior, in fact, limits their ability to absorb new knowledge and adapt to different situations.

The harsh truth is, being overly confident about one’s intelligence rarely equates to actual smartness. Instead, it often leads to poor decision making and a lack of personal growth.

True intelligence is about recognizing what you don’t know and having the humility to learn. People who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t usually miss out on this crucial point.

2) Lack of curiosity

One thing I’ve observed over the years is that truly smart people have a natural curiosity. They’re always asking questions, eager to learn more, and constantly seeking out new experiences.

Now let me tell you a story. I once had a colleague who considered himself a genius. He had a decent understanding of our work and was fairly efficient. But he never showed interest in learning anything outside his job scope.

Whenever we’d discuss new ideas or technologies, he’d dismiss it as irrelevant to his role. He was so convinced of his intelligence that he didn’t see the need to learn more.

Over time, this lack of curiosity limited his growth and advancement in the company. He was stuck in the same position while those who were always eager to learn moved up.

This experience taught me that people who believe they’re smart but aren’t truly intellectual often lack curiosity. They rest on their laurels and fail to see the importance of continuous learning.

3) Resistance to feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses, and provides us with a clearer direction for improvement.

However, people who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t, usually display a strong resistance to feedback. They often perceive it as criticism or an attack on their intelligence, rather than an opportunity for growth.

This behavior is supported by a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. The research found that individuals who overestimate their abilities are more likely to reject constructive criticism and feedback.

This resistance to feedback not only hampers their growth but also affects their relationships at work and in personal life. By not being open to feedback, they miss the chance to improve and evolve.

4) Dominating conversations

Communication is a two-way street. It involves both speaking and listening. But people who believe they’re incredibly smart often forget this balance.

They tend to dominate conversations with their opinions and ideas, leaving little room for others to contribute. Their need to prove their intelligence makes them poor listeners.

They’re so engrossed in getting their point across that they fail to appreciate the value of different perspectives. This not only limits their learning but also strains their relationships.

Truly smart people understand the importance of listening. They know there’s always something new to learn from others. Sadly, those who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t usually overlook this essential aspect of communication.

5) Lack of empathy

Empathy is a fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence, and truly smart people understand its importance. They can relate to others’ feelings and perspectives, making them better team players and leaders.

Once, during one of the most challenging times in my life, I was working under a boss who thought he was the smartest person in the room. The project we were working on was falling apart, and instead of understanding our struggles, he would often belittle our efforts.

His lack of empathy created a toxic work environment that eventually led to the failure of the project. It was then I realized that intelligence isn’t just about knowledge or skills. Emotional intelligence, especially empathy, plays a crucial role.

People who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t often lack empathy. They’re so focused on their intelligence that they fail to see the importance of understanding and relating to others’ feelings and perspectives.

6) Inability to admit mistakes

Mistakes are not a sign of weakness or lack of intelligence. On the contrary, they’re opportunities for learning and growth. Truly smart people understand this and are not afraid to admit their errors.

However, people who think they’re extremely smart often have a hard time admitting their mistakes. They see it as a blow to their self-perceived intelligence. They would rather defend their wrong actions or decisions than accept their mistake and learn from it.

This inability to admit mistakes not only hinders their personal growth but also lowers their credibility among peers. Remember, admitting mistakes is a sign of maturity and wisdom, something people who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t often fail to understand.

7) Constant need for validation

Here’s the most important thing to understand: Truly smart people don’t constantly seek validation. They’re confident in their abilities and don’t need constant praise to affirm their intelligence.

However, those who think they’re really smart often crave constant validation. They seek approval and praise from others to confirm their self-perceived intelligence.

Their worth is tied to external validation, which is a clear sign of insecurity and not genuine intelligence. True intelligence comes with a sense of self-assurance that doesn’t rely on the opinions of others.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness

One key factor in understanding the behaviors of people who think they’re really smart but actually aren’t is self-awareness, or rather, the lack thereof.

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize our emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and the impact we have on others. It’s a critical element for personal growth and emotional intelligence.

For those who consider themselves highly intelligent but display these seven behaviors, the missing link may very well be self-awareness. They may be so engrossed in their perceived intellect that they overlook their own areas for growth and improvement.

Whether it’s accepting feedback, admitting mistakes, or simply listening more than speaking, developing self-awareness can lead to significant positive changes in behavior.

So before we judge or label someone as “intelligent” or “smart”, let’s take a moment to reflect on what those terms truly mean. And remember, true intelligence is as much about emotional maturity and understanding as it is about knowledge and skills.