Being intelligent isn’t just about having a high IQ, it’s also about how we perceive and process the world around us. And let’s face it, some aspects of life can be absolutely draining.
Psychology helps us understand why certain things may be more exhausting for intelligent people than others. It’s not about superiority, but about different ways our brains function.
In this article, we’ll dive into 10 things that only intelligent people tend to find exhausting.
Let’s get started.
1) Small talk
Let’s face it, intelligent people often find small talk extremely exhausting.
This isn’t about arrogance, or thinking small talk is beneath them. It’s about the way their minds work. They crave deep, meaningful conversations and discussions that stimulate their intellect.
Intelligent people are often engaged in introspection and complex thought processes. So, when they’re thrown into a surface-level conversation about the weather or the latest celebrity gossip, it can feel like a mental roadblock.
The lack of substance and intellectual stimulation in small talk can be incredibly draining for them. It’s like asking a marathon runner to sprint back and forth on a 10-meter track.
They crave the long run, the depth, the substance – not just a short sprint with no real destination in sight.
2) Inefficiency
I remember when I used to work in a corporate office. The inefficiency of some processes drove me absolutely nuts.
As an intelligent person, it was incredibly frustrating to see tasks being done in a way that was not the most effective or efficient. I would often find myself mentally reorganizing the workflow, coming up with new strategies and systems that could save time and effort.
Intelligent people have a knack for spotting inefficiencies and redundancies. They can see the big picture and all the moving parts, which often leads them to identify better ways of doing things.
However, this also means they can find it exhausting when they’re stuck in situations where they have to follow inefficient processes or systems. It’s like being forced to walk when you know you could be running.
If you ever find an intelligent person seeming frustrated or restless in a situation that’s inefficient, remember, it’s not about being impatient or demanding. It’s about their brain’s natural tendency to seek out efficiency and effectiveness.
3) Lack of intellectual stimulation
Did you know that intelligent people often have a higher need for brain stimulation than the average person? This means they constantly crave new knowledge, ideas, and challenges to keep their minds sharp.
Intelligent people are often more curious and open to new experiences. They tend to be lifelong learners, always seeking out opportunities to expand their knowledge and understanding.
But this also means they can find it exhausting when they’re in situations that lack intellectual stimulation. Whether it’s a job that doesn’t challenge them or a social setting where the conversation never moves past basic chit-chat, these situations can feel incredibly draining.
It’s like being a gourmet chef stuck in a fast-food kitchen. The lack of opportunity to use their skills and knowledge can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting.
4) Noise and distractions
We live in a world full of noise and distractions. From the constant pinging of our devices to the hum of traffic outside our windows, it’s almost impossible to escape.
For intelligent people, this can be particularly exhausting. They often have a higher sensitivity to environmental stimuli, which means they’re more easily affected by noise and interruptions.
Psychology explains this as a result of their intense focus and deep thought processes. When they’re absorbed in complex thinking, any sudden noise or interruption can feel like a jarring intrusion, disrupting their train of thought and requiring mental energy to refocus.
This doesn’t mean they can’t handle a bit of chaos. But constant noise and distractions can wear them down, making it difficult for them to think and perform at their best.
5) Lack of autonomy
Intelligent people thrive on autonomy. They like being able to control their own time, tasks, and techniques. They enjoy the freedom to plan their work according to their own methods and pace.
According to psychology, intelligent people often have a strong need for independence. They are self-driven and prefer environments where they have the freedom to make their own decisions and choices.
However, this also means they can find it exhausting when their autonomy is compromised. Whether it’s a micromanaging boss or a rigid schedule that leaves no room for flexibility, these situations can feel stifling and draining.
It’s like asking an eagle to fly in a small cage. The lack of freedom can frustrate and exhaust them. So if you see someone struggling in a situation with limited autonomy, they might just be longing for a bit more freedom.
6) Misunderstandings
Being misunderstood can be a heart-wrenching experience for anyone. But for intelligent people, it can be particularly frustrating and exhausting.
They often have unique perspectives and ideas, which can sometimes make them feel like they’re on a different wavelength from those around them. They might find that others don’t quite ‘get’ them or misinterpret their intentions.
Intelligent people often have a high degree of self-awareness and introspection. They understand themselves well, but this disparity between self-perception and how others perceive them can create a sense of isolation and frustration.
Think of it like speaking a different language from everyone else around you. The constant effort to translate your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly draining.
If you know someone who often feels misunderstood, offer them an empathetic ear. Sometimes, all they need is someone who is willing to listen and try to understand.
7) Unfulfilled potential
There’s a picture in my mind, a vision of what I could achieve, the person I could become. It’s a powerful motivator, but it can also be a heavy burden.
Intelligent people often have a keen sense of their own potential. They can see the possibilities ahead of them and the steps needed to reach their goals. But when circumstances, limitations, or even their own fears prevent them from fulfilling this potential, it can be incredibly exhausting.
Intelligent people often set high standards for themselves. They’re driven by a desire for self-improvement and achievement. But when they feel they’re falling short of their own expectations, it can lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment.
It’s like seeing a mountain peak in the distance but being unable to reach it. The constant struggle to get there, only to be held back, can be mentally and emotionally draining.
8) Too much solitude
While it’s true that intelligent people often prefer their own company to the hustle and bustle of social gatherings, there is such a thing as too much solitude.
According to psychology, even the most introverted among us need some level of human interaction to stay mentally healthy. Intelligent people are no exception. They too crave meaningful connections and conversations.
But when they’re stuck in their own heads for too long, it can lead to overthinking, which can be incredibly exhausting. It’s like being lost in a maze of thoughts with no one else around to provide a different perspective or a helping hand.
While they might not jump at every social invitation, don’t assume they always prefer to be alone. Sometimes, what they need is a good conversation or a shared laugh to help them break free from their mental labyrinth.
9) Conformity
For many intelligent people, the pressure to conform can be mentally exhausting. They often have unique perspectives and ideas, which can sometimes clash with societal norms or expectations.
Psychology tells us that intelligent people are often nonconformists at heart. They value authenticity and integrity and aren’t afraid to question the status quo. Yet, living in a world that often values conformity can be draining for them.
It’s like being a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. The constant pressure to change or suppress their true selves to fit in can be emotionally exhausting.
10) Ignorance
Perhaps the most exhausting thing for intelligent people is dealing with willful ignorance. They often have a deep respect for knowledge and truth, and it can be incredibly frustrating when others choose to ignore facts or refuse to learn.
Psychology explains that intelligent people value rational thinking and evidence-based decision making. They’re often curious and open-minded, always willing to learn and adapt their views based on new information.
But when they encounter stubborn ignorance, it can feel like a brick wall. It’s like trying to sail against a strong current, expending energy but getting nowhere. This clash between their love for knowledge and the reality of ignorance can be one of the most draining experiences for intelligent people.
