Mental wellbeing is something that intelligent people value above everything else. Being smart or intelligent is not just about being a know-it-all. Intelligence is also about understanding your situation and making smart decisions. You’ve probably come across at least one such individual who is not only profound in how they approaches things but is also calm and analytical when faced with challenges. If you, too, want to adhere to that kind of maturity when it comes to success and failure in life, then here are some key things that smart people avoid doing for their mental wellbeing that you should consider practising daily.
1. They don’t gossip
Gossiping is a negative interaction that smart people avoid for their mental wellbeing. Gossiping can be a time-consuming activity that doesn’t contribute to personal or professional growth. Gossip can also erode trust among individuals. Smart people understand the importance of trust in personal and professional relationships and avoid gossip to maintain a reputation of reliability and integrity. They also understand the impact of words and the potential harm gossip can cause to relationships and individual wellbeing.
2. They don’t hold grudges
Smart people are less likely to hold grudges for several reasons, often related to emotional intelligence, resilience, and a focus on personal growth. Intelligent individuals possess high emotional intelligence, which includes the ability to understand, manage, and navigate their own emotions and those of others. This emotional awareness can lead to a better understanding of the reasons behind conflicts and a willingness to forgive and move forward. Intelligent individuals also have a realistic understanding of human imperfections. They recognise that everyone makes mistakes, and harbouring resentment for them is counterproductive, not to mention how emotionally draining it is to hold on to these grudges.
3. They don’t make the same mistakes
Like everyone else, smart people, too, are not immune to making mistakes. But what distinguishes them is their ability to learn from those mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. They are often reflective, analysing their actions and decisions to understand what went wrong. This introspection allows them to identify areas for improvement and make better choices in the future. Intelligent people are also more adaptable and open to change. Recognising a mistake makes them more likely to adjust their approach. One of the essential traits that most smart people possess is being open to constructive criticism and value input from those around them. This external perspective can provide valuable insights into areas where they can improve.
4. They don’t resent other people’s success
Intelligent individuals tend to prioritise personal growth and development above anything else. Rather than feeling threatened by the success of others, they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. Smart people also tend to have a secure sense of self and self-worth. They are less likely to define their value solely by external achievements or the success of others, reducing the likelihood of feeling threatened by others’ accomplishments. This, of course, comes with maturity. Mature individuals are more likely to recognise and manage their emotions constructively, avoiding resentment to focus on their growth and goals.
5. They don’t conform to pressure
Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to reason independently are two of the strongest strengths that smart people tend to possess. Intellectually profound individuals are more likely to evaluate information critically, make their own informed decisions, and resist succumbing to external pressures without careful consideration. Smart people are also often adept at analysing situations, weighing pros and cons, and assessing potential outcomes. This analytical approach allows them to make reasoned decisions rather than succumbing to societal or peer pressure.