10 things only intelligent people find exhausting, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

Let’s face it, we all have our own little pet peeves that make us want to pull our hair out. But have you ever wondered if these irritations might actually say something about our intelligence?

Well, psychology says they do. Apparently, there are certain things that only highly intelligent people find utterly exhausting. I’m not just talking about solving a complex equation or reading a thick book. I mean everyday things that most people wouldn’t even blink at.

Here are 10 things only intelligent people find exhausting, according to psychology. Let’s see if you can relate to any of them.

1) Small talk

Ever wondered why intelligent people often seem aloof or detached in social settings? It’s not because they’re stuck up or antisocial. The truth is, they find small talk utterly exhausting.

According to psychology, highly intelligent people crave depth and substance in their conversations. They want to discuss big ideas, solve problems, explore theories. They want thought-provoking, meaningful discourse.

Yet, the reality of social gatherings often falls short of this. The trivial chatter about weather, traffic or what someone wore to an event doesn’t stimulate their minds. Instead, it drains them.

2) Multitasking

You know, I’ve always prided myself on being a decent multitasker. But here’s the kicker: according to psychology, highly intelligent people like me find multitasking incredibly draining.

We love diving deep into one task and giving it our full attention. Juggling multiple tasks at once? It’s like asking us to solve a Rubik’s cube while riding a unicycle. It’s not that we can’t do it, but it’s mentally draining.

I remember this one time when I was writing a report for work, while also answering emails, fielding phone calls and trying to plan dinner in my head. By the end of the day, I was ready to collapse. It was just too much.

Intelligent people thrive on focus and clarity. We prefer doing one thing at a time, and doing it well. Multitasking? No thanks. It’s exhausting.

3) Repetitive tasks

For a highly intelligent person, doing the same task over and over again feels like mental torture. Their brains are wired to seek novelty and challenge. When they’re forced into a routine of repetitive tasks, it goes against their nature.

Did you know that Albert Einstein famously hated repetition? He was known to have worn the same outfit every day just to avoid the monotony of choosing what to wear.

For intelligent people, their brains thrive on stimulation and learning new things. When stuck in a cycle of repetition, they quickly become bored and exhausted. It’s like trying to run a Ferrari on low-grade fuel. It just doesn’t work well.

4) Lack of mental stimulation

Highly intelligent people have a constant need for mental stimulation. They crave challenges, puzzles, and complicated problems to solve. When they’re not mentally stimulated, they quickly become bored and restless.

Imagine being thirsty in a desert with no water in sight. That’s how intelligent people feel when they’re stuck in an environment devoid of intellectual stimulation.

Whether it’s a job, a class or even a conversation, if it’s not mentally stimulating, it’s exhausting for the intelligent mind. They’re wired to learn, grow and be challenged. Without that, they feel like a fish out of water.

5) Noise and clutter

Noise and clutter can be more than just minor annoyances for highly intelligent people. They can be downright exhausting.

Intelligent people are often highly sensitive to their environments. They notice details others might miss, and those details can quickly become overwhelming. A cluttered room or a noisy environment can feel like sensory overload, draining their energy.

It’s not just physical clutter either. Digital clutter, like a messy inbox or an unorganized computer desktop, can have the same effect. For intelligent people, a clean, quiet, organized space isn’t just preferable – it’s essential for their mental wellbeing.

6) Inauthenticity

Intelligent individuals have a keen sense of what’s real and what’s not. They’re wired to seek truth and authenticity in all aspects of life. When confronted with inauthenticity, whether it’s in relationships, conversations or situations, it can be truly exhausting for them.

It’s like being an artist forced to admire a poorly done forgery. They see through the superficial façade and yearn for something genuine.

The effort to navigate through pretense and dishonesty drains them emotionally. They value transparency and honesty, and when they don’t find it, it wears them out. Authenticity isn’t just preferred – for intelligent people, it’s a heartfelt necessity.

7) Procrastination

Procrastination is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. It’s not that I’m lazy, but rather that I tend to overthink things, which leads to delay.

Psychology shows that intelligent people often fall into the trap of procrastination because they’re perfectionists at heart. They want everything to be just right, and this can lead to endless planning, tweaking and revising.

This constant quest for perfection can be mentally draining. It’s like being stuck in a loop, constantly circling but never quite reaching the destination. It’s a tough habit to break, and one that can leave intelligent people feeling exhausted. Trust me, I know.

8) Overthinking

Overthinking can be a double-edged sword for intelligent people. On one hand, it helps them analyze situations deeply and make well-thought-out decisions. On the other hand, it can leave them feeling drained and stuck in their own heads.

You’d think that for intelligent people, thinking would be a breeze. But it’s not always the case. They often find themselves caught in a web of what-ifs, pondering every possible outcome before taking action.

This mental tug-of-war can be exhausting. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with an infinite number of pieces. While overthinking can sometimes lead to brilliant ideas, it can also lead to mental fatigue if not kept in check.

9) Inefficiency

Inefficiency is like kryptonite to intelligent people. They have a knack for seeing the most effective and efficient way to get things done. When they’re stuck in a situation where things are done in a convoluted or inefficient way, it’s not just frustrating – it’s exhausting.

Imagine being a speed-reader forced to listen to a slow audio book. That’s what inefficiency feels like to intelligent people. They see the potential for improvement, but are often unable to change the situation, leaving them feeling drained and frustrated.

Whether it’s an inefficient process at work, or a friend taking a longer route to the restaurant, inefficiency can quickly sap the energy of an intelligent person. It’s not about being impatient, but rather about seeing potential for improvement and feeling powerless to make the changes.

10) Ignorance

Ignorance, especially willful ignorance, is perhaps the most exhausting thing for intelligent people. They have a deep desire for knowledge and understanding. When they encounter individuals or situations where there is a blatant disregard for facts or a lack of desire to learn, it’s incredibly draining.

Knowledge and learning aren’t just hobbies for intelligent people – they’re a way of life. Being surrounded by ignorance is like being a fish forced to live on land. It’s not just uncomfortable, it’s utterly exhausting.

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