Smart vs. Wise
A story about what matters for our success in life
Recently I remembered something that one of my high-school teachers said at our High school graduation. At that time, I felt like I agreed with her, and what she said inspired me. Now, I realize that I disagree with her.
She said: "You are the smartest right now, as you will ever be in your life!"
She meant it because we had just finished exams for all of the subjects, so it made sense that we knew the most about everything because afterward, going to Uni, everyone focused only on a few of those topics.
Thankfully in the English language, there is a distinction between "smart" and "wise"; however, in my native language, Latvian, there is the same word "gudrs," for both intellectually smart and life-smart (wise).
Technically it makes sense we were smartest then as we ever will be, and those words inspired me for that moment.
Now I can reevaluate those words against my personal experience and see how it is not true. Back then, I did not know anything about limiting beliefs. Any theories from anatomy lessons about how our brain and nervous system work felt like dry theories only doctors needed to know.
“Theoretical and intellectual knowledge are excellent; however, our mindset is more important. ”
However, back then, limiting beliefs were ruling my life big time. Their expressions were: lack of confidence, fear to speak up and express myself, anxiety around people, fear of judgment, lack of self-acceptance, a ton of self-criticism, constant self-doubt, etc.
Was that keeping me from fully applying everything I knew theoretically and fulfilling my potential? Yes.
Was that keeping me from the right Uni degree choice? Yes.
Was that keeping from experiencing success in all different areas of life? Yes.
Was that keeping me from feeling happy and thriving mentally and emotionally? Yes.
Was that keeping me from saying 'yes' to new opportunities and stepping out of my comfort zone? Yes.
Was that keeping me from flourishing, fulfilling relationships with people around me? Yes.
Was that making me procrastinate, play small, and people-please? Yes.
Can I say I was smart when the answers to these questions were 'yes'?
And how about all that theoretical knowledge I knew back then? What was the purpose of that? Doesn't it seem like I have forgotten most of it?
Ask me anything 7th Grade Physics question or 8th Grade Chemistry question or even what I learned during my first degree in History. I have forgotten it.
If you don't use it, you lose it.
Was there something more that I needed to learn and practice beyond the school's theoretical and intellectual knowledge? Was there something else more essential for my success in life?
So what's the point I am trying to make here?
Theoretical and intellectual knowledge are excellent; however, our mindset is more important.
It means what kind of negative or positive beliefs we have about ourselves, the world around us, beliefs about money, beliefs about the possibilities, our self-belief, confidence, mental toughness, our inner drive to persist on our goals, self-management, etc. That is what determines success in life.
Unfortunately, the "smartness" in schools does not get measured by how well we know these things I just mentioned. That's why it is our responsibility to work on our mindset and embodiment our values and success principles.
Are you taking up this responsibility in your life?
P.S. My primary task as a Mindset coach is to help you determine what negative beliefs have been sabotaging your success so far and help you change these beliefs to ones that will serve you for your success, so you don't have to run anymore after what you want, but it comes easily and effortlessly by being your best version of yourself. Book a free discovery call (20-30 min) to ask me questions and hear more about how I can help you.
