From a young age, we’re taught to value intelligence above almost everything else. Ace your tests, get into a good college, land a high-paying job – the formula for success seems pretty straightforward.
And with job requirements ballooning to include more and more degrees, it’s easy to believe that smarts are the ultimate ticket to the top.
But is it really that simple?
Do you need to be smart to be successful? Does intelligence make you more likely to achieve career triumph and life satisfaction?
My good people, here’s what the science says.
As a society, we have generally equated being smart with a person’s IQ score or their level of education.
I don’t necessarily agree that intelligence is what makes a person “smart”, but it is this perspective that the blog post will explore.
Is education the key to success?
As a child with immigrant parents, I grew up with a particular emphasis on education.
“Get a good education, and you’ll be set for life.”
“Education is the one thing that you will always have. It’s the one thing you can always fall back on.”
But is that really true?
A Shifting Educational Goalpost
Does More Education Mean More Success?
You don't ONLY need to be smart to be successful: The other factors
While book smarts are undoubtedly a valuable asset, they are far from being the sole determinant of success.
Numerous other factors contribute significantly to an individual’s achievements.
In fact, they likely make a lot more of a difference than just a high IQ.
Grit: Passion x Resilience x Consistency
We all know or have heard of incredibly intelligent individuals who never quite reached their full potential. Conversely, many highly successful people aren’t necessarily considered geniuses.
The secret to their success, according to psychologist Angela Duckworth, often lies in their grit – their perseverance, passion, determination, and consistency.
Consistency, especially, is often overlooked in favor of flashy talent or intelligence.
However, it’s the ability to show up day after day, consistently putting in the effort, that truly sets people apart.
This unwavering commitment to long-term goals, coupled with the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is a powerful predictor of success.
Emotional Intelligence: The Overlooked Smarts
Intelligence is about understanding and processing information, while emotional intelligence is about understanding and managing emotions.
It may seem like meaner, tougher personalities are those that succeed, but it isn’t true.
In fact, emotional intelligence (or EQ) is a better predictor of success than IQ!
This ability to recognise and regulate one’s own emotions, as well as empathise with others, is crucial for achieving personal and professional goals.
Other Factors: Environment, Network, and Luck
While individual qualities are essential, external factors also play a massive role in shaping success.
Growing up in a supportive environment, having access to quality education can provide invaluable advantages.
Of course, there is also the lucky people who can pull the “do you know who my daddy is?” card. They have the power of a strong network.
These things are often not up to us, but it is never too late to try and improve your environment and network (scholarships, apprenticeships, etc. can do wonders!).
Additionally, a degree of luck or favorable circumstances can influence outcomes. (Lottery, anyone?)
However, it’s important to remember that while these factors can impact success, they don’t define it.
Ultimately, personal drive and resilience are the qualities that truly make a difference.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Along with education, a growth mindset is essential for lifelong learning and adaptation.
Individuals with a growth mindset believe their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. They embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learn from setbacks. By cultivating a growth mindset, individuals become more resilient, adaptable, and open to new experiences.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning
The pace of change in today’s world necessitates continuous learning. What was relevant yesterday may be obsolete tomorrow. To stay competitive and fulfill one’s potential, individuals must commit to lifelong learning. This involves staying curious, seeking out new knowledge and skills, and adapting to evolving circumstances. By embracing a lifelong learning mindset, individuals can unlock new opportunities and maintain a sense of purpose throughout their lives.
Final Thoughts
Education and “being smart” is undoubtedly not a bad a thing.
Besides the leg up it gives us in our careers and quality of life, there are other benefits, too. These include critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities that are useful for succeeding in whatever we try,
But while education is a key component in success, it’s not the sole determinant of success.
Our strength of character, our resilience, consistency, and even our social and professional network all play a role. In fact, this may be a greater contributor to success than anything else.
Because, after all, name if education were the most important factor, those with PhDs would be the most successful. But how many foolish people do you know who enjoys success?
Many, right?
Exactly.
Work on your resilience, your confidence, and commit to improving yourself, and success will find you!