As a manager, you are likely a high achiever, an intelligent individual who has excelled in rigorous exams. Your intelligence quotient (IQ) is probably quite high, making you an asset in your professional sphere. However, have you ever faced an unusually high amount of self-pressure? Do you feel the weight of expectations from family, friends, and colleagues to constantly do more and achieve more?
The Hidden Burden of High IQ
High intelligence often comes with high expectations, both self-imposed and from others. Working with employees in the banking sector, I’ve encountered many who grapple with deep existential questions: “What is the purpose of life?” They possess immense ambition to utilize their intelligence, but the world’s complexities and the behaviors of those around them can create invisible doubts, limiting their actions.
Research shows a correlation between high intelligence and mood disorders. There is a significant variance between constructs of sensitivity, creativity, and interpersonal relationships. The same traits that enable you to secure high-paying jobs can sometimes undermine your happiness in other areas of life.
Interpersonal relationships can be particularly challenging. Interacting with people who may perceive you as difficult simply because your perspective differs can be a lonely experience. Personal and work-life stages each come with their own set of challenges.
The Barriers to Seeking Help
Your high IQ might also create a barrier to seeking help. Many intelligent individuals feel a deep sense of shame about their struggles, especially when they compare themselves to others who “have it worse.” They believe they should be able to solve all their problems by reading about solutions, logically setting up action plans, and yet often fail because they neglect the emotional aspect of their issues.
Common self-talk includes, “I shouldn’t need help,” “Counseling is for weak people,” or “I can work this all out by myself.” Other obstacles might be lack of time, fear of what others will say, or doubt about what a counselor can do.
But what if accepting one’s vulnerability is actually a sign of strength?
Think of vulnerability as the door to our inner world. Embracing our vulnerabilities allows us to explore our conscious mind. We become aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, guiding us to deeper parts of ourselves. Reflecting on how we feel and think enables us to examine our subconscious, where beliefs, biases, and behavior/thought patterns are stored.
Exploring the Subconscious and Unconscious
The subconscious mind acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious. It influences our behavior and beliefs without us being fully aware. Embracing vulnerability can bring aspects of our subconscious into the light, allowing us to examine and challenge limiting beliefs.
Beneath the surface lies the unconscious mind, where memories, desires, and experiences are stored. Avoiding or denying vulnerability often pushes aspects of our experiences into the unconscious. Exploring vulnerability allows us to uncover and address what’s hidden below.
Take it from me, a professional with over 25 years of experience in mental health you need to reach out and get help. Our lives are intertwined with relationships, whether at work or at home, and we all struggle with emotions and mental blocks from time to time. I truly believe that acknowledging your feelings and seeking help requires courage.
Think of it this way: if there’s a water leak in your house, you might try to fix it, but eventually, you call a plumber. Similarly, if you need to open a bank account or invest, you consult a specialist. When facing emotional or psychological blocks, and after trying to solve them yourself but continuing to struggle, it’s time to talk to a counselor. They are the specialists who can help you sort through the jumble of thoughts and emotions, developing clear thought processes with evidence-based clinical interventions like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and others.
Therapy: Not Just for Diagnoses
You don’t need a mental health diagnosis or something “mentally wrong” to benefit from therapy. I view therapy as a place to figure out how to live your fullest in a very demanding world. Anyone who wants to improve the quality of their life can benefit from therapy, including those who are highly intelligent.
So, embrace your vulnerability. Reach out for the help you deserve. Counseling is not a sign of weakness; it’s a path to self-awareness and strength. By acknowledging your vulnerabilities, you open the door to a deeper understanding of yourself. You allow yourself to address not just the logical aspects of your life but also the emotional ones.
Remember, even the most intelligent minds need guidance and support. Seeking help is a step toward a balanced, happier life where your intelligence can thrive in harmony with your emotional well-being.
