小时候聪明，长大后越来越平庸？你拼命维持的“优秀”，正在悄悄耗尽你

Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon where children who were once considered "smart" often feel lost and mediocre as adults, struggling with their identity and direction in life [1][5][7]. Group 1: Characteristics of "Smart" Children - Many children labeled as "smart" share common traits such as high sensitivity, the ability to read social cues, and quick adaptability to their environment [2]. - These children learn early on that excellence brings praise and attention, while mistakes lead to disappointment [3]. Group 2: Transition to Adulthood - As adults, these individuals often find themselves in a world without clear answers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when they encounter failures or see others succeed [6][7]. - This state of conditional self-worth means they only feel valuable when meeting external standards, which can hinder their personal growth [6][7]. Group 3: Career Challenges - Many "smart" individuals experience career stagnation around their thirties, feeling burnt out or lost despite having impressive resumes [8][10]. - Their career choices are often driven by external expectations rather than personal passion, leading to a lack of intrinsic motivation [8][10]. Group 4: The Need for Self-Reflection - The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and updating one's internal belief systems to foster genuine growth and self-understanding [14][16]. - It suggests that individuals should reflect on whether their career choices align with their true interests and values, rather than merely fulfilling societal expectations [15][16].