You may have to deal with people who are very smart.You have an ego that is sensitive to real and imagined criticism.Being surrounded by people who are smarter than you can make you feel bad.If you can deal with your emotional issues, you will be able to interact with them more easily.
Step 1: Accept that you can't always be the smartest person in the room.
Some people are able to comprehend things more easily than others.Everyone is good and bad at different things.You will probably be disappointed if you expect to be the smartest person in town.It's time to get over your need to always be the best.
Step 2: You should acknowledge your strengths.
You have skills, experiences and talents that make you unique.Do not focus on what you don't have.You can probably do things that the people you think are smarter than you are, such as paint a mural, write a book, diagnose engine trouble, or sing a song, even if you can't discuss quantum physics.Self-confidence makes you more resistant to negative thoughts.
Step 3: Don't compare yourself to other people.
Doing this will make you feel bad if you already suffer from low self-esteem.You are the one who decides who is better at something than you are, and even smart people are just people.You may see a certain behavior or hear some responses, but you don't know if this person rehearses what they say privately or if they also feel like you.Treat yourself fairly, because you are not less smart than these people.It will take some time and practice to get rid of old habits.In time, you will be able to see yourself in a different way.
Step 4: Take care of yourself.
When smart people threaten your ego, you need to pay more attention to yourself.If you really enjoy swimming, yoga, reading a book, taking a hot bath or driving through the mountains, do something just for you.If you can get past the fact that you will probably not be the most fit person at the gym right away, exercise can really boost your mood.
Step 5: Increase your self-esteem.
You won't be as worried about the people around you being smarter than you are if you feel good about yourself.Do something that you are good at after spending time with smart people.Don't be afraid to show it off to your friends and family.You will be less threatened by smart people if you are content with your capabilities.
Step 6: Accept what you can control.
Some people are able to retain and comprehend more information than others.You can be as prepared as possible by studying the material you will be discussing and by working harder than anyone else.You can always control how you react, even if you can't control what smart people do.
Step 7: Consider an alternative.
Being in a room full of smart people can be annoying, but consider what it would be like to be surrounded by people who are not smart.It could get boring or frustrating quickly if you had to work or go to school with people who have less experience, ambition or intelligence than you.You will become smarter by dealing with smart people regularly.
Step 8: Don't pretend.
If you are surrounded by smart people, you may feel compelled to hide your knowledge.Pretending that you don't know what you're talking about can make you feel stupid.If you don't know what you're talking about, ask questions.That is the way you learn.Don't ignore questions, make up answers, or force the question on someone else to get the spotlight off you.Take responsibility for figuring out how to answer the question.
Step 9: Understand where smart people are coming from.
The years of being smart have probably taken a toll on these people.Their circumstances, personality and personal experiences are not the same.Those who have been smart for most of their lives probably had to deal with being ostracized socially and treated differently because they weren't born smart.Their intelligence is the only thing they have to be proud of.You may discover that you share the same feelings when you understand someone's background and motives.Understanding the reasons behind certain behaviors and personality quirks can help you feel less intimidated by smart people.
Step 10: Asking smart people for tips is never a bad idea.
People with years of experience are smart.Ask them how they study for tests, do their homework, or complete tasks on the job.If you want to understand what smart people are good at, ask them to clarify or explain certain steps.
Step 11: Accept the feedback.
If you are used to doing high-quality work or school assignments, it can be difficult to be criticized.It can make you feel defensive.A lot of the people you consider smart have suggestions for you.It is likely that they are as good at what they do because they were willing to consider outside input.If someone points out that your work needs improvements, don't get upset.You want to show off your work.If you don't accept advice, you may not get feedback in the future.You can find the smartest person in your class or team by asking them for their opinion on how to resolve issues or make processes better.
Step 12: Show interest.
You can get to know the other person better if you show interest in what they say.Ask the smart person to show you an example of their process and explain how they do it.Don't let your ego get in the way of acknowledging when someone does something that you have never thought of before.
Step 13: Form relationships.
You don't need to be close friends with co-workers or your peers at school to get along.Ask about hobbies, kids or sports teams.If you interact positively with the smart people, they will be more likely to help you or give feedback later.
Step 14: Smart people should be treated as equals.
These people are smart, but they are not better than you.Talk to them as if they are the same as everyone else.They already consider you to be one of their peers and not a minion.
Step 15: Understand why they brag.
People who show off are actually trying to impress you.People who act like they are smarter than you usually have low self-esteem and want validation from you.Even if you don't think they deserve it, give them praise.People who are more confident will not have to make you feel inferior.Don't mistake self-confidence for arrogance.It's ok to be proud of what you do.
Step 16: Continue practicing.
Practice makes things easier.Work to get better at the task or issue if you feel the others are smarter than you.You should practice daily to be as smart as they are.If they seem to understand math and always get As, then get a tutor, study your math book, or take classes online to get better at working through math problems.You will probably get as good at math as they are.If the smart people always have good ideas at meetings, then spend more time outside of work on ideas.Time and effort can make up for some of the things you don't have naturally.
Step 17: It's a good idea to read a lot.
It is possible to read on many different topics.If you want to really dive into it, choose diverse material from reliable sources.The experts became experts by studying, practicing and becoming good at what they do.When you absorb a lot of information, you have more to offer.
Step 18: Take your time.
The focus should be on quality over quantity.If it takes you a little longer to finish your math problems, write your paper or complete a project and accept that, as long as the end product is worth the wait.It takes time to get better at something.Get to know the smart people first.
Step 19: You can participate at work or class.
Show your teachers and peers that you are smart as well.Don't be afraid to ask questions or discuss your ideas.When you get a chance to contribute, show off your knowledge by studying and working hard.
Step 20: Resist competing.
You aren't focusing on yourself when you worry about how smart people are.When you don't focus on your own work and studies, you're not learning as much as you could.It can make you feel bad if you aren't winning.It's a good idea to make a habit of redirecting thoughts to other things.
Step 21: Don't pay attention to them.
Smart people don't get all your work done.They won't think or study for you.Ignore them if they bother you.You have better things to do than be upset over how smart other people are.
Step 22: Make a change.
New scenery and experiences can distract you.You will not have to worry about what smart people are doing.Changing up your routine can make you feel better, and it may help you to stop thinking about how smart the people are.
Step 23: All the time, try to be the best you can be.
Know your strengths and be self-assured.Every project, paper and discussion has a chance for you to shine.Even when you think it doesn't matter, try to do the best you can.You will become a smart person in time.
Step 24: Work together.
People with smarts can be valuable allies.They should help with something instead of comparing themselves to them.You will learn a lot from these people and discover that you have something to bring to the team as well.If you want to become more efficient, ask to partner up with someone for a study group or work project.