The Reason Why Some Intelligent People Fail to Achieve Their Potential

There is only one answer here.

Over analyzing probability.

What is the chance of creating an empire like Apple?

Slim to none.

How about Microsoft?

The same.

To be President?

You only have one shot every four years, and only one person wins the seat.

So… To shoot for the stars, I have to risk not being able to achieve my end goal. The chance of me not meeting my end goal far surpasses the chance of me achieving it.

What would be the point to try?

However, let’s say that you do try. Then you end up failing.

You’re smart, right? You have all the advantages, right? You have the potential to make it work. But you still fail.

How can you ever look at yourself in the mirror and believe you have what it takes to win, when everything was in your favor, yet you still lost?

Are you really as smart as you thought you were? Do you really have what it takes? Or should you just quit and give up?

I tried to win before. I failed. I lost everything. I moved back in with my grandmother. I became a loser.

I talk myself out of opportunities daily. I am scared of failing. I don’t want to lose it all again.

How could I ever live with myself if I was out on the street, homeless, because I had everything it took to make it, then failed?

I had my own struggle with suicide before, where I thought my life was hopeless.

I am not inclined to go through that experience again.

So why try to reach my full potential?

I’d rather just pursue things that make me happy. I’d rather just live a stress free life. I’d rather just work in the rat race.

It’s a country club filled with love and security.

Originally posted on Quora.

Leonard Kim is Managing Partner at InfluenceTree. At InfluenceTree, Leonard and his team teach you how to build your (personal or business) brand, get featured in publications and growth hack your social media following.

11 thoughts on “The Reason Why Some Intelligent People Fail to Achieve Their Potential”

  1. Hello Leonard,

    Thank you for your candor and willingness to be vulnerable. I like to take a similar approach.

    I believe in “NO Mistakes; Only lessons.” I have had countless lessons and I certainly didn’t learn them as quickly as T Cruise in, “Edge of Tomorrow.”

    고맙습니다,
    Derek

    Reply
  2. ill like us to have an intelectual disscussion on a business offer i had and from there who know maybe we could work together and share great ideas. illo love to hear backl from you because im in a simmilar situation as you were. but i keep my head up because i belive im a winnwer.

    Reply
  3. I have lost, but, I’m not a loser. I have learned therefore I win. Today I’m at the top of my game and the top of my craft. I’m arrogant as hell and failure is not an option. Failure is an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to advance and grow. I grow more everyday. Billie Deck, CCC Group. San Antonio, Tx

    Reply

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