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I Ditched the PHD for the Argentine Tango or If I’m so Smart, Why Aren’t I an Astrophysicist?
I thought I should get a PhD. It made sense. There was a professor who asked to mentor me. I wanted to write a book. So, I thought, why not write a book and get a PhD at the same time? I applied. Was accepted into a program. Got funded. Then I thought. How many…
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Giftedness, Achievement, and Guilt
How are giftedness, achievement, and guilt related? I’m glad you asked. Here’s how: People find all sorts of ways to define giftedness: High IQ, exceptional talent, 10,000 hours of practice, task commitment, academic achievement, high test scores, straight A’s in school, Nobel prizes, eminence, etc. Typically, high achievement is the main requirement. If you don’t…
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To Achieve Or Not To Achieve — That Is The Question
What does it mean to achieve or to be successful? You’re smart, so you’re a high achiever, right? Maybe. Not necessarily. And what is a high achiever anyway? And then. More questions: What is a reasonable expectation for your particular abilities and interests? Where can you find adequate feedback? If you’re proud of something you achieve does…
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If I’m So Smart, Why Aren’t I Successful?
Smart people are rich and famous. They win Nobel Prizes and Genius Grants. They’re high achievers and arrogant. They don’t waste time on the little people. Right? Wrong. Well, OK. I guess that some smart people are all of the above. Or parts of the above. Maybe your Uncle Charlie. But how many are, say, none of…
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I’m Not Gifted, I’m Just Lucky–Part Two
I know. You’re not gifted. Humor me. If you were gifted, here are some things you would need to know. 1. Intelligence is not a fixed, hard, immutable thing. Intelligence is not an either you-are or you’re-not situation. Sure, you have a rainforest mind. You’re smart, sensitive, empathetic, analytical, creative, intense, perfectionistic and complicated. But that doesn’t…