How do I deal with feeling like I'm not smart enough?

Feeling like you're not smart enough is often based on narrow definitions of intelligence and unfair comparisons to others. Traditional measures of intelligence like academic performance or quick verbal processing don't capture the full spectrum of human cognitive abilities. You might be comparing yourself to people who excel in areas that are different from your strengths, or measuring yourself against unrealistic standards set by social media, family expectations, or competitive environments. Intelligence comes in many forms - emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, practical skills, social awareness, artistic ability, and many others that aren't always recognized or valued in academic or professional settings. You might be brilliant in ways that aren't immediately obvious or traditionally measured. Sometimes feeling not smart enough comes from learning differences like Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, or processing speed issues that make certain tasks more challenging, even though your overall intelligence is perfectly normal or even above average. Imposter syndrome can also make you feel like you're fooling people about your capabilities, even when you're performing well. Past experiences of being criticized, compared to siblings, or struggling in school can create lasting insecurities about your intellectual abilities. It's important to recognize that intelligence isn't fixed - you can always learn new things and develop new skills. Focus on your personal development and progress rather than comparing yourself to others. Identify your unique strengths and the ways you're intelligent that might not fit traditional molds. Remember that many successful people struggled academically or felt intellectually insecure at some point. Your worth isn't determined by how smart you are compared to others, and there are many different ways to contribute meaningfully to the world regardless of your cognitive profile.