In life, you’re going to come across a lot of people with the need to feel big. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to find this pretty annoying. The desire to feel big is one that I don’t really understand. I’ve never had. I’ve been too busy trying to figure out how to live a good life, a difficult task in a country like mine. Still, a consistent thread in my life has been people underestimating me, and others in my surroundings. I’ve come to view this as a good thing as I’ve gotten older.
Everyone underestimates you
Failing to understand this reality is one of the fastest ways you can find disappointment. The reality of life is that everyone thinks they’re pretty great, and very few people have the ability to be self-aware and introspective. Lots and lots of people have underestimated you and will do so in the future. Allowing it to happen makes your life a lot easier.
People like you more if they think you aren’t a threat
Generally speaking, you want to be liked. Life gets a lot easier when you’re appreciated by the people around you. The easiest way to make people like you is too be nice and nonthreatening. This is why older men are sometimes seen as more dangerous than younger men. They have a more threatening or imposing aura. A lot of the people closest to you probably underestimate you in some way, shape, or form. There’s nothing wrong with this, if we’re being honest.
People knowing how rich or great you are just breeds harassment
If everyone thinks you are some super rich guy, they’re going to come around you with their hands out. They’re also going to be super jealous of you when you succeed. It’s just annoying; people buzzing around you like gnats. They don’t have to be super young either. People will act like groupies well into their 30s or 40s. It’s best to keep a low profile.
You want to keep your intellect hidden
This took me a long time to learn. If people know how intelligent you are, your life is bound to get a lot harder, or at least more complicated. People will want to use you. Even the dumbest person can tell that a strong intellect means good jobs and money. People will try to use you if you’re smart. It’s unfortunate, but you have to be careful, although this shouldn’t
Being underestimated is a privilege. If someone does that to you, you should silently thank God. If you don’t need to compare yourself to others, you’re living a good life. Don’t get dragged into other people’s nonsense. It will only ruin your mood over the long term. Let people underestimate you and do your best to live the best life you can.
Thanks for paying attention.
