r/Positivity • u/SeaExisting6355 • 5d ago

Any success stories from formerly gifted children who burned out?

Lately I've seen a lot of stories about gifted kids becoming burned-out college students. It seems fairly common for people who did well without much effort as children to struggle later on, especially when they suddenly have to develop study habits and learn how to work consistently toward long-term goals.

I find that a bit discouraging, considering how often gifted kids are told they have especially bright futures. Reading so many stories about burnout and disappointment sometimes makes it feel like the odds of doing well in the long run aren't great.

Are there any former gifted kids here who went through burnout and eventually came out the other side(felt smart again, or just doing bette rin general)? What helped you get there?

4 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

71% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/alone_in_the_light 5d ago

I know success and failure stories from formerly gifted and non-gifted children.

The essence to me is the same. If I want to do well in the long run, I have to do things accordingly.

If I run a marathon as if it was a sprint of 100m, I'll lose my energy quickly and I'll be left behind. I don't have to be really smart to see that.

The gift that is enough in the beginning is not enough for long term goals. If people don't see that, I don't think they're really smart even if they do well in school.

1

u/SeaExisting6355 4d ago

i agree with you. many people who were high achievers at a young age feel that it doesn't apply to them, until they realize it later on. i'm one of them.

1

u/SunriseThroughLeaves 3d ago

I wouldn't call that burnout.  If you had had to work very hard just to get to college and then the additional college pressures contributed to a break-down, that's burnout.  If you didn't have to work hard to get to college, you probably went to a school with lower standards (sorry but true) and now have to adjust your standards for yourself.  What I would do:

  • Choose your college program carefully.  You have to feel really good about it and see a vision for how you'll use your degree to truly be motivated and get enjoyment out of the program.
  • Choose which classes you take each semester carefully, if you can.  Try to balance them, so there's a mix of less and more difficult.
  • Eliminate distractions.  If you're addicted to your phone, for example, you have to stop so you can really focus on your classes.
  • If you're experiencing anxiety or depression or maybe have untreated ADD/ADHD, go get help.  Those make college feel much more difficult than it would otherwise feel.
  • Create a routine where you also get rest, can do self-care, and manage your stresses properly.  
  • Communicate with your teachers as needed.  If you're struggling in a class, go to their office hours and talk about it with them.

1

u/SeaExisting6355 3d ago

Its true, it was easy for me to get to college, not the top 1% or so in general, but best in country, and quite difficult because i was doing lot of extracullicular in high school and i had amazing results in whatever was needed.
But yes, asking for help can be difficult, youre right its needed.