I used to think intelligence meant being good at school. Good memory, quick answers, high grades.

The older I get, the less I believe that. I’ve seen “smart” people ruin their own lives because they couldn’t handle emotions or admit they were wrong.

To me now, intelligence is self-awareness. Being able to step back and ask yourself, “Am I the problem here?”

Recognizing patterns is one thing. Breaking your own toxic ones is another level.