Within our generation, we all have that one phrase or saying that drives us absolutely insane. For some, it’s “I apologize for making you feel that way” or for others, it may be “everything happens for a reason.” But for me, the one I can’t stand is, “I’m smart, but I don’t try.” In high school, I typically heard the phrase here and there among people I rarely spoke to or saw outside of school. But in college, it seems to have become a phrase that is being used more regularly by an increasing amount of people. Every time I hear the phrase, whether it’s from friends or strangers passing by, I’m usually left asking, “What does that even mean? What exactly is smart about not trying?”
In short, the meaning of the phrase is that people are smart, which allows them to excel or potentially excel in school without very much time or effort. There are essentially two types of people who say, “I’m smart, but I don’t try”: those who say they would, for example, have a 4.0 GPA in school if they applied themselves, or those who are most likely lying about the amount time they invest, in order to brag.
What people who use this phrase fail to recognize is that trying is actually an extension of being smart. When the time comes for you to get that dream job you’ve always wanted, being a hard worker is what gives you an edge. An employee who is dedicated, works hard, learns from mistakes, and maximizes his or her ability, is much more desirable than a genius that is lazy. Simply being naturally smart or good at what you do alone isn’t enough to cut it. The hard work and putting in the extra effort comes in play when, for example, you’re seeking a promotion. It’s rare a boss would upgrade your standing simply based on the fact you know more than others.
While everyone possesses some sort of academic talent that makes some subjects easier than others, being able to succeed in an area of weakness is what makes one smart. Perhaps you haven’t been gifted with a mathematical mind so it is difficult to solve complicated math problems or perhaps you can’t write a succinct paper as fast as someone else can. Do either of these cases point towards one being less smart?
Those who are smart strive to learn new skills, take academic risks and enjoy learning in a variety of ways, even if they do not initially excel. Part of the process of becoming smarter includes failure, in which you realize that you actually don’t know everything. In many cases, being comfortable with failure yields better results and self-satisfaction.
In rare cases however, there are some who appear to be naturally gifted in nearly every subject and don’t need to work as hard. There are some who can sleep though lectures or skip class all together, yet somehow, are still able to ace exams and excel in their courses. But regardless of which side of the fence you stand on, the phrase is simply silly to say.
Whether you are saying the phrase to make yourself look cool, or truly believe that you are ”smart, but don’t try,” the time has come to put the phrase to rest. Failing to maximize your abilities as a student isn’t smart under any circumstances. Ultimately, the trying factor is part of the smart equation, and is arguably, the most important variable. And for those who have been able to solve the equation without the variable up to this point, the results won’t be the same when it counts most.