Wellnesshplifestylehabits that make smart people look dumbsmart people look dumb

9 Everyday Behaviors That Can Make Smart People Look Dumb

Cut 'em out in 2016!
By 

Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost

There are certain everyday behaviors that slooowly erode our wellbeing, and we're often not even aware of them. What's more, ingrained habits can also dramatically impact the way others perceive us, whether at a social gathering or in the office or during all sorts of negotiations and conflicts. Yikes.

The great news is that many behaviors -- from misusing common words and phrases to withholding eye contact -- are extremely easy to eliminate from your life. And once you do, you may see a major breakthrough, both professionally and personally.

Check out Business Insider's simplified guide to scientific research on behaviors that make smart people look dumb -- and be ready to get rid of them in 2016.

Click to see a larger version of the graphic. 

Open Image Modal
Business Insider

Also on HuffPost: 

Habits of Genuinely Happy People
Make Less Comparisons(01 of05)
Open Image Modal

While comparative thinking can be helpful for problem solving, too much is harmful to our happiness. Spending too much time comparing "apples to oranges" can eliminate that good feeling. Photo Credit: © Flickr / TheBusyBrain

Show Gratitude(02 of05)
Open Image Modal
Being appreciative of things that come your way will create an overall happier you. To build more gratitude in your life, Dr. Aiken suggests writing down three things that went well each day and why. Photo Credit: © Flickr / Lucas Bulamah
Wake Up Consistently(03 of05)
Open Image Modal
Getting out of bed at the same time each day helps to set your neurohormones that directly affect your happiness levels. Photo Credit: © Flickr /Alan CleaverClick Here to See More Habits of Genuinely Happy People
Have a Fulfilling Job(04 of05)
Open Image Modal
Sometimes your job can make feel miserable. But, happier people find work that draws on their strengths and connects them to greater purpose meaningful to them. Dr. Aiken also advises, “Working more than 11 hours a day increases depression, as does night shift work and long daily commutes.”Photo Credit: © Flickr /Scott Hill
Have Perfect Bedtime Light(05 of05)
Open Image Modal
Your bedtime procedures can make a huge difference to how you feel during the day. At nighttime, the darker the better, "noncturnal ambient light increases depression," says Dr. Aiken. And during the morning, bright light is best. "A 'dawn simulator' which gradually turns on light in the morning can improve alertness and energy," continues Dr. Aiken. Click Here to See More Habits of Genuinely Happy PeoplePhoto Credit: © Flickr / enggul

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Related

hplifestylehabits that make smart people look dumbsmart people look dumbhabits to breakhow to look smart at work
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

These 13 Old-School Beauty Products Are Still The Best Around

40 Clever Ways To Hide All The Eyesores In Your Home

This Comfy Pocketed Dress Has Reviewers Buying It Twice – And It’s On Sale For $20

The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Say You Should Try If You’re On Your Feet A Lot

The $17 French Retinol That Reviewers Call 'A Miracle Cream'

MORE IN LIFE

Life

Is Someone A Bad Person If They Don’t Like Dogs?

Food & Drink

Wine Experts Reveal The Biggest Myths That Ruin Good Wine

Style & Beauty

Hand-Me-Downs Are Great, But Don’t Kids Deserve Their Own Style?

Parenting

That Cute Baby Photo Posted On Instagram Has Consequences You Should Know About

Work/Life

This Type Of Employee Is The Most Likely To Burn Out At Work

Home & Living

'They Force People To Be Renters Forever': Would-Be Homeowners Are Sharing The Surprising Reasons Why They've Given Up On Their House Hunt In 2024

Shopping

Amazon Reviewers Swear By These Sun Hats For Summer UV Protection

Shopping

Reviewers Swear These Easy-To-Wear Slides Are Actually Supportive

Shopping

22 Shoes Under $50 That Are Actually Comfortable For People With Wide Feet

Parenting

We Don't Always Have To Put Our Kids First

Style & Beauty

5 Makeup Mistakes That'll Age You, According To Makeup Artists Over 60

Food & Drink

The 1 Thing That'll Wash Pesticides Off Fruits And Vegetables

Home & Living

If You Suspect You Are On A Scam Call, Do NOT Say This 1 Word

Shopping

These Passport Holders Are Popular With Amazon Shoppers

Shopping

We Predict This Style Of Ice Will Unseat Nugget Ice

Home & Living

This Phone Scam Is Targeting Grandparents — But There Are Ways To Outwit It

Shopping

35 Random Products You Didn't Know Existed But Absolutely Need

Shopping

27 Products From Amazon’s 'Internet Famous' Section That Are Actually Worth The Hype

Style & Beauty

Why Your Skin Gets Crepey As You Age, And What You Can Do About It

Food & Drink

Food Safety Experts Won't Go Near These 4 Foods At The Grocery Store

Life

Women Who Are Still 'Hot' In Their 40s Would Like A Word With You

Parenting

The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week

Parenting

These Were The Most Popular Baby Names Of 2023

Shopping

Amazon's Legendary 'Adult Baby Blanket' Is On Sale Right Now

Shopping

This High-Capacity Digital Picture Frame Is At A Low Price Right Now

Life

The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week

Shopping

HuffPost Readers Are Obsessed With These Beauty Products For Spring

Shopping

This $8 Shower Doo-Dad Has Given Me The Cleanest Hair Of My Life

Shopping

Innovative Pet Products That Are Just Plain Cool

Shopping

Hot Sleepers: Here Are Some Highly-Rated Cooling Products You Can Get On Amazon

Shopping

27 Genius Bedroom Products That'll Make You Want To Re-Do Your Whole Bedroom

Shopping

If You Hate Sweaty Feet, You'll Love These Breathable Walking Shoes

Parenting

New Screening For A Dangerous Pregnancy Condition Could Save Lives

Life

Trump's Trial Resurfaced His View On Sexual Attraction, And Experts Have Thoughts

Shopping

This High-Capacity Digital Picture Frame Is At A Low Price Right Now

Shopping

Merrell’s Bestselling Shoes Are 25% Off Right Now

Shopping

A Parent's Secret Weapon For Travel Is 40% Off Right Now

Life

This Is The Only Thing You Should Be Using To Wash Your Body

Life

This Is The Only Thing You Should Be Using To Wash Your Body

Shopping

11 Highly-Rated Portable Solar Panel Chargers For Every Budget