I was a 'gifted' child. IQ tested at 160+, graduated high school at 13. Feels like it's been an albatross around my neck that I'm only starting to shake. A lot

I was a 'gifted' child. IQ tested at 160+, graduated high school at 13. Feels like it's been an albatross around my neck that I'm only starting to shake. A lot of my self-worth came from being recognized as special. When I stopped over-performing, it felt like my world ended. Can only imagine what child actors feel like. There's an interplay between talent and recognition. I'm perfectly happy to grind something out for no reward. The second I get noticed for being good, all that goes out the window. Recognition is "free", and that easy validation starts corrupting the initial impulse to do well. For me, getting older has been about discounting both the positive + negative reactions. Neil Young said it best: When you're down you gather strength to leave the ground And when you're high it makes you weak and you fall back down