7 career mistakes that stop smart people from growing, and how to fix them

Being smart helps in interviews and presentations, but it doesn’t always translate into growth. Many talented professionals stay stuck not because they lack ability, but because they repeat the same subtle career mistakes again and again. Entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo recently highlighted a pattern he sees over and over: smart people overthink, delay, compare, and play it safe—often without realising it. In a recent LinkedIn post, he listed some common traps that keep high‑potential professionals from moving forward, along with practical ways to reverse them. Read on to know more: