Many people believe that being gifted means success comes easy, but that is not always the case. So, how is giftedness related to achievement? It’s just one part of the equation. Reaching one’s full potential requires greater understanding and more effort.
This article discusses what it means to be “gifted” and the definition of “achievement.” It breaks down common myths, explores the key factors that influence success, and identifies ways to build tailored environments that promote achievement. Whether you are a parent of a gifted child or the gifted individual themselves, you will find insights here to help turn big dreams into meaningful achievements.
If you are looking for information specific to underachievement in gifted students, please check out one of our other resources. Otherwise, let’s dive right in.
The Definitions of Giftedness & Achievement
First, what is “giftedness”? What are the nuances associated with “achievement”?
Giftedness is an intellectual ability and natural aptitude that often exceeds age-expected norms. It shapes how individuals perceive and process the world, resulting in unique academic, social-emotional, and developmental experiences. While there are more characteristics that show up in gifted individuals, here are a few common ones:
- An innate sense of curiosity
- The ability to grasp complex concepts quickly
- They excel in areas of interest, like art or music
- Absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
Such traits are incredible strengths—and they are just the beginning in the journey towards achieving one’s potential.
Achievement refers to exceptional mastery in one or more areas. It often connotes that students with these skills surpass those in the same age group. That said, achievement is the result of combining natural gifts with creativity, motivation, and determination.
Even knowing these definitions, there are still a lot of misconceptions.
Common Myths
There are plenty of myths surrounding giftedness and achievement that can create confusion and even frustration. Let’s break some of these down and get to the heart of what is true:
- Myth #1: Giftedness naturally leads to achievement and happiness. While it’s true gifted students have unique abilities, this does not automatically translate to success and joy. Achievement requires creativity, motivation, emotional well-being, and support to navigate challenges and reach one’s full potential. Additionally, gifted students may face social hurdles that affect their happiness.
- Myth #2: No matter the task or topic, gifted students excel in everything they do. Gifted students are still human; even they have areas where they struggle to understand content or lose interest. Their strengths tend to shine in specific subjects instead of entirely across the board.
- Myth #3: That student can’t be gifted; they have a bad grade in [subject]. Grades are not always a true reflection of a gifted student’s abilities. They may perform poorly for various reasons, including disengagement, perfectionism, or difficulty with their learning environment. It is vital to look at the child holistically versus judging by a single grade.
- Myth #4: Gifted students are self-sufficient and don’t need extra support. This myth overlooks the fact that, while a gifted student may be independent in some instances, they still need guidance to navigate social situations and build up their emotional skills. Extra support through specialized programs, mentorship, or connecting with peers can help gifted students develop the skills they need to manage their gifts effectively.
Breaking down these myths helps clarify how giftedness is related to achievement in everyday moments and real-world examples.
Key Factors That Influence Achievement in Gifted Students
To fully unlock a gifted student’s potential, it’s essential to understand the key factors that contribute to achievement in gifted students. Here are the top three:
- Ability
- Creativity
- Motivation
We will take a closer look at how these characteristics work together to influence achievement in gifted students.
Ability
“Ability” for students can be categorized as innate ability and developed talent.
Gifted students tend to possess natural intellectual aptitude, like high IQ scores, but inherent abilities alone do not guarantee achievement. Think of innate ability as the foundation upon which success is built. From there, it needs to be nurtured through practice, appropriately challenging education, and real-world experience. Without the right guidance and opportunities, even the brightest minds struggle to reach their potential.
Creativity
For gifted students, creative thinking, for example, enables them to approach tasks in innovative ways. It is not just about solving problems faster than others—it is about seeing them differently and coming up with unique solutions that others might not consider.
Fostering creativity alongside intellectual development is crucial, as it encourages gifted students to explore new possibilities. Parents should encourage their gifted children to creatively express themselves through art, writing, or open-ended problem-solving.
Motivation
Motivation is the driving force that propels gifted students toward sustained effort and eventually achievement. However, many individuals face motivational challenges, whether due to boredom, perfectionism, or a lack of stimulus in the classroom. Each of these causes students to struggle when it comes to pushing through obstacles or pursuing long-term goals.
For parents, cultivating motivation starts with helping their child find intrinsic rewards. An example of this is encouraging a love of learning rather than only focusing on external rewards, like good grades or praise. One way to do this is to empower gifted students to explore areas they are passionate about. A balanced approach that includes goal setting and encouraging a growth mindset can help maintain engagement. More than that, it creates a supportive environment, which we will talk about next.
How to Build Environments That Support Achievement
Creating an environment where gifted students can thrive starts with providing emotional support and encouragement. These individuals often feel pressure to excel, but they also need space to grow at their own pace. Both parents and educators can provide reassurance during challenges and celebrate progress—not perfection.
One strategy that can help is setting personal, realistic goals that help students focus on growth without burning out. When high expectations are balanced with recognition of each student’s unique interests, they feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
The Significance of Emotional Support & Social Relationships
Gifted students feel emotions deeply, making them more sensitive to feedback and social dynamics. It’s unlikely that they will feel comfortable and find community in a classroom full of people who do not understand their experience or share their passions.
Gifted individuals’ emotional intelligence (EI) can further contribute to their overall well-being, resilience, and success in both academic and personal endeavors. Here are some strategies that will help gifted students build strong emotional skills and, ultimately, achieve more:
- Help them identify and practice coping mechanisms.
- Promote self-awareness and self-compassion.
- Encourage them to be advocates for themselves.
- Seek opportunities for gifted students to connect with like-minded peers.
Conclusion
We hope you now understand how giftedness is related to achievement. While they are interconnected, reaching one’s full potential involves more than just natural talent. It takes a balance of ability, creativity, motivation, and emotional intelligence to transform giftedness into meaningful achievements.