A new Lifehack article discusses the seven "deadly mindsets" that keep people from learning effectively. Number four on the list is the fear that others are smarter than you. I can relate to this fear. My first couple months of graduate school were nerve-wracking as I sat across from peers I was sure were brighter, more knowledgeable, and more accomplished. Fortunately, as I got to know the other students, I realized that it wasn't a competition...we were all just trying to do our personal best. Worrying about how I compare was holding me back from exploring my talents and excelling in my own personal strengths. Here's what Lifehack has to say about fear number four:

"The truth is there is always somebody better than you are. And the only way you will have an edge is through endless and continuous learning. It is your battle, not a battle with others."

To read about how to defeat this and the other six ineffective viewpoints check out 7 Deadly Mindsets That Hold You Back From Learning Effectively.