One of the most common experiences for highly gifted individuals (HPI) in the professional world is dealing with boredom. However, this is not exclusive to them; it is also common among multipotential individuals. Here, I am specifically referring to a type of boredom that is overwhelming, unbearable, and extremely burdensome, whereas most people might feel bored but manage to cope by telling themselves things like, "Work can't be fun every day," or "It will get better tomorrow" — in short, those who accept it and move on.

Due to their ability to learn quickly and solve complex problems, HPIs can find themselves mastering tasks much faster than their colleagues, getting to grips with an activity in just a few days or even hours. Once this stage is reached, they can quickly lose interest in their work, leading to a deep, persistent sense of boredom that becomes debilitating because it takes up too much mental space.

This boredom can be a real obstacle to professional success and affect their perception of what is possible. In an environment where intellectual challenges are scarce, an HPI may feel underutilized, which can lead to a loss of motivation and a constant search for new professional opportunities.

Intellectual stimulation is therefore essential, not only to maintain their interest but also to feel accomplished in their work. For an HPI, professional success could be defined by the ability to find engaging and stimulating challenges and to recognize and accept the small, meaningful achievements of everyday life when the "big picture" is sorely lacking.