Generally outsmarting people doesn't work. It's not a strategy I've used often or at all, but when you're the subject of an outsmarting effort, it doesn't feel very good.
What happens when someone tries to outsmart another person.
First, the person's aim is usually not in the best interest of the other person; usually the aim is self-centered in some way.
Next, the outsmarted is relying on the individual's naivete, ignorance, busyness, or lack of attention. For example, I am scammed monthly by online scammers that think I won't check my credit card statement every month. Every month there are a few charges that belong to some crook somewhere. I report them and the charges are erased.
When the outsmarting occurs, there are a number of possible outcomes. One is that the person who is being outsmarted recognizes the plan and the plan backfires. Another possibility is that someone else notices the plan and lets the person know, and finally sometimes the outsmarted gets away with the plan and wins for the time being.
The real loss for those who try to outsmart others is the loss of trust and reputation. Who wants to be known as a cheat who spends their time trying to outsmart others.
In general, good people who try to outsmart others usually don't have the courage to face situations head-on so they try to circumvent the situations in other ways, and in general, that doesn't work. The best way to deal with tough situations is to deal with it in a step-by-step honest fashion. Onward.
