Being “the smart one” is a box too. You’re allowed to be bad at things in front of people.

Any label sorts you into a lane, and the flattering ones are hardest to leave because people are so pleased with you inside them. If being capable is your whole position, every new skill turns into a risk, and you quietly stop starting things you might be slow at. That box holds you with reward instead of punishment.

Take up one thing where you will obviously be the worst in the room for a while. Let friends see the first terrible attempt rather than practicing in secret until it is presentable. Being a beginner is roughly the point of being sixteen.