Great news. Research points to conscientiousness as the one trait to rule them all for future success, both career-wise and personally.
How do the researchers define conscientiousness?
Basically, it’s being “efficient, organized, neat, and systematic.”
It’s a trait that has been shown to increase your chances of finding a job, living longer, and living a healthier life. It is also strongly correlated with longer marriages and greater money and job satisfaction.
“It would actually be nice if there were some negative things that went along with conscientiousness,” researcher John Roberts said. ‘But at this point it’s emerging as one of the primary dimensions of successful functioning across the lifespan. It really goes cradle to grave in terms of how people do.”
I’m pretty excited about this finding.
“Efficient, organized, neat, and systematic.”
That’s me. Four words couldn’t describe me better.
If I’m wrong, I’m sure I’ll hear about it in the comments.
Perhaps it’s this trait that counteracts all of my flaws and shortcomings, as well as the multitude of traits that I lack, including:
- attention to detail
- restraint
- tact
- humility
- caution
- charm
- respect for authority
- moderation
- mechanical aptitude
- a decent golf swing
