Conscientiousness: Self-discipline Brings You Closer To Success

It is said that a conscientious person is always a careful person . What do we know about the psychological feature of conscientiousness? In the field of human resources and personality theories, it is common to combine conscientiousness with success and also with those interesting aspects that bring us closer to achieving great goals.

But is this true? Are conscientious men and women examples of undisputed competence and personal solvency? At least that seems to be the case. Many scholars, and among them Paul Tough, who has written the well-known book How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character , have pointed out that this trait is present in those people who succeed in achieving their vital goals.

However, there are also those who see some kind of downside in such qualities. Such people are not trusted because they are particularly perfectionists and selfish. Conscientiousness leaves no room for negligence, mistakes and even less delay. In the eyes of others, people with such characteristics show a certain dependence on work, as well as an orientation to achieve their goals, which may sometimes seem even excessive to some.

It is true that popular culture filters such characteristics with a certain negative tone. However, we may be surprised in a positive way if we analyze this interesting characteristic in more detail.

Conscientiousness: what kind of personality trait is it?

As experiments and research examining conscientiousness as a personality feature progress, one aspect in particular comes to the fore: It is as desirable a dimension as it is useful in every way. Research by Brent Walter Roberts, a psychologist at the University of Illinois, tells us that this personality trait is related to a person’s quality of life.

If we look at it in a little more detail, we find that there are little excesses, but plenty of interesting information, intertwined with this personality trait.

Tenacity

Angela Duckworth, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, has written the book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance , which describes research on how people achieve success. Indeed, the study reveals something interesting, as talent and intelligence are not the only two variables that guide people towards happiness or success in an unobstructed way.

In fact, one of the traits that can most help us reach the pinnacle of well-being and satisfaction is conscientiousness.  It combines perseverance, orientation towards achieving one’s own goals, and a daily effort toward what one wants. In the same way, a Conscientious Person shows a high level of self-control, diligence, and responsibility for himself and his goals. All of these areas are the factors that build the real path to profit and success.

Planning and responsibility

Conscientiousness is the opposite of impulsivity. A person who possesses this personality trait never acts without thinking or leaving anything to chance. They are innate designers, demanding of themselves, perfectionists, and set everyday goals that are both feasible and easily achievable.

They also take responsibility for themselves in all aspects of their lives, always striving to do their best.

Consistency and competence

People defined by conscientiousness are hardworking and thorough. If problems arise, they will not lose their composure and will concentrate all their resources on resolving this case.

If they are wrong, they rarely react negatively to it. Conscientious people are resilient and are able to resist feelings of frustration well, which also allows them to learn from their mistakes and try new ways of doing things until they succeed in their goals.

What you show to others matters

The image shown to others also defines part of who we are, and this is relevant to the personality defined by conscientiousness.

People who have this trait consider themselves competent people, and this essence is what they also strive to show to others.

The art of reflection

Good reflection skills are a resource that optimizes the most effective and successful decisions. Something like this is achieved thanks to its conscientiousness, which focuses on the ability to handle and analyze things in the right way. So what does this mean in practice? It means that before we draw any conclusions, we need to consider all aspects and variables.

Haste is never a good partner, so ideally we should strive to move forward calmly and think before we act.

Conscientiousness and self-discipline

We could say that conscientiousness always goes hand in hand with high self-discipline. Following a certain schedule, setting daily goals, transcending oneself day after day – no matter how small the step – to be demanding of oneself, and the skill of self-control are undoubtedly the factors on which this personality rests.

Taking care of yourself is important

If there is one thing that defines a conscientious man or woman, it is consistency. This self-discipline is not limited to the professional field and the desire to achieve set goals. It is also important for them to take care of themselves, to take care of their own quality of life and interpersonal relationships. A holistic life also requires discipline and knowing it, which is most crucial even at this moment.

Finally, we can say that conscientiousness is defined above all by what could be called the center of internal control. Thus, when one strives to ensure that every situation is in the hands of one’s own competence, effort, and determination, existential satisfaction is greater.

On the other hand, we have an interesting spectrum of different personality traits that we can all largely educate. It’s never too late.