We have the idea that intelligence is the key to success. But a new study assures that the pure and hard intelligence does not reach us.
Apparently, personality is a much more important trait than IQ.
Personality vs. intelligence
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, brought together a series of specialists who analyzed information on IQ tests, notes and characteristics of the personalities of hundreds of people with the aim of verifying that the IQ on its own it does not guarantee financial success or academic achievement. Even future success depends only on 1% or 2% of the IQ.
The team of specialists discovered that success was achieved when high scores in personality tests and general tests were combined, achieving to reveal much more accurate indicators on the results of life, from income to satisfaction or body mass index.
With the research done, the team of specialists could see that the tests can tell a lot about the personality and that this can be translated into career results.
Going well in a test not only indicates how smart we can be, but also our ability to plan and non-cognitive tasks, such as collaborating or being punctual.
Non-cognitive and personality skills tend to be more malleable with age compared to IQ. In addition, the study revealed that character traits, such as awareness and openness, tend to be much more predictive of the outcomes of life.
A new approach to success
Unlike the IQ, the personality is much more malleable, which allows you to change or develop the skills necessary to achieve success.
Even research by Heckman (one of the authors of the study) shows that interventions in boys and girls so that they can develop the most appropriate personality traits have proven useful.
No doubt we now know that achieving success is not a matter of intelligence, but of character. Pay more attention to your personality and develop the traits that will allow you to achieve your goals.