The 4 Key Traits of Future Money-Making Prodigies

11 November, 2024

A study by educational experts revealed that successful individuals share many similarities in their childhood experiences. Specifically, Harvard University in the US conducted a survey of 10,000 individuals, exploring factors such as family environment, parents, and relatives. They then took a sample of 1,000 adults aged 25-45 and drew the following conclusions:

Success is directly linked to one’s childhood experiences. The overall survey results indicated that children exhibiting the following traits were more likely to graduate from college, earn 30% more than the average salary, and tend to have happier families:

1. Early Independence

Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow conducted a detailed study of successful individuals, including Einstein, Beethoven, Lincoln, Goethe, and Spinosa. He found that these individuals displayed independent characteristics at a young age.

Instead of relying on others, they preferred solving problems independently and valued solitude. Independence is a common trait among successful people, reflected in their thinking, social interactions, decision-making, and choices.

Generally, children develop a sense of independence after the age of two. If a child at this age wants to make choices and decisions, parents should refrain from intervening.

Children who learn to do chores at a young age tend to be better at earning money in the future. (Illustrative image)

2. Chores at a Young Age

In 1938, a Harvard scholar surveyed 456 adolescents over 75 years, concluding that: “Adolescents who did chores were more likely to be successful as adults.”

In 2014, the Chinese Institute of Educational Sciences conducted a survey of nearly 20,000 primary school students in four provinces and cities: Heilongjiang, Beijing, Jiangxi, and Shandong. The results showed that the scores of children who did chores were 27 times higher than those who didn’t.

When children do chores, their fingers perform complex and dexterous movements, increasing blood flow to the brain and enhancing brain flexibility. Children who continue doing chores as they grow up also tend to be more responsible and independent.

3. Resilience to Failure

Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei Technologies, once said, “Only those who are not ashamed can achieve success.”

Today’s children can easily lose heart when criticized by teachers or parents. However, some children, when scolded or reminded, not only listen but also smile it off. These resilient children persistently work hard towards their goals instead of giving up at the first sign of embarrassment or shame.

When faced with difficulties or failures, these resilient children are better equipped to seize opportunities.

4. Love for Reading

Charlie Munger, an American billionaire, investor, entrepreneur, and former real estate lawyer, is the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, a company controlled by Warren Buffett. He is often referred to as “the man behind Buffett.”

The billionaire once shared, “I have never met a smart person who doesn’t read every day. Never. Warren and I read a lot, perhaps to an extent that would surprise people. The children tease me sometimes and call me a ‘two-legged bookworm.'”

In fact, a survey of the daily habits of 177 billionaires revealed that their most common trait was reading. Similarly, a survey of the daily habits of top-performing students in the college entrance examination showed that 80% of them read every day.

Many parents today recognize the importance of cultivating a reading habit in their children. Children who read from a young age stand on the shoulders of giants, gaining a broader perspective and knowledge than their peers.