The Child Chosen for Success: It’s Not Just About a High IQ, These 3 Habits Make All the Difference

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami.

Interestingly, many exceptional individuals share these habits: time management, a commitment to learning, and maintaining physical health. Numerous studies also prove that these three basic abilities can determine the quality of one’s life more than test scores.

Usually, we think that talent is the key to success, a gift from fate, but we easily overlook the basic rules behind it.

Thus, what sets gifted children apart is not just their IQ, but their mastery of these three fundamental abilities.

Image source: Pinterest.

Waking up early is not just a habit, it’s about time management.

Psychological research has found that early risers are more likely to be successful in their careers. This is not merely because they are diligent, but because they know how to seize the golden hours when their minds are at their sharpest.

The first hours of the day are considered ideal for focus and creativity, as the mind is fresh and unaffected by the worries and stresses that accumulate throughout the day.

Bill Gates, one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, spends three hours every morning reading. This helps him stay updated and stimulates his thinking. Oprah Winfrey, a media icon, has practiced morning meditation for decades, allowing her to start her day with peace and focus. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, schedules his most important meetings in the early morning when his mind and energy are at their best.

Waking up early is a way to take control of your time.

They are not competing over sleep deprivation, but are practicing a profound truth: those who master their mornings can master their lives. Establishing the habit of waking up early improves work efficiency and positively impacts mental and physical health. Numerous studies indicate that early risers tend to have lower stress levels, a more positive mindset, and healthier eating habits.

Instead of forcing children to stay up late studying, it’s crucial to teach them how to manage their time scientifically. This includes setting a reasonable schedule, allocating time for learning, play, and rest. Parents can help children develop the habit of waking up early by creating a positive environment and encouraging early morning activities such as exercise, reading, or meditation.

Writing is an essential tool for learning.

A Harvard University study found that students who write regularly tend to think three levels deeper than their peers.

This is because writing forces the brain to complete a full input-output cycle. When children write, they not only update information but also process, analyze, and organize their thoughts systematically.

Encouraging children to keep a journal or take notes while reading stimulates critical thinking. When children express their ideas in writing, they learn to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and develop analytical skills.

Writing is also a wonderful way for children to express their emotions and thoughts. When children write about their personal experiences, they gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their feelings. This form of self-expression helps them process emotions and creates a safe space for self-exploration and self-expression.

Writing is an indispensable learning tool.

The habit of exercising determines the endurance for life.

A follow-up survey by Tsinghua University found that 86% of high-scoring students in the college entrance examination maintained regular exercise habits and performed better in their studies.

This is not a coincidence but a fact confirmed by neuroscience: Rhythmic exercise three times a week can expand the hippocampus, directly improving memory and concentration.

Cultivating these three abilities requires parental foresight and persistence. It’s like watering and fertilizing a young plant; the earlier you start, the better.

Instead of focusing on a child’s test scores, parents should pay more attention to: Did my child wake up early today? Have they written down any new thoughts? Are they physically active?

Exercise builds endurance for life.

This is the kind of education that will win in the future. In this rapidly changing era, true stability does not mean having a good job but possessing transferable basic skills.

As AI transforms the way we work and knowledge is constantly updated, those who master these three fundamental abilities will easily adapt to various changes.

Because no matter how the future unfolds, time will remain our scarcest resource, learning will be the ladder to progress, and health will always be our greatest asset.

Wise parents should shift their educational focus to nurturing these core basic abilities in their children. Just as constructing a tall building requires a strong foundation, these three abilities are the foundation for a child’s future life. The earlier you start, the stronger and more resilient your child will be on the journey of life.