One of the Big Five essential personality traits, conscientiousness, indicates the propensity to be accountable, well-organized, diligent, goal-directed, and follow the law. Conscientiousness is a multifaceted trait that, like the other five personality traits, includes self-control, diligence, responsibility, and dependability.

Understanding Conscientiousness

Conscientious people take the initiative to make all kinds of judgments. For instance, the diligent establish deadlines for completing each objective and goal. It is no surprise that the conscientious are less likely to end up in jail since they do well in vocations that demand attention to detail, including those of surgeons and pilots.

How does a conscientious person act?

These folks don’t act on impulse. They are schedule-followers and planners. Additionally, they follow their commitments, take notes, pay their bills on time, and arrive on time. They care for themselves by working out, getting enough sleep, and eating well. Risky habits like smoking and binge drinking are less common among them.

How can you become more conscientious?

One method is mental contrasting when people see a destination, a route to get there, and any barriers that could stand in their way. People may choose realistic objectives and increase their commitment to reaching them with the aid of such a procedure. Both nature and nurture influence this personality attribute, and individuals become more conscientious as they age.

Can you be conscientious about some things but not about others?

Yes. When the environment is consistent, individuals generally act consistently, although this consistency may not be present in other areas. The level of diligence we bring to a task at work does not indicate how diligent we will be with our finances or other obligations. It foretells our future level of diligence in tasks relating to our jobs.

Are conscientious more empathic?

Those who are more conscientious may be more sympathetic to other people. In a research of 471 nurses conducted in China, conscientiousness and agreeableness were correlated with empathy, whereas neuroticism was found to be adversely correlated with empathy.

Is conscientiousness genetic?

According to behavioral genetics studies, the environment a person is raised in, or other developmental variables account for around half of this trait’s hereditary component and the other half. Anatomically, controlling behavior that demonstrates conscientiousness requires the prefrontal cortex, the location of all executive functions.

Can you be too conscientious?

A person might get burnt out if they are overly attentive and committed. Burnout is prevalent among doctors, a field where conscientiousness may be very helpful, at roughly 50%.

The Link Between Conscientiousness and Success

High performers in academia and the workplace are often diligent people. Besides being very productive at work, they also accomplish more, have positive relationships, and earn greater salaries. Additionally, diligent people often hold higher leadership roles.

Do conscientious people persevere more than others?

Diligent and thorough people will work on an issue until it is resolved. They will attempt again if they fail. They won’t necessarily do a job more skillfully than others, nor are they necessarily brighter than anybody else in the room. But they’ll keep working until they reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Are conscientious people more rule-abiding?

People who have great conscientiousness tend to live by particular standards. For instance, they are more likely to drive under the speed limit and accept responsibility for issues that arise. This holds for partnerships and the responsibilities that go along with them.

Are conscientious people more punctual and prepared?

The less diligent could oversleep, be late for work or class, and avoid jobs that call for action. However, punctuality is a crucial quality of a conscientious individual. They appreciate an organized schedule, are typically well-prepared, do work promptly, and maintain to-do lists. They compose initial draughts and take copious notes.

Are conscientious people healthier?

According to research, being conscientious may lead to various positive health outcomes, including reduced blood pressure, decreased incidences of diabetes and stroke, and fewer joint issues. Generally speaking, the diligent person takes better care of himself and lives longer.

What is the link with perfectionism?

Higher conscientious individuals may be more prone to perfectionism and workaholism and perform worse under stressful circumstances. As already established, extremely conscientious persons are prone to burnout. Conversely, those with low conscientiousness may show flexibility and spontaneity.

Are conscientious people happier?

You have an internal locus of control if you see more agency in your life or a feeling of control over events. And the events and circumstances that occur are directly impacted by your talents, prowess, and decisions. A high level of conscientiousness is associated with this internal locus of control.