Jeff Haden [Archive.org URL]

[According to economist James Heckman,] innate intelligence plays, at best, a 1 to 2 percent role in a child’s future success. Instead, financial success is correlated with personality traits that make up conscientiousness: self-discipline, perseverance, and diligence. Everyone defines success differently, as well they should. […] But if you happen to define success by traditional measures, like professional achievement or fortune or fame, hard work is the great equalizer. On the other hand, if your definition of success leans heavily toward the quality of personal relationships, maintaining a positive work-life balance, or making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, hard work is still the great equalizer. Great relationships require significant effort. Work-life balance requires significant effort. Making a meaningful difference in other people’s lives requires significant effort.