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Introduction: In this lesson, you’ll explore why self-discipline and conscientiousness: being dependable, focused, and consistent, are strong predictors of success. Through reading a Financial Times article, you will analyse how personality traits and habits shape our education, careers, and relationships in a world full of digital distractions. By the end, you will reflect on practical strategies to strengthen your own ability to stay focused and committed to long-term goals.
Essential Question: How does conscientiousness — the ability to be disciplined, dependable, and persistent — affect our chances of success in today’s world, and what can we do to build more of it in ourselves?
Read the FT article and then answer the questions below.
The troubling decline in conscientiousness
Watch this TED video: Don’t eat the marshmallow
Reading Questions:
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According to the article, what are the three main factors that shape the quality of our lives and careers?
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Why do researchers argue that personality traits like conscientiousness matter more for success than intelligence or background?
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What advantages do conscientious people tend to have in life?
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Why might conscientiousness be more important now than in the past?
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How does the article describe the impact of AI on conscientious vs. less conscientious students?
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What recent trends in conscientiousness have been found in US studies?
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What factors does the article suggest may be driving this decline?
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What other personality shifts besides conscientiousness are mentioned?
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Why do researchers argue that these personality changes could lead to negative outcomes?
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What is the hopeful message the author ends with?
Joel Miller and James Redelsheimer, Foundation for Economic Education.
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