Although everyone has a different definition of what success means most parents would agree that success for their children could be defined as their child finding and flourishing in whatever makes them happy in life. After all, being successful doesn't have to mean that a person is financially well off, have expensive possessions, or be a savvy business person. Simply living a life they love would count as a win for most people. But if you're curious as to what the future might hold for your child, there are early signs your kid will be successful. But it's wise to remember that if your child doesn't show these signs, it doesn't mean they won't be successful.
From newborns to kids who are about to begin school, there are plenty of hints and clues as to what type of person your child will become in life. If you're anything like me, you probably have known from the minute you gave birth to your child that they had a personality all their own. Though their temperament may evolve as they reach different developmental milestones, their core disposition can still offer insight.
So if you're curious as to whether your child will be the next Bill Gates, Beyoncé, or Wangari Maathai, check out these early indicators that your child will be successful in life.
1They Show Restraint
Is your child the type to patiently wait for dinnertime or do they give in to temptation and stock up on snacks beforehand? As it turns out, your grandparents were right, patience is a virtue. Dr. John Sharry, a child and family psychotherapist, told the Irish Independent that, "children with self-discipline and the ability to put off things for the prospect of better gains . . . tend to lead more successful lives." So if your kid makes their Halloween candy haul last for more than a few days, they've got some pretty good self-restraint skills.
2They're Tiny Human Calculators
You probably already know that children who love to learn tend to have a solid head start on life. Apparently it can also indicate a successful future, too. in a press release for Northwestern University, doctor Gregory J. Duncan said in young children, "a mastery of early math skills predicts, future math achievement, future reading achievement, and future academic success." This doesn't mean your kid has to be practicing quantum physics, but a healthy understanding of math will serve them well in the long run.
3They're Risk-Takers
Remember when you were a kid, and the floor was made of lava and you had to make an epic leap to the couch? That kind of daredevil behavior can actually be an early sign of success. Drew Hendricks, a marketing professional, told Inc, "if your child has a flair for taking risks and learning to weigh the pros and cons, that's a sign of an entrepreneur." Anyone can be a daredevil, but taking the time to ponder the outcome is the main indicator for success.
4They're Confident
Confidence plays a huge role in any person's life, and it turns out that assurance affects children, too. According to a study from Dr. Ross Levine and Dr. Yona Rubinstein, which was published on The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) site, "the findings on who succeeds as an entrepreneur indicate that greater self-esteem is strongly associated with success." This makes sense since some of the greatest leaders throughout history have displayed a strong sense of confidence.
5They Persevere
When the going gets tough, does your little one press on or throw in the towel? Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, a mental health counselor, told Psychology Today that the ability to learn from failures and continue trying is an early sign your child will be successful. Even Albert Einstein encountered his fair share of failures, but his determination and adaptability helped him achieve genius status.
6They're Thoughtful
There's a stereotype that, if you want to succeed in life, you must be willing to step on a few people to get ahead. In Managing With Power, business theorist Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer wrote that success can be determined by how sensitive you are to someone else's needs, feelings, and abilities. So if your child can recognize and properly respond when another person is upset or sad, they could have a bright future ahead of them.
7They're Not Sore Losers
If your child cheers their teammates on and doesn't get too down if they lose, then they have share a trait with successful people. Jeff Haden, a leadership expert, told Business Insider, "a successful person's happiness will come from the success of others." There's no harm in encouraging your kid to openly support and be happy for others.
