It's neither talent nor hard work.

Researchers point out that mental health and relationships have a significant impact on a person's success or wealth.

Harvard University professors conducted a study over 70 years, involving 268 Harvard students and 456 people from slums aged 19-90, to decipher the "Mystery of a Happy Life".

The primary observer and record-keeper for this study was Professor Robert Waldinger. From the data collected, he identified the factors that strongly influence a person's success and wealth.

Stable mental health

Harvard University researchers have developed "10 indicators of winners in life," one of which relates to mental health and shows that people who experience less stress are more likely to succeed.

The concept of "health" must always encompass two aspects: mental health and physical health. Focusing on only one aspect will not lead to good health. Many young people often have unhealthy lifestyles, frequently staying up late, causing their physical health to decline rapidly. Mental health also suffers due to accumulated pressure and stress.

The story of American gymnastics legend Simone Biles's early withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics surprised many. Explaining her decision to withdraw, Biles said that during the competition she was under extreme stress, panicked, and trembling all over. "It was time for me to focus on my mental health," the American athlete said.

Not only Biles, but many other athletes also face serious psychological problems that prevent them from performing at their best. According to psychologist Toni Martos, "the mind is like the muscles; you need to train it too."

Happy childhood

Harvard research indicates that adult wealth and old age happiness are closely linked to childhood experiences. The researchers cited the following data:

People who had good relationships with their siblings when they were young earned an average annual salary that was $51,000 higher than those who did not have such a connection with their siblings.

People who had happy childhoods earn an average of $66,000 more than those who were unhappy as children.

People who received maternal love earn an average of $87,000 more than those who did not.

Furthermore, if a person's relationship with their mother is not good, they are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease in old age. Children who receive care from their fathers tend to experience less anxiety and enjoy life more as adults.

This demonstrates the influence of family and childhood experiences on a person's later career. A good childhood and a favorable developmental environment contribute to children's greater success.

Find the right life partner.

One key indicator of the influence on success, as pointed out in the Harvard study, is emotional relationships such as love and friendship.

Professor Robert Waldinger's notes also emphasize that childhood experiences are not absolute. Even if you experienced suffering as a child, you can still live a good life if you find "love" when you grow up. Waldinger cites the example of Adam Newman (name changed), a former Harvard student.

Newman was born into a middle-class family and had an unhappy childhood, suffering emotional abuse from his parents. He possessed all-around intelligence and excellent academic achievements, but his mental and physical health were poor. He tended to act conservatively and had few close friends.

The turning point came when Newman married his college best friend. Their harmonious marriage changed him, helping him learn how to work well with colleagues and hone his leadership skills, leading to a job at NASA. Newman constantly adjusted his behavior in social relationships. Even when his daughter misbehaved, he didn't impose his will on her the way his mother had raised him.

Kim Linh

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/nghien-cuu-dh-harvard-chi-ra-3-yeu-to-khong-ngo-quyet-dinh-thanh-cong-cua-mot-nguoi-khong-phai-tai-nang-hay-cham-chi-172250217144116957.htm