Research psychologists have many methods for describing and measuring personality. In earlier studies using factor analysis — which is a statistical method that clusters groups of related variables together — they found that most descriptors for personality fall into one of five personality domains that they call the Big Five. These are:

1. Extraversion

2. Conscientiousness

3. Agreeableness

4. Emotional stability

5. Openness

Each person’s personality consists of a combination of traits within these groupings.

The new research has demonstrated that working with a mental health professional, or on your own with self-help strategies, or by using both methods together, you can have a significant impact on all five personality domains.

People who are conscientious have many advantages over those who are not. Their organizational skills, punctuality, and thoroughness predict greater success in nearly all aspects of their lives. Conscientious people are less distractible and have better mental focus. A conscientious person is likely to achieve a higher grade point average in school, perform better on tests, and gain more satisfaction when they do achieve success.

Conscientious people have an easier time finding employment, holding down a job, and getting promoted at work. On average, they earn higher salaries and report greater job satisfaction than those who are not conscientious. They tend to follow the rules, so conscientious people also have a lower risk for getting tickets, being arrested, or ending up in jail.

In addition, conscientiousness is linked to better physical health. These reliable individuals tend to follow doctors’ advice and take the medicines they should. Their diets are healthier, they exercise more often, use their seat belts, wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, and are less likely to smoke cigarettes.

People who are conscientious are also more resilient, which means they are better able to recover from setbacks.