Jealousy is an ugly thing. But, despite this fact, there aren’t many of us who can deny its presence at least once in our lives. And I have to admit, as much as I like to think of myself as the inspired type who only admires inner-beauty, the moment I heard the woman in the salon talking about her Ferrari, my eyes turned green with envy.

Okay, so even though it sounds like it, I promise didn’t go full-on Hulk. To be fair, I don’t think I really showed much envy at all. On the outside, I was a picture of curiosity and admiration (I really did want to know how many horses there were galloping away under that well-curved bonnet) But as the day drew on and the discussion sat in my mind about how she had 6 other very expensive cars that bumbled alongside the Ferrari on her driveway, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit rubbish about myself.

Completely puzzled, I began to analyse my whole identity. I looked in the mirror and I began to wonder what she had that I didn’t. Not in a jealous way. More in a…decrypting kind of way. What traits did this woman possess that meant she could afford to change her 2-year-old Bentley for a new Ferrari, while I could barely scrape enough pennies, buttons and dust together to cover my manicure?

So it got me thinking and researching, and, after a cup of tea or 2, I had my aha moment…

After reading an article on Forbes’ website, I found out that there was a scientific reason for this curiosity. Finally! I could actually pinpoint how this woman became so rich! As well as this though, I also realised that (based on my findings) I could potentially work out how to be rich as well!!

Amazing, right? Well, before you start laughing your way to the bank, check out the list below and see if your personality adds up, too.

Here’s what I discovered…

The Big 5 Test

This psychological model (which has dominated most wealth-based research in recent years) suggests that there are 5 core personality traits which – when tested against the general population – seem to prove what facets the affluent have that we ordinary folk just don’t.

These tested traits are:

1) CONSCIENTIOUSNESS (definition: someone who is thorough in what they do, meticulous in their attitude, hard-working, organised. punctual, determined and diligent.)

2) NEUROTICISM (definition: people who are neurotic tend to be worrywarts and usually fear the worst. Due to this, they are impulsive in their actions and not regarded as the most psychologically stable – these are the internet’s words, not mine!)

3) AGREEABLENESS (definition: also known as “people-pleasers”, those who possess this trait aim to seek peace and harmony. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, per se, their tendency to blindly trust and back down to avoid drama could act as their Achilles heel.

4) EXTRAVERSION (definition: Extraverts are usually seen as talkative, driven, opinionated, confident, energetic and ready for adventure.)

and 5) OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE (definition: those who are open and willing to  experience new things are usually imaginative, creative and curious.)

But, what does this mean for us normies?

Well, falling in line with these dispositional factors, a few interesting things stand out.

Out of the 5 personality traits, it was noted that the rich are:

• MORE CONSCIENTIOUS (it makes sense to think that perfectionism can play a helping-hand in anyone’s success)
• LESS NEUROTIC (because worrying about something without the ability to solve the problem is just a waste of energy) and are, therefore, MORE EMOTIONALLY STABLE.
• They are also LESS AGREEABLE (meaning they won’t shy away from debate) which is probably also because they are MORE EXTRAVERTED (well, as Demi Lovato would say, “What’s wrong with being confident?”)
• Rich folk are also MORE OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES (life is for living, after all) and tend to be MORE NARCISSISTIC (ouch…) As bad as the latter trait sounds though, I suppose you’d have to be. Aiming for the top requires a lot of self-focus. You literally can’t afford to be distracted.
• Thus, explaining why they have a STRONGER INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL. AKA: they believe to be the master of their own fate. Luck is irrelevant to their position in life. The person they are today is a result of actions they undertook in their yesterdays etc.etc.

Makes sense? I think so. But the cool findings aren’t over yet. After all, this is just for the ordinary rich (if you can ever call rich, “ordinary”) But what about the superrich…? You know, Bill Gates’ kind of rich. The ones who blatantly use £50 notes as bog roll. Wouldn’t you like to know if you share any of their traits, too? I know I would!

What attitudes will make you SUPERRICH? (3 BONUS TRAITS)

1. NONCONFORMING: In order to potentially own a private island and jumbo jet, it seems you’ll need to be a bit of a nonconformist. Being a sheep is never going to make you a leader, so I guess it’s sensible to think that you’d have to be a bit eclectic to stand out from the crowd.
2. INTUITIVE: You’ll also have a strong sense of reliance on your intuition. While analysing things in detail may be necessary at times, in some cases, the obvious answer is often the simplest one (check it, Ockham’s Razor) So if you have enough life experience behind you to point you in the right direction, your gut will probably make a reliable compass.
3. OPTIMISTIC: Much like the internal locus of control idea, if you possess a positive approach to dealing with defeat, you’ll go far. Identifying the causes behind a setback as something within yourself (rather than some extraneous variable) will provide you with a sense of power. Namely because, if the fault lies within you, you can change it. Having this control means you will continue to refine your craft and have the inclination to keep going. There will always be an answer, and every past mistake – once learned from – will bring you closer to your future goal.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I feel kind of uplifted after learning that! I may not have everything on the list, but there are definitely a few characteristics on there that made me say “Yep! That is totally me!” Have you found that, too? If so, I hope it’s given you the mojo to enjoy being every inch of unique that you are and to keep pursuing your passions.

No matter how out of the ordinary it may seem to others, keep in mind that it’s this fervent belief in your goals that makes you special. Remember, “We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” – Max De Pree. So have a little faith, stay curious, remain optimistic (even when things get tough) apply yourself and keep living life to the max.

The time may not be now, but one day, you’ll see that your drive to succeed will get you where you need to be. Because before anything can change, you’ve got to live rich in order to get rich.

Now, repeat after me, “I AM THE MAKER OF MY OWN DESTINY!”

Get it?

Got it?

Good.