Are Tall People More Successful? 4 Reasons Why They Might Be

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In the U.S., it’s estimated that around 14.5% of men are 6 feet tall or more. What you may find even more astonishing is that among the many CEOs of various Fortune 500 companies, the total number of men over 6 feet tall is 58%. 

So, to answer the question, “are tall people more successful?” – Yes, tall people could be viewed as more successful!

Being tall certainly has its advantages, but their actual height isn’t the only reason tall people tend to have an easier time in life. Read this post to find out four reasons why tall people are successful.

Are Tall People More Successful?

Yes, tall people tend to be more successful, and there are many reasons why this is the case.

One reason why tall people are more successful is not actually due to any particular factors related to their height, but rather because other people see them as different. In turn, this leads to them being treated differently. 

Research has shown that many factors play a part in why one person turns out to be more successful than another. 

Yes, a person’s height does play a role when it comes to being successful, but other factors also need to be considered. In this article, we look at some of these factors concerning the relationship between height and success. 

Why are Tall People Seen as Being More Successful?

This can simply be chalked up to how humans think subconsciously. In fact, humans have been thinking like this for thousands of years. 

Throughout history, you’ll often find that taller people are the ones who hold all the power. This is still something that tends to be the case in modern times as well. 

Tall people are often seen as being stronger than shorter people. Strength is usually equated with power, and people want leaders who can lead others easily – the kind of people who can garner respect from their peers. 

As you’ll see below, other factors help play a role in why tall people are more successful. 

Four Reasons Why Tall People are Seen as Being More Successful

Group of businesspeople

1. They are More Intelligent 

Some studies indicate that there is a correlation between how tall a person is and how intelligent they are. 

In 2014, the University of Edinburgh carried out a study of 6,000 people. They found a small correlation between having a high IQ and a link to height. 

Still, this correlation may have more to do with the fact that a tall person may have enjoyed a much healthier childhood and may have been better educated. So, of course, it may have far less to do with how tall they are. 

2. They Were Better Fed as Children 

A great deal of research has been conducted to see how a child’s diet affects how successful they will become later in life. 

Ohio State University, along with the FDA, has carried out research and found that good nutrition is an essential factor in determining whether taller teens are likely to be more successful.

During their research, they discovered that a good, well-balanced diet plays a vital role in adulthood success because it can affect how tall a person will be and influences the development of a child’s cognitive and non-cognitive skills.

As a child, anyone who enjoyed a healthy, well-balanced diet was shown to have much better cognitive skills. It was also demonstrated that they had better social skills.

The combination of these factors proves helpful to these individuals when they become adults and start to work.  

3. They Make More Money 

A study carried out in 2004 found that the taller someone is, the greater the chances of them earning more.

These studies predicted that anyone over 6 feet tall could earn up to an additional $166,000 over 30 years in their professional lives, compared to someone who measured in at 5 feet 5 inches.

However, being tall is undoubtedly not the only reason certain people obtain success, achieve much higher annual earnings, and enjoy an overall more successful life.

4. Taller People are Seen as Being More “Leader-Like”

We all have a general idea of what a good leader should look like. This is one of the reasons why many CEOs of the world’s leading companies tend to be tall. 

However, other research carried out would suggest that it all revolves around our evolution.  

Just think back to those cavemen days, when in the majority of cases, the leader of the tribe would be tall and imposing. This is because the members of the tribe would see that person as having the skills to defend them physically from any potential danger. 

This is something that we still believe in today. 

Also, tall people are far more likely to put themselves forward as leaders than shorter people.

Often you will find that from a very young age, tall people tend to act like leaders. As a result, their peers tend to naturally look up to them more, which in turn helps them become more confident and successful.  

Let’s Wrap Things Up

So, are tall people more successful? Not only does being tall give you a much clearer picture of what lies ahead, but it also provides you with a slight advantage regarding whether or not you are successful. 

Yet, just because you are the taller candidate doesn’t mean you will automatically be more successful than your shorter counterparts. 

As we’ve shown above, several other factors – such as education and nutrition – will affect whether a tall person will enjoy success in life. 

Do you find this article of interest?

We would love to know what you think! Please share how being tall has helped you enjoy certain life advantages, if any at all.

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