Personality isn’t fixed. Learn how changing patterns of thought and behavior can help you become the person who can create the life you want.
Research shows intentional strategies can accelerate personality change.Personality assessments are often framed as a way to understand yourself better so you can choose careers, relationships, and lifestyles that “fit.
” Unfortunately, the way these tests are often presented sends the subtle message that your personality is set in stone.If you’ve ever ruled yourself out of an opportunity because you thought,the idea that you can shift your traits may feel far-fetched. But, when you understand how psychological science defines personality, intentional Personality traits are simply labels that summarize typical patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. For example, some people tend to interpret situations pessimistically, while others naturally expect things to work out. Some react quickly with irritation when they’re inconvenienced, whereas others are more inclined to assume good intentions. Some people plan ahead meticulously, while others rely on last-minute bursts of effort., and dependable to summarize these patterns. But those labels aren’t causes; they’re descriptions. You’re considered dependable because you think, feel, and act in dependable ways most of the time. People frequently adjust how they think and behave. Life experiences push them to consider new perspectives, and they try out new habits. When those changes stick, the label catches up .Long-term studies show that, on average, people’s personalities tend to change in positive ways as they age. Many become less emotionally reactive, moreThe good news is that psychologists have spent decades developing and testing strategies to shift how people think, feel, and behave. And, given that your personality is your pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving, it stands to reason that these strategies apply to shifting traits.strategies can lead to 20 years' worth of naturalistic personality evolution in fewer than 20 weeks .The first personality change strategy is cognitive flexibility. The goal is to notice the assumptions that keep you stuck in acting like the same version of yourself. For example, someone who believes people will take advantage of them if they open up is likely to act guarded around others. Behaving defensively likely elicits distance or tension from others, ultimately reinforcing the original belief that other people can’t be trusted. On the behavioral side, change comes from experimenting with new responses. If that same person tries a small act of, like asking for help or sharing something personal, they create the opportunity for a different outcome. When experiences begin to contradict old assumptions, the thinking patterns can shift.Personality isn’t something you discover once and live with forever. It’s something you are constantly reinforcing, revising, and refining.,” pushed people away because you’re “too independent,” or avoided speaking up because you’re “not that kind of person,” you may be letting a personality label pull you farther from the life you want.Sauer-Zavala, S., Southward, M. W., Fruhbauerova, M., Semcho, S. A., Stumpp, N. E., Hood, C. O., ... & Cravens, L. . BPD compass: A randomized controlled trial of a short-term, personality-based treatment for borderline personality disorder.Roberts, B. W., Luo, J., Briley, D. A., Chow, P. I., Su, R., & Hill, P. L. . A systematic review of personality trait change through intervention.Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Don’t Think You Have Time to Learn a New Language? This App Says You Do—Save 50% Off a Lifetime SubscriptionBabbel forgoes flashcards and memorization in favor of real-world conversations.
Read more »
Produce Pete, Beloved TV Personality, Dies at 80Peter Napolitano, known as 'Produce Pete,' passed away at 80. He was a long-time TV personality who shared his knowledge of fruits and vegetables, stemming from his family's Italian immigrant background and decades in the produce business.
Read more »
Figure skating 101: GlossaryLearn about the key terms for figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games.
Read more »
Volcanic personality: the man who recognized volcanoes as a planet-shaping force of natureRemembering the life and work of the geologist George Poulett Scrope, and salmon stories in this week’s pick from the Nature archive. Snippets from Nature’s past.
Read more »
Sam Rockwell Says His Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die Monologue Took a Shocking Amount of Time to Learn (and Makes His White Lotus Scene Look Easy)Sam Rockwell’s latest film, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, is currently killing it with critics, sitting pretty at 94%.
Read more »
Real Madrid Learn Extent of ‘Significant’ Jude Bellingham InjuryThe midfielder went down clutching his hamstring against Rayo Vallecano.
Read more »