Key Takeaway:
Personality tests often suggest that personality is static, but modern psychology shows that traits can evolve over time. People can reshape their personality traits to align with their goals in life. Personality traits are not fixed and can evolve over time, with conscious effort and behavioral adjustments. Studies show that intentional effort can expedite personality change, and cultivating desired traits involves recognizing negative thought patterns and altering habitual behaviors.
Personality tests have become a part of modern life, offering quick answers about one’s traits. But many of the tests, even those used in educational and career settings, are not scientifically validated. Worse, they suggest that personality is static, something you’re stuck with forever.
However, modern psychology challenges this idea. Research shows that personality traits, such as conscientiousness or agreeableness, can evolve over time. With conscious effort and behavioral adjustments, people can reshape their personality traits to align with the life they want.
What Defines Personality?
Personality is often described as a person’s consistent way of thinking, feeling, and behaving. While common descriptions like being optimistic or empathetic might feel core to one’s identity, psychologists categorize personality into five broad traits, often referred to as the “Big Five”: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. However, it’s crucial to note that your likes, values, and preferences don’t define your personality traits.
Changing Personality is Possible
The good news is that you can change your personality. Altering your habitual ways of thinking and behaving over time leads to meaningful change. For instance, someone who might not typically be punctual can train themselves to become more reliable by modifying their mindset and behaviors, such as using alarms or reminders. By doing this consistently, the trait of being reliable can become a natural part of their personality.
Personality Evolves Over Time
Scientific research supports that personality traits are not fixed. As individuals age, their traits naturally shift—they may become more conscientious, less neurotic, and place greater emphasis on relationships. The changes might seem subtle over time, but they are real and measurable. However, some people may stay consistent in their traits, while others experience more dramatic transformations.
Speeding Up Personality Change
Studies, including some focusing on personality interventions, show that it’s possible to expedite personality change through intentional effort. Instead of waiting years for traits to evolve naturally, behavioral and cognitive strategies can lead to change in as little as 20 weeks.
Cultivating the Traits You Want
The cognitive-behavioral approach to personality change involves two essential components: recognizing negative thought patterns and altering habitual behaviors. For example, if someone believes that others are always self-serving, they might act defensively, reinforcing this belief. By changing their behavior—perhaps by sharing their struggles with a colleague—they may discover a more supportive response, reinforcing more positive thoughts.
These strategies work effectively because personality is about patterns of thinking and behavior. Making conscious, consistent changes to both can help you mold the personality traits that best serve your goals in life.
