Can Personality Change? New Science of Growth & Traits

For a century, the idea of a fixed personality has been deeply ingrained in our understanding of ourselves. We’ve often approached personality as a fundamental aspect of who we are – a stable core influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This belief fueled the popularity of personality tests, promising to unlock our “true selves” and guide us toward suitable careers and lifestyles. The assumption was simple: personality is relatively consistent, so the wisest course is to work within its boundaries.

But that understanding is shifting. Over the last two decades, a growing body of research suggests that personality isn’t quite as set in stone as we once thought. Instead of viewing traits as fixed qualities, psychologists are increasingly recognizing personality as evolving patterns. This isn’t to say personality is fickle, but rather that it’s more malleable than previously believed.

A key distinction lies in understanding that personality traits are descriptive, not causal. If you consistently find yourself anticipating negative outcomes and seeking reassurance, you might be described as having high emotional sensitivity. If you’re organized and diligent, conscientiousness is likely a prominent trait. But these labels, derived from past behaviors, aren’t dictating your future. They’re simply summarizing patterns that have already occurred. As researchers emphasize, a personality test doesn’t reveal your “true nature”; it reflects how you’ve behaved up to that point.

This understanding is supported by longitudinal studies – research that follows individuals over decades. These studies consistently demonstrate that traits do change over time. Generally, people tend to become more emotionally stable, more conscientious, and more focused on relationships as they age. However, this evolution isn’t simply a passive process dictated by the passage of time. Recent research indicates that we can actively influence these shifts.

Researchers, including myself, have shown that personality can change more rapidly when individuals intentionally practice new ways of thinking and behaving. This purposeful personality change centers around two core processes: adjusting thought patterns and experimenting with new behaviors. For example, someone prone to procrastination might habitually think, “I work best under pressure.” Shifting that thought to “Planning is a skill I can develop” or “I don’t need the rush of a deadline to start” can open the door to behavioral changes.

These changes don’t need to be drastic. Starting with small steps – like setting a timer for five minutes of focused work – allows you to gather new evidence about your capabilities. Trying something new challenges existing beliefs and can lead to lasting trait change. These repeated shifts, over time, can snowball into significant personality development.

This evolving understanding of personality has profound implications for personal growth. Instead of asking “What kind of person am I?”, a more productive question is “What kind of person does the life I wish require?” If you aspire to a leadership role, cultivating emotional steadiness, assertiveness, and openness to new ideas might be beneficial. If you value close friendships, prioritizing openness, honesty, and vulnerability could be key. And if these qualities don’t approach naturally, it’s entirely possible to develop them through intentional effort.

The initial discomfort that accompanies changing ingrained behaviors and thought patterns is a natural signal that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. It doesn’t signify inauthenticity or pretense; it simply indicates that you’re challenging established patterns.

Consider the implications for career choices. Whereas personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can offer insights, they shouldn’t be viewed as definitive guides. Ball State University’s Career Center notes that these tests use scientifically-based insights, but they are still descriptions of tendencies, not predictors of success or limitations on potential. A free career assessment from Truity can help identify careers aligned with your strengths, but remember that these are starting points, not final destinations.

It’s also worth noting a growing skepticism about the predictive power of personality tests in career selection. Discussions on platforms like Reddit suggest that personality tests aren’t always the most reliable tools for career decisions, and that focusing on skills and interests may be more effective.

Personality isn’t a rigid framework that predetermines your path. The traits assigned after a personality test are merely a snapshot of your practiced patterns. By consciously cultivating new patterns – new thoughts, new responses – you’re actively reshaping your traits. This is the core promise of the new science of personality: the ability to intentionally shape who you become.

What does this mean for navigating change?

Embrace the idea that growth is an ongoing process, not a fixed outcome. Recognize that discomfort is often a sign of progress, indicating that you’re challenging limiting beliefs and behaviors. Focus on the qualities you want to embody, and actively practice the thoughts and actions that align with those qualities. Remember that small, consistent changes can accumulate over time, leading to significant and lasting transformation.