DO OUR PERSONALITIES CHANGE OVER TIME?

No two personalities are the same. While some of us share certain traits, characteristics and qualities, personalities are unique to every one of us. But what about over the course of our lives – can we fundamentally change who we are or are our personalities with us for life?

Our personalities are formed from a young age. As we get older, this starts to stable. Psychology Today suggests that we have five traits that define us. They are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism – all of which shape our emotions and behaviours. The article goes on to talk about the intersection between our genetics and upbringing. Essentially, we become who we are in the early stages of our lives but it’s affected by our genetic makeup. 

That said, though, personality can change throughout the course of our lives, depending on new experiences. For example, if you’ve experienced life-changing event, this can lead to significant personality changes. Let’s say you have a child or you fall in love. You start to change your behaviour. 

As our lives change, so do our personalities, but not in a big, noticeable way. These changes happen more subtly. Compare years, not days or months, and you’ll see the difference. The nature of growing older leads to greater emotional maturity. 

People can change. It’s just not a black and white topic. The more important question is whether you want to. If there’s something you want to change about yourself, taking part in psychological interventions can help the process. Let’s say it’s being less shy. While you might not be the loudest one in the room, you can work on growing your confidence and break through barriers as to why you’re nervous in front of people. 

Every personality has its strengths & weaknesses. 

While your personality might largely look the same over time, the environment you’re in shapes who you are – forcing you to develop traits and habits that might be new to you. 

You’ll carry much of who you are through life, but you can (and should) work on changing aspects of your personality that you’re not happy with. You can do this either through the environment you’re in or trigger it yourself. 

Want to know more about your personality? Take a free quiz by filling in the form to the right. At Tick, exploring personalities are what we do.