The Daily Stoic

Your Personality Is Not Fixed | Olga Khazan

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May 24, 2025
Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'Me, But Better', explores the fascinating idea that our personalities aren’t set in stone. She discusses her own year-long journey of attempting to change her personality, delving into the science behind personality traits. The conversation covers the complex balance between self-acceptance and the pursuit of growth, the impact of experiences and parenting on personal transformation, and even the intriguing role of psychedelics in fostering openness. Can we really change who we are? Tune in for insights!
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INSIGHT

People Think Self-Change Possible

  • People generally think others don't change but believe they themselves can change and improve.
  • This contradiction shows that change is possible, especially with effort and intention.
ADVICE

Act to Change Personality

  • To change your personality, habitually act in ways that align with desired traits.
  • Over time, your repeated actions internalize and reshape your personality.
ANECDOTE

Psychopath Chooses Kindness

  • A self-proclaimed psychopath decided to be nice and compassionate to others.
  • Despite his internal claim, others valued his kinder actions over his self-label.
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