The Psychology of your 20s 282. Can we change our personality?
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Mar 11, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Olga Khazan, a Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Me But Better," dives into her year-long experiment on changing personality traits. She uncovers the science behind personality stability and transformation, sharing insights on how traits can block happiness. Olga reveals how small social engagements can cultivate extroverted traits and emphasizes meditation's role in emotional resilience. Discover the fascinating interplay of genetics and environment that shapes who we are and the potential for personal evolution!
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Meltdown Day
- Olga Khazan had a meltdown after a series of minor inconveniences, including traffic, a bad haircut, and grocery store delays.
- This led her to realize her tendency to dwell on negatives and not enjoy life fully.
Personality and Reactions
- Personality change involves addressing reactions to situations, not just changing likes/dislikes.
- It can include spirituality, lifestyle changes, and how one interacts with the world.
Happiest Personality Traits
- The happiest people are high in all personality traits except neuroticism (anxiety/depression).
- This includes openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, and agreeableness.
