Olga Khazan, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of *Me, But Better*, dives into the intriguing possibility of changing one’s entire personality within a year. She shares her own transformative experiment, filled with challenges like improv and meditation, showing how intentional actions can lead to genuine change. The conversation spans the science behind personality traits, societal influences, and the complexities of personal happiness. Olga emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and resilience on our journey toward self-improvement.
Changing your personality is possible through deliberate behavior and experiences that foster traits aligned with your desired self.
The debate on personality origins reveals that both genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles in shaping who we are.
Adopting a redemptive narrative can significantly influence mental health by reframing challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
Deep dives
The Journey of Personality Change
The speaker discusses their experiences as a Russian immigrant in West Texas and how it contributed to a sense of being an outsider. They highlight their struggle with high levels of anxiety and neuroticism, traits correlated with depression. Motivated to change, they began experimenting with scientifically-backed methods to modify their personality. This journey led to the exploration of how behavior can significantly influence personality traits over time.
The Myths of Personality
The conversation delves into common misconceptions surrounding personality and its origins, particularly the debate on genetic versus environmental influences. It is illustrated that personality traits should not be viewed as rigid categories but rather as spectrums where individuals can lie at different points. This perspective allows for the understanding that while genetics play a role, environmental factors and personal choices significantly impact one's personality development. The idea is reiterated through a metaphor comparing inherited genetic traits to ingredients in a pantry, where the final dish depends on various external factors.
Narratives of Change: Opportunities in Adversity
The discussion focuses on the importance of narrative in shaping perceptions of events and experiences. Two contrasting narratives are identified: the redemptive narrative, which is associated with resilience and positivity, and the contamination narrative, which leads to a spiral of negativity. It is emphasized that how individuals interpret their life experiences can significantly affect their mental health. Highlighting the benefits of a redemptive narrative, the speaker encourages adopting a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Techniques for Personal Development
A variety of techniques are proposed for individuals looking to change their personality traits. Engaging in activities such as improv classes can help develop extroversion by forcing participants to interact with others in spontaneous ways. Additionally, employing cognitive-behavioral strategies—like identifying and reframing negative thoughts—can assist in managing neuroticism. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes about trying different methods to foster positive personality traits and the necessity of consistent practice in maintaining these changes.
The Role of Therapy in Personality Transformation
Therapy is introduced as a valuable tool in addressing personality traits, especially neuroticism. Different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance commitment therapy, show promise in facilitating personal change. The conversation highlights the concept that despite inherent personality traits, individuals can work through therapy to achieve emotional stability and resilience. Through personal experiences, the speaker notes that therapy provides a structured way to navigate challenges, adapt behaviours, and ultimately promote a healthier mindset.
Is it really possible to change your entire personality in a year? An award-winning journalist experiments with her own personality to find out—and reveals the science behind lasting change.
Research shows that you can alter your personality traits by behaving in ways that align with the kind of person you’d like to be—a process that can make you happier, healthier, and more successful. Olga embarked on an “experiment” to see whether it’s possible to go from dwelling in dread to radiating joy. For one year, she clicked “yes” on a bucket list of new experiences—from meditation to improv to sailing—that forced her to at least act happy. With a skeptic’s eye, Olga brings you on her journey through the science of personality, presenting evidence-backed techniques to help you change your mind for the better.
Olga Khazan is a staff writer for The Atlantic and the author of Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World. She has written for The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. Her new book is Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
