The Next Big Idea YOU, BUT BETTER: The Science and Promise of Personality Change
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Mar 20, 2025 
Reporter and author Olga Khazan dives into the intriguing world of personality change. Tired of being a 'high-strung misanthrope,' she explored science-backed methods to transform her life. From recognizing personal meltdowns as catalysts to enhancing happiness through overcoming neuroticism, Khazan shares relatable anecdotes. She discusses the dynamics of personality in relationships and the delicate balance between introversion and extroversion. By embracing change, she believes anyone can take steps toward a better version of themselves.
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Wine-Soaked Meltdown
- Olga Khazan's book was inspired by a series of frustrating events, including a bad haircut, traffic, and a shopping cart debacle.
- These seemingly minor annoyances culminated in a meltdown, highlighting her tendency to focus on the negative.
Neuroticism Realization
- Khazan realized her negativity stemmed from high neuroticism, hindering her happiness and gratitude.
- A personality test revealed her traits correlated with less functional, unhappy individuals, prompting her to seek change.
Improv Experience
- To increase extroversion, Khazan joined an improv class, despite initial dread and hoping for a car accident to avoid it.
- Surprisingly, she found the class enjoyable and often left feeling happy and playful.
