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Factors that shape personality -

Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud hypothesized that personality was predominately permanent by five years of age. Even today, many modern psychologists say that personality overall is fixed.

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In the past -

Historically, theorists and philosophers either advocated for nature or nurture when it came to personality. Today, however, most tend to agree that a mixture of the two is the answer.

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Genetics and the environment -

Constant interaction between your genetics and the environment you're exposed to can have a significant impact on your personality. For example, you might normally be laid back but if you work an extremely high-stress job, you might become short-tempered and uptight.

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How flexible is your personality? -

From day to day, personality is somewhat steady but research indicates that, over time, it's actually possible to change in many ways.

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Is it possible to change your personality? -

Research suggests that traits such as extroversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability can likely be deliberately changed, though it's unknown for how long.

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Does your personality change with age? -

According to research, as people age, they tend to become calmer and more socially sensitive, as well as less narcissistic.

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How much can a person change? -

We might not evolve into completely different people, but over the course of a lifetime, it's possible to see a noticeable increase or decrease in certain personality traits.

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What causes a change in personality? -

Many factors can impact personality change in the course of a person's life. Things like getting married and obtaining new social roles can alter personality. Therapy is also a helpful way to produce change.

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How is mental illness related to personality? -

Research has found that people with certain mental illnesses, such as depression, tend to be lower in conscientiousness and extroversion.

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Can brain injury change personality? -

Research is limited for this question but what is available suggests that a brain injury may influence personality. Serious head injuries or strokes may cause a decrease in conscientiousness and extroversion.

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“In between” qualities of personality -

Some experts believe that behavior patterns, habits, and beliefs are truly changed by broad traits such as introversion and agreeableness. Others, however, believe it's the "in-between" qualities that really make us who we are and that can be changed.

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Examples: belief and belief systems -

Changing some aspects of your personality might feel impossible. However, some characteristics of your underlying beliefs can be addressed, analyzed, and potentially changed.

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Self-belief -

Your self-beliefs can have a big impact on your personality. For example, if you believe your intelligence is fixed at its current level then you're unlikely to take steps to deepen your knowledge.

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Setting goals -

It's common to set New Year's resolutions focused on changing your personality. Things like becoming more kind, patient, generous, or outgoing can be goals for the upcoming year.

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Is it difficult to make lasting change? -

In general, many experts agree that making real and lasting changes to broad traits can be very difficult.

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Personality changes -

Despite being difficult, it's not entirely impossible to change your personality for the better.

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Ways to change your personality: Learn new habits -

Psychologists found that people who displayed positive personality traits like kindness and honesty had already developed habitual responses that stuck.

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Habits -

Habits are learned and thus changing a habit or habitual response over time is a great way to create personality change. Though breaking an old habit can be challenging, it's often worth it.

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Goals and coping strategies -

If you have a type A personality, perhaps you can learn new or different coping skills and stress management techniques so you become more relaxed.

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Challenge your self-beliefs -

If you start off saying, "I can't do this," then likely you won't be able to do it. Having a positive, can-do attitude is a huge tool in helping change your personality.

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Focus on your efforts -

It's essential to consistently praise your effort rather than your current ability. For example, reassuring yourself that you worked really hard is better than saying you're very smart or talented.

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Growth mindset -

By having a growth-oriented mindset, it can be easier and faster to experience real change.

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Act the part -

Fake it until you make it is the name of the game. If you're more introverted, encourage yourself to be extroverted more often. It's like learning any new skill, believe it and it will happen eventually.

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Second nature -

Eventually, these behaviors will become second nature and an integral part of your personality. Then, when you need to tap into them, you're more likely to be able to do so.

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Try something new -

Trying something new can help you discover new parts of yourself and enrich your life. This enrichment can lead to new personality traits and more overall happiness. 

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Let go of grudges -

Letting go of grudges frees your heart, mind, and spirit, and makes room for you to become a more peaceful, centered person. This can be reflected in all areas of your life.

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Say "yes" -

Challenge yourself to say yes more often when opportunities present themselves. You'll encounter many more things and in turn, learn about yourself.

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FAQ: Is it too late to change my personality? -

It's likely not too late to change your personality. With the tips mentioned here, you can always give it a go and make some positive changes. 

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FAQ: Can meeting new people help? -

Meeting new people might help. New people can bring new experiences into your life which could help shape who you are.

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Psychology Today) (Live Science)

See also: What the foods you love reveal about your personality

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