Changing our Personality is Possible According to Psychology

                  Many of us have taken personality tests at some point, whether for fun or to gain insights into ourselves. From BuzzFeed quizzes that tell us which Taylor Swift song reflects our vibe to more serious assessments used in schools or workplaces, we often look to these tests for answers about who we are. But there's a big catch: most of these tests, even those used to guide our career paths, aren't scientifically valid.

                  Personality testing has become a billion-dollar industry, yet many popular tests lack the rigorous research to support their claims. Even more problematic, these tests often promote the idea that our traits are fixed, suggesting that we're stuck with our born personality. Fortunately, modern psychological research shows that this isn't true—our personalities can and do change over time.

What Personality Is—and What It Isn't

                  When we talk about personality, we refer to our characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. For example, are we more likely to react with frustration when someone cuts us off in traffic, or do we assume the person might be rushing to an emergency? Do we plan for tasks or often leave things to the last minute?

                  Personality can be thought of as a collection of these tendencies, and psychologists have condensed these patterns into five broad traits known as the Big Five: neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness. These traits summarize much of human behavior, and we all fall somewhere along each continuum; however, it's important to note that personality differs from our preferences, values, or sense of humor. It's not about what we like or dislike but how we consistently respond to life's challenges and interactions. So, when we talk about changing our personality, we're not altering who we are at our core. Instead, we're learning to approach life's situations with different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Can We Really Change Our Personality?

                  The exciting news is that personality is not static. Research shows that we change how we think, feel, and behave all the time—often without even noticing it. While we might assume that becoming more reliable, empathetic, or less anxious would take years of effort, studies suggest we can see significant personality shifts in just a few months with intentional change.

                  Take conscientiousness as an example. If someone who usually procrastinates starts viewing punctuality as a sign of respect and begins setting reminders or alarms, those small changes will add up over time. They might become more reliable without realizing it. By maintaining these new thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over time, we embody the traits we aspire to develop, essentially reshaping our personality.

                  Data supports this idea. As we age, we tend to experience fewer negative emotions, become more conscientious, and prioritize positive relationships. But even though personality naturally shifts over time, it doesn't mean we're powerless to influence the process. Studies, including research conducted by personality change experts, show that targeted interventions can accelerate these changes. We can see meaningful change in less than 20 weeks with focused effort—far faster than waiting decades for life to shape us.

How to Cultivate Traits That Serve Us Best

                  The good news is that we don't need to rely on therapy to make these changes, though therapy can certainly help. Simple cognitive-behavioral techniques can effectively nudge our personality in the direction we want it to go.

1. Change Our Thinking Patterns
    The first step is becoming aware of the thoughts holding us back. If we believe that "people are only looking out for themselves," we'll likely behave defensively, expecting others to betray or ignore us. This belief will then influence how others treat us, confirming our negative view. To break this cycle, we can start by challenging those thoughts—perhaps by assuming that people might genuinely want to help us—and see if this shifts our behavior and how others respond.

2. Experiment with New Behaviors
    Once we know our thought patterns, we can start experimenting with new actions. If we typically avoid asking for help because we assume others won't care, we could try sharing a concern with a coworker or friend and see how they respond. As we engage in different behaviors, we might be surprised by the positive outcomes that challenge our old assumptions.

                  These strategies are powerful because personality is, at its core, a reflection of how we think, feel, and behave. By intentionally changing those patterns, we create new habits that, over time, reshape our personality.

The Potential for Intentional Change

                  For some of us, the idea of a fixed personality may give us a sense of safety, while others may experience a sense of relief; either way, modern psychological research offers the perspective that if we want, we can change it. While our core sense of self remains intact, how we navigate the world—how we think, feel, and act—can evolve. By using cognitive-behavioral techniques and making intentional shifts in our thinking and behavior, we can develop the traits that help us thrive in the lives we want. Rather than being confined to the personality we've always had, we can reorganize into a personality that aligns with our goals, values, and aspirations. With consistent effort, change is within reach.

Book with Author Ari Leal, Therapist: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AriLeal

Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns with the Briggs-Myers Personality Types

Introduction

         Imagine this: You’re in your late 30s, standing at a crossroads, feeling and holding space for excitement and uncertainty. You’ve been walking a familiar path, but now you’re questioning if it’s truly the right one. That was me not too long ago. I felt a powerful urge to realign my work with my true purpose. Amidst the swirling thoughts and emotions, I discovered the magic of the Briggs-Myers personality types. This tool became one of my guiding lights through the fog of career change. But the adventure didn’t stop there – these personality insights also breathed new life into my relationships and how I move through the world! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of personality types and see how they can help us navigate career shifts and deepen our connections with the people around us.

The Theory Behind Personality Types: Jung’s Influence

         Let’s take a quick trip back in time to the roaring 1920s. Enter Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist who changed how we think about personalities. Jung’s theory proposed that people have inherent preferences in perceiving the world and making decisions. These preferences fall into categories like introversion vs. extroversion and thinking vs. feeling, among others. Fast forward to World War II, when Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers took Jung’s ideas and turned them into the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI); they aimed to help folks find careers that suited their true selves. Talk about a mother-daughter power duo!

The 16 Personality Types

         Now, let’s break down the MBTI’s 16 personality types. Each type is a unique mix of four dichotomies: Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E), Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N), Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F), and Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P). Each type has its quirks and strengths, making the world wonderfully diverse. (See link below for full assessment and type)

How MBTI Can Help with Career Changes

         Understanding your MBTI type can be incredibly beneficial when navigating career changes. Here are a few ways the system can assist:

 •   Self-awareness: Understanding your type gives you a crystal-clear view of your strengths and weaknesses. This self-knowledge is golden when you’re figuring out your next career move.
 •   Career Alignment: Some types naturally fit specific careers. ENFJs, for example, are often fantastic teachers and counselors, while ISTPs might thrive in hands-on, technical roles.
 •   Decision-Making: By knowing how you process information and make decisions, you can choose a career path that feels just right.
 •   Improved Communication: Being aware of your type helps you communicate better with your new boss and colleagues, easing the transition.

Enhancing Personal Relationships with Personality Types

But wait, there’s more! MBTI isn’t just for career stuff – it’s also a game-changer for your personal life.

 •   Better Understanding of Others: Knowing the types of your friends, family, and colleagues can help you understand why they do what they do. It’s like having a cheat sheet for harmonious relationships.
 •   Enhanced Team Dynamics: Understanding your team’s types can lead to better collaboration and productivity at work. Imagine everyone playing to their strengths!
 •   Improved Conflict Resolution: Personality insights can help you address issues with empathy and understanding when conflicts arise. Knowing if someone prefers direct communication or values harmony can make all the difference.
 •   Strengthening Personal Connections: Understanding personality types can deepen your bonds with loved ones. Appreciate their unique traits and watch your relationships blossom.

Jungian Roots and Practical Applications

         Here’s where it gets even cooler. The MBTI is like Jungian psychology’s fun, approachable cousin. Jung believed in understanding our deeper selves, balancing different parts of our psyche, and connecting with universal archetypes. The MBTI helps make these lofty ideas accessible and practical.

 •   Individuation Process: Jung talked about individuation – becoming the person you were always meant to be. Understanding your MBTI type is a step on this journey of self-discovery.
 •   Archetypes and Collective Unconscious: Jung’s archetypes are universal symbols. Your MBTI type can reveal which archetypes resonate with you, offering deeper self-insight.
 •   Therapeutic Application: Knowing a client’s MBTI type can tailor interventions to their personality, making the therapeutic process more effective and personalized.

Using Briggs-Myers in My Practice

         In my practice, I use the Briggs-Myers personality type as one of many tools, concepts, theories, and frameworks to help my clients navigate career changes and relationships. By understanding their personality types, my clients gain clarity on their strengths and preferences, which aids in career decisions and enhances their interactions with others.

MBTI in Popular Culture

         If you think the MBTI is just for career coaches and therapists, think again! A quick web search for personality types will yield hundreds of results, including fun and interesting articles. Ever wondered how to plan your wedding based on your personality type? Or maybe how does your running style align with your MBTI profile? And for the Harry Potter fans out there, there’s plenty of content on how your Hogwarts house matches your personality type. The MBTI has woven its way into popular culture, making it a serious tool for self-discovery and a playful way to explore different aspects of your life.

Conclusion

The Briggs-Myers personality types are like a Swiss Army knife for life – versatile and incredibly useful. Understanding your MBTI type can provide valuable insights, whether navigating a career change or looking to improve your relationships. Embrace your personality type and let it guide you to a more fulfilling, harmonious life. And don’t forget to have fun with it along the way – you never know what new aspects of yourself you might discover!

Find your type

For a full descriptions of the personality types and the assessment, visit: www.16personalities.com

References

Jung, C. G. (1921). Psychological Types. Zurich: Rascher Verlag. (Translated by H.G. Baynes in 1923).

By Ari Leal, Therapist

Book with Ari here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AriLeal