Can Personality Traits Change?

One of the most common questions about personality is whether our traits can truly change. The answer is both yes and no—it depends on which traits we're talking about and how we approach change. Understanding the difference between fixed and growth traits can transform how you think about personal development.

What Are Fixed Traits?

Fixed traits are personality characteristics that remain relatively stable throughout your adult life. These traits are deeply rooted in your biology and early life experiences, making them resistant to change. However, fixed does not mean completely unchangeable—it means they change slowly and require significant effort to modify.

Examples of more fixed traits include your basic temperament, core introversion or extraversion tendencies, and your fundamental emotional patterns. If you're naturally introverted, you're unlikely to become a highly extraverted person, though you can certainly develop better social skills.

What Are Growth Traits?

Growth traits are characteristics that can be developed and strengthened through conscious effort, practice, and experience. These traits are more malleable and responsive to environmental influences and personal choices.

Examples of growth traits include confidence, emotional regulation skills, communication abilities, and specific competencies like leadership or creativity. While you might have natural tendencies in these areas, you can significantly improve them through deliberate practice.

Role of Environment and Experience

Your environment plays a crucial role in shaping which traits develop and how they express themselves. Major life experiences, relationships, career challenges, and even therapy can influence trait development. The key is understanding that while you can't completely remake your personality, you have more control than you might think.

The Growth Mindset in Personality

Adopting a growth mindset about personality means believing that you can develop your traits through effort and learning. This mindset itself becomes a powerful tool for change, as it encourages you to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than fixed limitations.

Practical Tips for Developing Traits

Ready to work on developing your traits? Here are evidence-based strategies that can help you strengthen the characteristics you want to improve:

• Start with small, consistent actions rather than dramatic changes
• Focus on one trait at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself
• Practice new behaviors in low-stakes situations first
• Seek feedback from trusted friends and mentors
• Be patient—trait development takes months or years, not days

Final Thoughts

The question is not whether personality can change, but how much control you have over that change. While some aspects of your personality are relatively fixed, many traits can be developed and refined throughout your life. The key is understanding which traits are more malleable and approaching change with realistic expectations and effective strategies.