282. Can we change our personality?

psychologyofyour20s

It feels like the personality we have is the one we're stuck with, regardless of how much we wish we were different...but is that really the case? In today's episode we are joined by writer and author Olga Khazan who ran a year long experiment to see how much she could change her personality to be more outgoing, less anxious and hopefully, happier. We discuss: 

  • The root of all personalities
  • What does science say is the best kind of personality
  • When does personality become stable 
  • Is it possible to change? 
  • How could we change our personality? 
  • The results of her experiment then & now + much more

Listen now! 

Olga's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Me-But-Better/Olga-Khazan/9781668012543 

 

PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More description

It feels like the personality we have is the one we're stuck with, regardless of how much we wish we were different...but is that really the case? In today's episode we are joined by writer and author Olga Khazan who ran a year long experiment to see how much she could change her personality to be more outgoing, less anxious and hopefully, happier. We discuss: 

  • The root of all personalities
  • What does science say is the best kind of personality
  • When does personality become stable 
  • Is it possible to change? 
  • How could we change our personality? 
  • The results of her experiment then & now + much more

Listen now! 

Olga's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Me-But-Better/Olga-Khazan/9781668012543 

 

PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-03-11 38 min Transcript
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