Will people change? The truth about personality over time

Have you ever wondered if people would really change? After attending a 40 year high school reunion, I looked back on this question. As a psychologist, I have been studying human behavior for many years, and what I witnessed that night was surprising and positive.

Some classmates were instantly recognizable. humorAnd I felt that the overall atmosphere was still the same. But others were transforming in ways I didn’t expect. Some people have become mellow, while others have grown more openly. Some people were aging, reflecting years of experience. wisdomothers seemed frozen. So will people really change, or do our basic personality remain stable?

The science of personality stability

How much has psychologists been debating for so long personality It shifts over time. Research suggests that people can grow and evolve, but their core traits remain relatively stable. Big Five Personality traits –Openness, conscience, Extraversion, Agreeand Neuropathy– Be consistent throughout adulthood.

At my reunion I saw this played in real life. The clowns of class were still cracking natural jokes leader instruction Noteand the quiet observer preferred listening. Still, there was something different beneath these familiar features. Resilienceand in some cases, a whole new perspective on life. Some people were worried about high school Confidence. Others who once seemed carefree were shaped by the trials of life.

So, if we change, how will it happen?

Our basic temperament may not change dramatically, but true transformation is possible, but by chance it does not happen. People who make significant personal changes often share these three characteristics.

1. We experience a critical moment

Major Life Events –Parent-child relationshipillness, loss, Career Shift – can cause deep self-reflection. An old, unrelated friend may take responsibility after a crisis. Or, after traveling the world, strict thinkers may become more open-minded. Difficulty and success act as catalysts for growth.

2. Choose growth over comfort

The real change is intentional. Evolving people don’t just make life happen to them. They are actively seeking self-improvement. They’re going Treatmentread, reflect, and challenge. It’s not just aging that changes. It’s about effort. Small and consistent choices over time lead to deeper changes.

3. We surround ourselves with the right influence

A company that maintains who we become. Growth-oriented environments drive change, but toxic or stagnant relationships keep us crammed into old patterns. Truly transformers often trust important mentors, friends, or challenging relationships for their evolution. Supportive communities and new perspectives can accelerate personal growth.

Conclusion

If my high school reunion taught me anything, it means that the character is not set in stone, but that remains for no reason. Growth occurs when you embrace challenges and evolve by making conscious choices. If you want to change, time alone won’t do it. You need to decide to make it happen.