How Do Your Personality Traits Affect Your Life?
Everyone knows, or at least can imagine, that our personality affects how we face obstacles, treat others, or celebrate the goals we achieve. But what few people know is that their personality is a series of immutable or permanent personality traits that define us all. It is true that there is an important genetic inheritance in our personality, but that does not mean that we can not shape it in many ways.
All our personality traits make us different, unique and special. But when these same traits act as obstacles to getting a job, keeping a relationship going, or making friends… they lead to challenges. We must try to modify our personality traits so that they can begin to work in our favor .
Our personalities influence us, but they cannot determine our destiny
One of the best tools we have to change our personality is self-awareness. By being aware of both limitations and strengths, it is easier to achieve good results in our personal and professional lives. Therefore, we can work more intensely with the abilities we have problems with. And we can strengthen others, who will give us an advantage.
But the turning point comes when you come to the conclusion that “people never change”. Yes and no. We all have natural, innate tendencies when it comes to how we behave on a daily basis. A child who is either shy or outgoing will probably become an adult who is either shy or outgoing. This is called t emperament. Take a look at this interesting documentary that explains a lot about the connection between genetics and personality (English).
Your temperament and character make up your personality
Nevertheless, culture, experiences and our surroundings will modulate our temperament. It will do this by constructing and reconstructing what we call our character. It is these two aspects that make up our personality.
Therefore, the statement “people never change” is partly true. It is true in the sense that we are all more comfortable in one type of setting and more uncomfortable in others. This is due to our personality. But the capacity to optimally adapt to each of these situations without ceasing to be “itself” can be modulated.
How can you modulate your personality traits?
How? Achieving this “chameleon trait” is not as easy or difficult for everyone. This is why it is easier for some people to throw themselves into new things and enjoy them, while the same task can become a life journey for others. Herein lies the importance of self-awareness, it will tell you how to get the most out of your abilities without suffering unnecessarily due to your limitations.
A simple exercise you can perform to gain this self-insight, in general forms, is to answer the following questions. What do you like? What is good for you? What you like and are good at is no problem. The difficult part comes with the things you do not like or that represent obstacles but which are still good for you, as you may miss a chance or achieve something beneficial.
On the other hand, there are activities or challenges that you enjoy or that are easier or more accessible to you, but which are not good for you if they become a habit. These activities tend to be called “loads” and can have a positive effect when enjoyed occasionally. But when this load, for example, leads to a romantic relationship that we cling to despite the damage it causes, we have a problem.
How to achieve results…
Now we have a starting point. How can you get closer to the things that are good for you and stay away from the things that hurt you? At this point, you need to identify why it is difficult for you to approach certain activities, people and even objects that are beneficial to you. Shyness? Lack of communication skills? Pride? And what prevents you from getting rid of the things that hurt you? Fear? Insecurity? Conformity?
After taking a few steps towards a new and more secure you, one that is supported by self-awareness and a strengthened self-esteem, you are ready to take the world by the horns. Pay more attention to your strengths and limitations, more chameleon, and you will be much harder to stop.
