For decades, most of us grew up believing personality was fixed—set in stone by genetics and childhood experiences. Introvert or extrovert, optimistic or cautious, we were told, “That’s just who you are.” But modern research—and the Age Brilliantly mindset—proves otherwise. If you plan to live to 100, not only can your life circumstances change, you can intentionally change yourself too.

The question isn’t “Can people change?” but rather “How do I want to change to create a more fulfilling life?”

Personality Is Not Permanent

Recent research from personality psychology, including insights highlighted inGreater Good Science Center and the book Me, But Better, reveals that personality traits shift naturally over time—and with conscious effort, they can shift dramatically. Traits like openness, conscientiousness, or extraversion aren’t fixed; they respond to life events, deliberate practice, and the environments we choose.

This is a powerful realization for anyone designing a 100-year life. If your first 40 years were spent cautious and risk-averse, your next 40 can be adventurous and curious—if you choose to cultivate those qualities.

Why Change Your Personality?

Intentional personality change isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself for your next chapter. As life stages shift—career pivots, parenting, retirement, or caregiving—different traits serve us better. Developing patience, openness, or resilience can make transitions smoother and enhance well-being across all 8 Life Essentials: health, finances, relationships, purpose, passion, learning, time mastery, and legacy.

For example:

• Building more openness might help you explore new passions or learn new skills later in life.
• Cultivating conscientiousness could improve financial habits or health routines.
• Growing agreeableness may strengthen relationships and deepen social connections.

How to Intentionally Change Traits

Research suggests three key steps for personality change:

1. Identify the trait you want to change.
 Start by reflecting on where you are and what traits would better serve your goals. Tools like personality assessments (Big Five, VIA Character Strengths) can clarify your baseline.

2. Create habits that reinforce the trait.
 Want to be more extroverted? Practice initiating conversations weekly. Seeking more emotional stability? Incorporate mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques into daily life. Personality shifts happen gradually through repeated behaviors.

3. Surround yourself with reinforcing environments.
 Join communities, workspaces, or volunteer groups that nurture the traits you want to grow. Social feedback and support accelerate change and help new patterns stick.

Personality Change and Fulfillment

Studies show that people who actively shape their personalities often report higher life satisfaction. Why? Because they’re aligning who they are with the life they aspire to live. Over decades, this alignment creates compounding benefits—more meaningful relationships, better health choices, and deeper purpose.

In the Age Brilliantly framework, personality change is a tool for continuous growth. Living to 100 isn’t just about longevity; it’s about evolving into someone who thrives across every chapter of life.

A Mindset of Possibility

The old belief that “people never change” is outdated and limiting. We all have the ability to become “me, but better.” Whether you want to be more curious, kinder, more confident, or more adventurous, you can intentionally develop these traits at any age. The key is deciding who you want to become—and taking daily steps toward it.

If you could change one personality trait to enrich your next decade, what would it be? Have you already evolved in ways that surprised you? Join the conversation in the Age Brilliantly Forum and explore how intentional change can shape a more fulfilling 100-year life.