Throughout life our bodies change. In youth, the changes lead to increased strength and development. With aging, the changes often lead to decreased strength. Granted, to some degree, the health and development of our bodies are influenced by genetics. But they are also influenced by accidents, illnesses, and nutrition. Currently there is a widespread and growing cultural awareness of the influence of exercise. Exercise is used to increase bodily well-being and to restructure parts of the body.
There is less awareness that personality structure and restructuring may involve a similar cycle. Some personality traits seem to be genetically determined. Yet it is also clear that personality can be changed through traumatic experiences or training or the daily conditioning that people experience in their homes, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.
One of the purposes of this program is to show how personality can also change when people decide for themselves that they want to be different. Instead of being fearful and withdrawn, a person may decide to be courageous and outgoing. Instead of acting like a loser, a person may decide to become a winner. Instead of expressing rage and anger in destructive ways, a person may convert energy into channels that lead to success. Instead of feeling inadequate or stupid, a person may change this self-image and build a personality grounded in higher self-esteem.
The process is a little like bodybuilding. First, you determine the weaknesses, and then establish the goal. Apian of action comes next. As the plan is implemented, you continually evaluate results so that necessary adjustments can be made as you go. Evaluation of bodybuilding includes testing of muscles. Evaluation of personality change is more subtle and subjective, but a sense of expanded awareness and greater satisfaction often points to positive personality change.
When people experience positive new changes, they get excited and want more. Then the process of personal growth becomes as important as the outcome. All of life is a change process. Self-reparenting, the art of learning how to be a good parent to yourself, facilitates positive change.
Richard | RichardShelmerdine.com
Great post loved it. We all change and resistance to it stops us being happy. Full acceptance allows us to be joyous no matter the circumstances.
February 2, 2010 at 2:22 am
Eduard @ Ideas With A Kick
I like it. I think that as long as we enjoy the process of change in itself, not just the end result, this will amplify the positive results.
February 2, 2010 at 5:15 am
Dave @ 30 Days at a Time
Great insight.
It’s easy to ignore the potential to change personality because it is so intangible and unmeasurable. People think “that’s just the way I am,” instead of creating the life they want.
February 2, 2010 at 5:24 am
Martyna Bizdra
What comes to my mind is a nice sentence I heard some time ago:
“we think all the time, so we might as well choose to think BIG! ”
and it happens when you have great role-models for example, so you gain the sense of relative motion
February 2, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Gennadiy
. Hi. Read post in each category, and I liked the resource put a link to your friends
February 5, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Roseanna Leaton
It is amazing how much we can change. When we have to change we do so – we have no choice. When we want to change (and have a choice) the thing which most often causes a barrier is fear. Once that fear is overcome, you can be and do anything.
February 7, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Paul Anderson
Nice post..of course changes plays a vital role in our life..
We need to mind the categories of change. Of course the negative change always leads you to the pit. Think positive, change positively and get positive results!!
Try some applications for personal development and motivation
http://www.itunes.com/apps/pocketcoach
February 8, 2010 at 5:52 am
Paul
A lot of change has to do with recognizing that change is needed… the process of going from unconscious incompetence to conscious incompetence. Then making that change an intrinsic part of ourselves through self work… conscious incompetence to conscious competence. Ultimately leading to unconscious competence.
February 10, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Michelle I Taming Time
I have noticed this to be true in my life. I have changed a lot since I was younger, and I notice in people I haven’t seen for a while that they have changed. What is disturbing (to me at least!) is the people that don’t change!
February 14, 2010 at 6:36 am
Griff
Great post. I think youre right about change and happiness being directly related. Keep up the good work!
February 16, 2010 at 1:45 pm