One of the most common questions in self-development is whether personality can truly change, especially when unmasking or working to align with your core values. Many people believe that personality is fixed for life, but modern psychology shows that while personality is relatively stable, it is not unchangeable.
Understanding the Triad of Self™: Temperament, Personality, and Character
Personality refers to your unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving-how you interact with the world and how others perceive you2.
Character is about your core values, morals, and beliefs-your internal compass that guides your decisions and actions.
Temperament is your inborn emotional wiring-your natural energy, sensitivity, and reactivity, which provide the foundation for both your personality and how you experience the world.
Masking: When Personality Isn’t the Real You
Masking happens when you hide or suppress your true traits, preferences, or feelings to fit in, avoid judgment, or stay safe. This is common for people who have experienced trauma, social pressure, or neurodivergence. When you mask, the personality you show the world may not reflect your authentic self or your natural temperament.
Unmasking: Changing or Discovering Your Personality?
When you begin to unmask, you’re not just changing your personality-you’re discovering it. Unmasking allows your true personality traits to emerge, often revealing aspects of yourself that were hidden by years of adaptation or self-protection. For example, someone who always acted outgoing to fit in might realize they are naturally more introverted and feel more comfortable expressing that side.
Can Personality Traits Change Over Time?
Research shows that personality traits can and do shift throughout life, especially in response to major life events, therapy, self-reflection, and conscious effort. While some core tendencies remain stable-often shaped by temperament-the way you express your personality can evolve, particularly as you become more aligned with your character and stop masking.
- Even mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to help people shift their personality traits in positive ways
- Studies show that traits like conscientiousness and agreeableness often increase with age, while neuroticism, extraversion, and openness may decline or change in other ways.
- Major life events, therapy, and intentional self-development can all lead to meaningful personality change.
Why Alignment Matters
The goal of the Ofi Alignment™ Assessment and Program is to help you:
- Identify where your temperament, character, and personality are misaligned.
- Understand the reasons for this misalignment, such as masking, trauma, or social expectations.
- Support your journey to unmasking and realignment, so your outward actions reflect your true self.
- Empower you to live authentically, increasing your confidence, well-being, and fulfillment.
The Truth: You Can Discover-and Express-Your Authentic Personality
Personality is not set in stone. As you unmask and align with your character and temperament, you may notice your outward behaviors shift to better reflect who you truly are. The process is less about changing who you are and more about discovering and embracing your authentic self.
Ready to discover your true personality and align with your core values?
Start your journey with the Ofi Alignment™ Assessment today!
References:
- Personality changes for the better with age – APA Monitor1
Summary: Large-scale research shows that personality traits like conscientiousness and agreeableness can and do change throughout adulthood, debunking the myth that personality is fixed after childhood or early adulthood. - Can Personality Change? | Psychology Today2
Summary: While personality traits are relatively stable, psychologists have found that they can and do change across the lifespan, especially with intention and environmental influence. - Can people choose to change their personality traits? – PubMed4
Summary: Research suggests that people can intentionally change their self-reported personality traits through goal-setting and behavioral interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is personality really changeable, or is it fixed for life?
A: Personality is relatively stable, but research shows it can and does change over time-especially through self-reflection, intentional effort, major life events, and personal growth
Q: Does unmasking mean I’m changing my personality?
A: Unmasking is more about discovering and expressing your authentic personality, rather than changing who you are. It’s the process of letting your true traits and preferences come forward, rather than hiding them.
Q: What causes personality to change?
A: Personality can shift due to life experiences, therapy, trauma, healing, conscious self-development, and changes in environment or relationships.
Q: Can I use the Ofi Alignment™ Assessment to help change my personality?
A: The Ofi Alignment™ Assessment is designed to help you identify areas of misalignment between your temperament, character, and personality, and guide you in expressing your authentic self-supporting positive personality growth and alignment.
Q: How long does it take to see changes in personality?
A: Personality change is a gradual process. Small shifts can happen quickly, but lasting change often takes time, self-awareness, and consistent effort.