The Weekend University

The Science of Changing Your Personality — Olga Khazan

Feb 12, 2026
Olga Khazan, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better, reports on personality change through research and personal experiments. She discusses letting go of limiting self-narratives. She explores meditation and Buddhist practices to reduce neuroticism. She covers acting outside your comfort zone, social context effects, improv as a practice, and how goals shape trait change.
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ANECDOTE

Ex-Psychopath Still 'Works' To Be Nice

  • Olga interviewed a self-proclaimed ex-psychopath who still works hard daily to suppress selfish impulses.
  • His friends valued his changed behavior even if he felt the change required constant effort.
ADVICE

Repeat Acts To Become Your Identity

  • Repeat new behaviors consistently so they become part of your identity and feel natural over time.
  • Use public commitments (regular volunteer shifts, classes) to anchor identity change.
INSIGHT

Acting Outside Type Can Feel Right

  • Acting outside your stated personality can make you feel happier and more yourself.
  • Introverts who act extroverted briefly often report increased well-being and authenticity.
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