Aging and changing for the better….

Does our personality change with age? As some of you know from previous post, I have been taking Psychology classes. Well, one of my new classes for the semester is Personality Psychology. I got out my book and read chapter one this week and it had me thinking. I had taken a personality test years ago and was not surprised by anything and very unimpressed. I read through the descriptions and found myself questioning my true desires and wanting to be very authentic. Is it because I have more time to think? Do I have more wisdom? Not sure. I know that I have changed in some of my ways and thought it was interesting. We have all heard of the big five personality traits, but I want to review. Here is what I pulled from my textbook and google.

It is important to note that each of the five personality factors represents a range between two extremes. For example, extraversion represents a continuum between extreme extraversion and extreme introversion. In the real world, most people lie somewhere in between the two polar ends of each dimension. I have always considered my extraversion. I get my energy being around others. However, I very much enjoy my “me time”, usually in the morning, with my coffee. I use this time to think. I read through these descriptions and found that I am all over the board! Is it because I am older and wiser? Have a got off that fast track of life and had time to think? Again, not really sure.

These are the five categories of personalities descriptions. High marks explain where there is strength and low is considered weak.

Openness

This trait features characteristics such as imagination and insight. People who are high in this trait also tend to have a broad range of interests. They are curious about the world and other people and eager to learn new things and enjoy new experiences. They tend to be more adventurous and creative. People low in this trait are often much more traditional and may struggle with abstract thinking. I can see me fitting in this category.

High marks: Very creative, open to trying new things, focused on tackling new challenges, happy to think about abstract concepts. I find myself here now more than ever. I want to try new things more than I ever thought and willing to have new challenges!

Low marks: Dislikes change, does not enjoy new things, resists new ideas, not very imaginative, dislikes abstract or theoretical concepts.

Conscientiousness

Standard features of this dimension include high levels of thoughtfulness, good impulse control, and goal-directed behaviors. Highly conscientious people tend to be organized and mindful of details. They plan ahead, think about how their behavior affects others, and are mindful of deadlines. This is Louis. Very detailed and conscience. Louis is a one project person. Remember he does not multitask🤷‍♂️.

High marks: Spends time preparing, finishes important tasks right away, pays attention to detail, enjoys having a set schedule. Louis all the way! If we leave the house for more than a day, it takes Louis about fifteen or twenty minutes to check everything.

Low marks: Dislikes structure and schedules, makes messes and doesn't take care of things, fails to return things or put them back where they belong, procrastinates important tasks, fails to complete necessary or assigned tasks.

Extraversion

Extraversion (or extroversion) is characterized by excitability, sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness, and high amounts of emotional expressiveness. People who are high in extraversion are outgoing and tend to gain energy in social situations. Being around other people helps them feel energized and excited. Okay, I am still here. People who are low in extraversion (or introverted) tend to be more reserved and have less energy to expend in social settings. Social events can feel draining, and introverts often require a period of solitude and quiet in order to "recharge." I believe this is true for me. If I have been around lots of people for I while, I tend to want some quite time to recharge. I might want to find someone to visit with on a one-to-one basis.

High marks: Enjoys being the center of attention, likes to start conversations, enjoys meeting new people, has a wide social circle of friends and acquaintances, finds it easy to make new friends, feels energized when around other people, say things before thinking about them.

Low marks: Prefers solitude, Feels exhausted when having to socialize a lot, finds it difficult to start conversations, dislikes making small talk, carefully thinks things through before speaking, dislikes being the center of attention.

Agreeableness

This personality dimension includes attributes such as trust, altruism, kindness, affection, and other prosocial behaviors. People who are high in agreeableness tend to be more cooperative while those low in this trait tend to be more competitive and sometimes even manipulative.

High marks: Has a great deal of interest in other people, cares about others, feels empathy and concern for other people, enjoys helping and contributing to the happiness of other people, assists others who are in need of help.

Low marks: Takes little interest in others, doesn't care about how other people feel, has little interest in other people's problems, insults and belittles others, manipulates others to get what they want.

Neuroticism

Neuroticism is a trait characterized by sadness, moodiness, and emotional instability.1 Individuals who are high in this trait tend to experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and sadness. Those low in this trait tend to be more stable and emotionally resilient. I have not known very many people that are neurotic. I might go into a few experiences feeling this way but are able to get over very quickly. I have deep compassion for those who cannot. It is a real struggle.

High: Experiences a lot of stress, worries about many different things, gets upset easily, experiences dramatic shifts in mood, feels anxious, struggles to bounce back after stressful events

Low marks: Emotionally stable, deals well with stress, rarely feels sad or depressed, doesn't worry much, is very relaxed

Some find it helpful to use the acronym OCEAN (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) when trying to remember the big five traits. CANOE (for conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extraversion) is another commonly used acronym.

So, why am I pondering on my personality? I find it fascinating how we age and change our minds on what feels good, who we want to be and what we begin to enjoy or not. I believe we become more comfortable with ourselves and not worrying so much about what others think. I am going to say it again, it is not our age, it is all in our attitude. If you are on one side of the spectrum, does not mean you have to stay there. It is all in our mindset. We get to decide who and what we want to be and yes that is at any age.

I enjoy planning things for my father and in-laws. All in their eighties and I want them to keep experiencing life. Keep moving. Keep doing. I love the fact that Myrna (MIL) still buys clothes, puts on her make-up, and fixes her hair. I hope to be doing the same. Now, if she had never worn make-up, it would be silly for her to start now. UNLESS, she wanted to try something new. I don’t think I am going to get dad to try sushi but do plan on taking him to eat Chinese food. He always rolls his eyes when I say “try it, you might like it”.

So, today, go about your life and think about your personality type and where you sit on the scale. No need to take a test, you know where you fit. Then, if you are unhappy with or not pleased, change it! You can put your mind to it and start practicing being your future self.

Have a blast today! Do something different! I appreciate all of you!