A reading club with a view to the future

021 Benjamin Hardy: Personality Isn’t Permanent

Personality is not a fixed trait, but rather a dynamic and evolving characteristic that can be shaped by intentional efforts.

Benjamin Hardy: Personality Isn't Permanent

Summary

Drawing on the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, author Benjamin Hardy argues that personality is not predetermined, but rather a product of the environment and experiences. He suggests that we have the power to intentionally shape our personality by creating new experiences, developing new habits, and embracing new identities. Through practical strategies and real-life examples, he provides a roadmap for transforming oneself and achieving personal growth.

About

Title: Personality Isn't Permanent

Author: Benjamin Hardy

Publishing Year: 2020

Publisher: Portfolio

Length in hours: 7 hours and 16 minutes

5 main ideas

  1. Personality is not fixed and can be intentionally shaped.
  2. Our environment and experiences have a significant impact on our personality.
  3. Embracing a growth mindset and cultivating new experiences can help reshape our personality.
  4. Creating new habits and breaking old ones can facilitate personal growth.
  5. Changing our identity and adopting new narratives can lead to transformative change.
Benjamin Hardy: Personality Isn't Permanent

5 funny quotes

  1. "The question isn't who are you, but rather who do you want to be?"
  2. "Personality tests are like horoscopes with statistics."
  3. "Your past is not your potential."
  4. "There are no born CEOs, only made ones."
  5. "You can't change your past, but you can change your story."

5 thought-provoking quotes​

  1. "You are not who you are; you are who you think you are."
  2. "The most profound truth in psychology is that the self is highly malleable."
  3. "Personality is the story we tell ourselves about ourselves."
  4. "We don't change by knowing; we change by doing."
  5. "Identity change is the most powerful force in personal transformation."

5 dilemmas

  1. How much of our personality is predetermined and how much is shaped by our experiences?
  2. Can we really change who we are, or are we stuck with the personality traits we were born with?
  3. Is it possible to completely reinvent oneself, or are there limitations to personal transformation?
  4. How do we balance authenticity with personal growth and change?
  5. Is there a danger in becoming too fixated on personal growth and neglecting the present moment?

5 examples

  1. Michael Jordan's decision to retire from basketball and pursue baseball as a way to challenge himself and grow personally.
  2. Oprah Winfrey's transformation from an abused child to a successful media mogul by redefining her identity and narrative.
  3. Walt Disney's lifelong pursuit of self-improvement and experimentation to create new and innovative experiences.
  4. Stephen King's journey from an unknown writer to a bestselling author by embracing a growth mindset and persevering through rejection.
  5. Elon Musk's pursuit of personal transformation through setting audacious goals and pushing his limits.

Referenced books

  1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
  2. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
  3. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle

Share a quote

"Personality is the story we tell ourselves about ourselves."

Benjamin Hardy: Personality Isn't Permanent
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