Books Me, But Better The Science and Promise of Personality Change By Olga Khazan

"Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change" by Olga Khazan is a blend of memoir and science that explores whether a person can intentionally change their personality traits. Khazan, an award-winning journalist, embarks on a year-long experiment to change her neurotic, introverted, and disagreeable traits by deliberately practicing behaviors associated with traits she aspires to, such as extroversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability. The book explains that personality traits are malleable and can be altered through sustained effort, often involving discomfort and acting against one's natural inclinations. Khazan engages in activities like meditation, improv, and sailing to push herself beyond her comfort zone, discovering that "faking it until you make it" can lead to meaningful improvements in happiness and relationships. While large-scale personality overhauls are challenging, small but noticeable changes are realistic and valuable.