You Can Change Your Personality | Nathan Hudson | TEDxKids@SMU

Summary

In this speech, the speaker draws parallels between the movie *The Wizard of Oz* and real-life personality change. Like Dorothy's friends, most people wish to change aspects of themselves, such as becoming more emotionally stable, outgoing, or conscientious. Psychological research shows that small, intentional actions can lead to gradual changes in personality over time. The speaker encourages the audience to 'fake it until you make it' by setting realistic, actionable goals and being persistent. Personality change is achievable, and with consistent effort, anyone can move closer to becoming the person they aspire to be.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Wizard of Oz movie, released in 1939, is still beloved today, showcasing Dorothy's journey with friends who desire personal transformation.
• 😀 Dorothy's friends – the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion – want to change key traits about themselves: intelligence, emotional warmth, and courage.
• 😀 Psychological research suggests that nearly 90% of people desire to change some aspect of their personality, such as emotional stability, extroversion, and conscientiousness.
• 😀 Many people wish to become more emotionally stable, less anxious, and more resilient in the face of challenges, which is the most common trait people want to change.
• 😀 Research shows that small steps can lead to meaningful changes in personality traits over time, such as becoming more extroverted, conscientious, or emotionally stable.
• 😀 The concept of 'fake it until you make it' has scientific backing; small behavioral changes can lead to personality shifts.
• 😀 Setting small, realistic goals for behavior change each week, like being more social or organized, can lead to gradual personality improvement.
• 😀 Studies demonstrate that those who actively commit to behavioral changes tend to experience personality growth, while those who don't tend to stay the same.
• 😀 Small but consistent actions, such as initiating social interactions or keeping a gratitude journal, can help a person align their behaviors with their desired traits.
• 😀 Changing personality is a gradual process, much like physical fitness; persistence and small, consistent efforts lead to the best results over time.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The main theme of the script is about personal growth and the possibility of changing aspects of one's personality. It draws a parallel between the characters from *The Wizard of Oz* and real-life people who want to change traits about themselves.

How does the speaker connect the movie *The Wizard of Oz* to personal change?

The speaker uses the characters from *The Wizard of Oz* as a metaphor for how people wish to change certain traits about themselves. The Scarecrow wants to be more intelligent, the Tin Man desires a heart, and the Cowardly Lion wants courage, which mirrors the way people often wish to change aspects of their own personality.

What personal experience does the speaker share to relate to the script's message?

The speaker shares a story about growing up with a brother who was outgoing and popular, while the speaker was more reserved and studious. This experience highlights how the speaker once wished to be more like their brother and how many people can relate to wanting to change their personality traits.

What does psychological research suggest about people’s desires to change their personality?

Psychological research suggests that nearly 90% of people wish to change something about their personality, whether it’s becoming more emotionally stable, outgoing, or responsible. These desires are common across different age groups.

Can people actually change their personalities according to the research mentioned?

Yes, research indicates that people can make small changes to their personalities over time. For example, people who desire to be more extroverted or emotionally stable can experience gradual improvements in these traits through consistent effort.

What does the phrase 'fake it until you make it' mean in the context of personality change?

'Fake it until you make it' means that by deliberately acting like the person you want to become—through specific, small actions—you can gradually align your behavior with your desired traits, ultimately leading to real personality changes.

How can people set goals to change their personality?

People can set realistic, actionable, and persistent goals to change their personality. Goals should be small, specific, and manageable, such as initiating social interactions if someone wants to become more extroverted or journaling to become more emotionally stable.

Why is persistence important in personality change?

Persistence is crucial because personality change is a slow process that requires consistent effort over time. Just like weight loss, small changes accumulate, and sticking with your goals, even when progress seems slow, is key to achieving lasting results.

What are some examples of actionable steps to change one’s personality?

Examples include inviting a friend to lunch to become more extroverted, showing up early to appointments to become more conscientious, or writing down things you're grateful for each day to become more emotionally stable.

How does the speaker compare personality change to losing weight?

The speaker compares personality change to weight loss by illustrating that both require consistent effort and persistence. Despite setbacks or slow progress, sticking to small, realistic goals leads to eventual improvement, much like how weight loss occurs over time with consistent effort.