The science-backed guide to transforming your personality

While our personalities remain stable throughout our lives, they also remain at least somewhat malleable, says a new review that describes how to successfully make changes to who we are.

Study links 16:8 intermittent fasting diet to higher risk of heart disease Have you ever wished you could change aspects of your personality? A new review published in Nature Reviews Psychology suggests that it's possible, and it all comes down to four key factors: preconditions, triggers, reinforcers, and integrators. By understanding and applying these elements, you can set yourself up for success on your journey of self-transformation. As psychologist Dr. Carl Nassar explains, "You'll have to first do the work of identifying the parts of your personality you'd like to change and then take the time to uncover preconditions, triggers, reinforcers, and integrators that will truly support this change." One crucial insight from the review is the importance of "faking it 'till you make it." By acting in ways that align with your desired personality — even if it feels uncomfortable at first — you can gradually internalize these new behaviors and make them an integral part of who you are. Another key factor is self-motivation. When your desire for change comes from within, you'll be more likely to maintain the conscious will needed to see the process through. The path to personality change may not be easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it's a journey that may lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. To learn more about the science of personality change and how you can harness its power, jump to "How can personalities change? Review finds 4 key mechanisms." Also making headlines this week: The eye's microbiome The keto diet and delayed loss of memory How reused frying oil affects the brain The link between dietary fiber and inflammatory bowel disease We'll return with our regular daily newsletter tomorrow. We love to hear from you, so please get in touch by email if you have any feedback, comments, or questions about this week's Sunday Supplement. Stay informed and stay healthy! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today In case you missed it How dry eye affects the eye's microbiome   Scientists have discovered that people with dry eye disease have different bacteria species that make up their eye microbiomes compared to people with healthy eyes, which could help improve treatment. Read on   Sugar substitutes aid weight loss without raising heart disease, diabetes risk   A new study suggests low or no-calorie sweeteners may aid weight loss without raising the risk of diabetes or heart disease. Read on   Alzheimer's drug may help prevent weight gain, bone loss during menopause   Scientists have found that a drug currently being studied to treat neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's may also help with preventing menopause-related bone loss and weight gain. Read on   A sedentary lifestyle may alter cholesterol levels and affect insulin function, bone mass   Researchers say a sedentary lifestyle, especially in older age, can alter lipids known as cholesteryl esters. This can affect insulin function, bone mass, and other health indicators. Read on   Keto diet may help delay onset of memory loss in Alzheimer's   A ketogenic (keto) diet may help slow the onset of the mild cognitive loss that signals the development of Alzheimer's disease, a new study in mice suggests. Read on   Frequently reusing frying oil may accelerate brain damage   A new study conducted in rats has revealed a link between long-term consumption of reused cooking oil and accelerated neurodegeneration. Read on   Levodopa infusion better than pills at reducing Parkinson's symptoms   In a recent trial, researchers found that administering levodopa by continuous infusion rather than orally was more effective at reducing Parkinson's disease symptoms. Read on   How type 2 diabetes may be linked to Alzheimer's disease risk   Researchers say that developing type 2 diabetes may increase a person's risk of Alzheimer's disease. Inflammation in the body may be a reason. Read on   Heat exposure increases inflammation, raising heart disease risk, study finds   A new study reports heat exposure may harm the immune system and increase inflammation, potentially affecting heart health. Read on   How genetics combined with red meat consumption may raise colorectal cancer risk   Researchers say red meat raises colorectal cancer risk for people with a genetic predisposition. Read on   How sitting affects the health of older adults and what they can do to become more active   A new program at Kaiser Permanente helps older adults reduce the amount of time they sit each day, which helps lower their blood pressure. Read on   Lack of fiber may be a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease   The amount of fiber in one's diet may explain the link between gut microbes and the mucus lining of the digestive system, and why some people develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Read on   MORE HEALTH NEWS

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