Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change - Softcover

Jarrett, Christian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472141032 ISBN 13: 9781472141033

Publisher: Robinson, 2021

Synopsis

Winner of the 2022 Book Prize from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology

Today, more than ever, we are aware of the power of personality. Are we introverts, extroverts, neurotic, open-minded? Psychology has always taught that there are personality types, some advantageous, some often seen as less so, and the common perception is that we''re stuck with what we''re given. The introvert will never break out of their shell, the narcissist will be forever trapped gazing into the mirror (or endlessly tweeting about perceived attacks on their brilliance).

Be Who You Want argues that contrary to the old adage, not only can the leopard change his spots, he can swap them for stripes, and that he can do so to his own advantage. In psychological terms, although our initial personality type is moulded by a combination of genetic influences and early experiences, it is not fixed. It''s malleable, voluntary even. This book will tell the story of how our personalities are formed and gives us the tools to shape them in the ways which we desire and which will benefit us most. Drawing on the latest psychological theories and methods, interviews with leading experts, as well as personal anecdote, Christian Jarrett shows us that we can shape ourselves in ways that make our lives better.

The book provides evidence-based ways to change each of the main five personality traits, including how to become more emotionally stable, extrovert and open-minded. It also delves into the upsides of the so-called Dark Triad of personality traits - narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy - and how we might exploit their advantages without ourselves going over to the dark side.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Christian Jarrett is deputy editor of Psyche, a new digital magazine covering psychology, mental health, philosophy and more, from the founders of Aeon. He is the author of several critically acclaimed books including The Rough Guide to Psychology and Great Myths of the Brain, and he was editor and lead contributor for the bestselling 30-Second Psychology. His books have been translated into many languages. He was the founding editor of the British Psychological Society's award-winning and internationally renowned Research Digest blog and newsletter. His award-winning writing has also appeared in BBC Future, BBC Focus, New York Magazine, WIRED, Slate, The Guardian, Time, The Times, New Scientist, Psychology Today, Womankind and many other outlets. Christian gives regular talks to the public on psychology and neuroscience and he makes regular appearances on international radio, including BBC Radio 4's All in the Mind and NPR radio in the US.

From the Back Cover

What if you could exploit the plasticity of personality to change yourself in specific ways?

Would you choose to become less neurotic? More self-disciplined? Less shy? Until now, a common belief is that we're stuck with what we've been given: the leopard can't change its spots, the introvert will forever hide in shadows, and the narcissist will forever tweet about his brilliance. In Be Who You Want, Dr Christian Jarrett takes readers on a thrilling journey as he explains not only how to anticipate the ways that life events leave their mark, but that we can deliberately shape our personalities to influence the course of our lives.

Dr Jarrett draws on the latest research to provide evidence-based ways to change each of the main five personality traits, including how to become more emotionally stable, extraverted and open-minded. He features compelling stories of people who have achieved profound personality change such as a gang leader turned youth role model, a drug addict turned ultra-runner, and a cripplingly shy teenager turned Hollywood megastar. He also delves into the so-called Dark Triad of personality traits - narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy - and how we might exploit their advantages without ourselves going over to the dark side.

But you don't have to make such dramatic changes to your traits in order to enjoy meaningful benefits in your life. Even modest changes can pay dividends and set up an accumulating cascade of real-life consequences.

Filled with quizzes and interactive exercises to help you better understand the various aspects of your personality, your life story and your passions, Be Who You Want will appeal to anyone who has ever felt constrained by how they've been characterised and wants to pursue lasting change.

Dr Christian Jarrett is Deputy Editor of Psyche, a new digital magazine that illuminates the human condition, from the founders of Aeon. He is an award-winning science writer, the author of several critically acclaimed books including The Rough Guide to Psychology and Great Myths of the Brain, and he was editor and lead contributor for the bestselling 30-Second Psychology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Robinson
• Publication date: 2021
• ISBN 10: 1472141032
• ISBN 13: 9781472141033
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304