I am a student.I study at Wayne community college.I’m taking PSY class and when I saw this topic I really wanted to give my own opinion about it.
People have the incredible capacity to change and evolve throughout their lives. While our core values and personalities may remain relatively constant, we can still develop new skills, perspectives, and habits. Change often begins with self-reflection and a desire for personal growth. By setting goals, seeking new experiences, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can challenge ourselves to become better versions of who we are. It’s important to remember that change takes time and effort, but with dedication and perseverance, we can make significant transformations. Whether it’s breaking bad habits, improving relationships, or pursuing new passions, change is possible. So embrace the journey of self-discovery and embrace the potential for personal growth. You have the power to shape your own destiny.
Thank you for sharing. I couldn’t agree more that self-reflection is the cornerstone of meaningful transformation. Just like a mirror that allows us to see our own image, self-reflection provides a mental picture of our strengths, areas of growth, and most importantly, the potential within us.
You are right about time. Time plays a big role in our journey of change, but it’s that burning passion and genuine want that truly drives us. Without that heartfelt push, time might just pass by, and we might miss those golden opportunities to truly change and grow.
I’m reminded of the quote, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” That ‘will’ comes from an internal acknowledgment of where we currently stand and where we aspire to be. Your emphasis on surrounding ourselves with positive influences is key; our environment often acts as a reinforcing agent, nudging us slightly yet persistently towards our envisioned selves.
I am a Student
Personality traits I feel remains the same. Personally, I feel we are able to change specific behaviors, attitudes, and how we address daily stress. When I was a teenager, I had behavioral and attitude issues. I was court order into residential treatment when I was 12 years old due to my behaviors and anger issues. Therapeutic interventions, structured routine, and therapy saved my life. I learned how to control and address my anger when needed. Which help me learn how to control my behavior. Without proper therapeutic interventions I would have been in prison or dead. I finished residential treatment at 16 years old. Personally, I have changed for the better. Currently I am 38 years old never been in any legal trouble as an adult. I have been working with youths in residential treatment for 4 years now. Helping them find their coping skills, and changing behaviors is very rewarding. I am blessed to give back and understand where they are starting from.
Thank you so much for your post and perspective.
In your work with young people do you find that some of them have a harder time applying coping skills than others? Would you attribute that to their individual human nature?
Are there some youths that are completely unable to control their behavior or can they all improve and attain a functional level of behavioral control with the right amount of help?
I am a student. My answer to this question would be yes and no. I think we are all born with a predisposition or baseline personality that just is and cannot be changed so much. This would be the nature aspect, imo. However I do believe it can be altered as we grow. That would be the nurture. Our upbringing is what has the most impact on what direction our lives take and our outlooks and how we present to the world. As I also learned in my psychology class, a closed head injury can change a persons personally drastically. I was born in a very dysfunctional home and had a lot of maladaptive coping strategies but after good therapy and reading and watching all the self help materials in mental health I could get my hands on, I like to think I changed who I was to live in this world in a healthier manor but I’m still a quiet and more introverted person that I don’t think can really be changed.
Your perspective offers a thoughtful understanding of the age-old “nature vs. nurture” debate. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this, likely influenced by your psychology class and personal experiences.
Indeed, it’s often believed that we each have an intrinsic core or baseline personality that may be a result of genetic or innate factors — the “nature” part. This could define certain traits, like being more introverted or extroverted. On the other hand, our environment, upbringing, and experiences — the “nurture” component — can significantly influence, modify, or even reinforce those inherent traits.
Having worked with individuals with closed head injuries, seeing their transformation afterwards is truly astonishing. It just goes to show how both physical and emotional traumas can shape who we are and how we act.
I have found that some youth does have a harder time applying coping skills then others. I try to always offer support and remind them about coping and calming tools they can use. We use calming bag, calming rooms, and sensory rooms to help de-escalate. Personally, I attribute this to human nature, past trauma, or mental illness. I currently work in mental/ behavioral stabilization most of my youths coming in during crisis so it can be different factors for them. My experience most youth I have worked with are able to improve and attain functional level of behavioral control with the correct amount of help. Attain functional levels of behavioral control does take time. We must find the correct medication, coping skills, and therapy. My department works with youth for 3 to 6 months before they are moved to a different department for further treatment.
I am a student. And my answer is yes, I do believe people can change. We the people, are humans. We make have flaws and make mistakes but we are who we are. Not everyone will want to change but the people that do, will make the change. Some people might not like the way their life is turning out and decide to one day make a change for the better. I’ll use myself as an example, I am 25 years old and been working at my job for 5 years making good decent money but lately I been thinking about “What is something goes wrong with my job? What will be my next step? What will i do?” So, I made the decision to enroll myself into college and follow my dream on becoming a nurse. For years i always thought about going back to school but never had the motivation to do so. But thanks to that one simple thought about my current job, I MADE A CHANGE in my life and that is going back to school to get a career!! People will only make a change if they want to.
I am a student and I don’t think people can change, I believe people choose to be stuck in their ways. I just feel like why keep doing the same things over and over again if you wanna do better. We are all adults and we’ll educated. Yes it will be great for people to change But honestly I feel like people love the fact that still stuck In the same place they was in 3 years ago. But I will say this I believe I want to change but I feel like I have a lot of trauma holding me back from being great. Because I always felt like I only deserve the bare minimum. I’m working progress and one day I will change . So yeah maybe some do want to change but you have the narcissistic person who thinks it’s okay to think the way they think. Or because they seen they parents go through that its okay to act that way they do. You don’t have to be the product of your environment. It may take people years to change but the choice is really up to them if they wanna change. So my answer is really a maybe!! I’m still trying to figure that out myself.
At the core of it, we are all human beings, intricately woven with flaws and imperfections. Life is a journey filled with trials and errors, but it’s our resilience and determination to evolve that truly defines us. It’s amazing how one pivotal moment or a single thought can spark a desire for change. Your personal journey is truly inspiring! Taking that leap at 25 and pursuing your dream of becoming a nurse speaks volumes about your commitment to self-improvement and growth. Life often nudges us with subtle reminders that there might be another path worth exploring. You listened to that inner voice and chose to make a meaningful shift. Kudos to you! The key, as you rightly pointed out, is that genuine change comes from within, when one is truly ready. Wishing you all the best in your nursing journey and beyond! Remember, every step you take now is shaping an even brighter future.
I genuinely appreciate your perspective, and it’s clear that you’ve given this a lot of thought. While I respect your viewpoint, I’d like to offer a counter-thought. The idea that people can’t change is a challenging one. I believe the capability for change exists within all of us. However, the journey and reasons for change vary significantly from person to person.
It’s true that many might be caught in repetitive patterns, but it’s also worth considering the underlying reasons. As you’ve pointed out, trauma and past experiences can cast a heavy shadow. Breaking free from such influences requires immense strength and introspection.
Moreover, some might not even be aware of the need for change or are too fearful of stepping out of their comfort zones. Others might genuinely want to evolve but are held back by deeply rooted beliefs.
And you’re right: we don’t have to be products of our environment. While our surroundings and upbringing shape us, they don’t necessarily define our future. Everyone’s journey is unique, and while it may take some longer than others, the potential for change and growth remains.