Can Mindfulness Change Your Personality?

One of many promises of mindfulness is that you can 'become a new person' if you practice enough. By that, we don't mean that you'll suddenly develop a passion for entirely new interests or adopt a radically different lifestyle. Instead, the idea is that by cultivating mindfulness, you can avoid self-criticism while managing your emotions and difficult areas of your life for a happier, more fulfilling existence.

Does that mean mindfulness can change your personality? The short answer is no. But it can appear that our personalities change when we practice mindfulness on a regular basis.

Mindfulness is a skill like any other

If you are a fan of the Myers & Briggs’ 16 Personality Types, you may know that this system has its roots in the work of Carl Jung who believed that the entire personality is present at birth, and that our environment and life events serve only to reveal what’s already there.

For example, we know that people tend to mellow with age. That doesn't mean that the traits they're born with change; rather, their attitudes and behaviors may adapt to fit their circumstances. If someone has worked a job that requires them to be extremely punctual and conscientious for 30 years, they may become more punctual and conscientious as a result.

Mindfulness shares some characteristics with this process of adaptation. You may think that you have witnessed someone really change, turn over a new leaf, after practicing mindfulness, but it isn't an authentic change in personality. Rather, it's the use of a new skill or technique.  

Some personalities may notice big improvements

Anyone who regularly practices mindfulness can learn to be present more often, to focus on their actions, and thus complete more tasks in a timely manner.

Since presence and focus are the main goals of mindfulness, it makes sense that Intuitive and Perceiving personality types may appear to 'change' the most. Why? Because through mindfulness, Intuitives learn present-moment awareness, which is not natural to their preferred, imaginative way of navigating the world.  And Perceivers will learn to make decisions sooner, in the here and now, which goes against their preferred, relaxed way of operating.

The improvements that Intuitives and Perceivers make with the practice of mindfulness can look to others like profound changes in their personalities. That's not what they are, though. They are simply a result of these types learning and applying new skills. Let's look at a few examples of how mindfulness can impact these personality types.

Mindfulness and the Intuitive personality

Intuitives have the reputation of being “dreamers” and living in their heads much of the time.  People often refer to them as “spacy” and they can be seen as the personality with their “head in the clouds.”

Mindfulness helps Intuitives by training them to focus on the present and come closer to earth. This is a more balanced and healthy way of living, and it looks different to the Intuitive's usual state in several ways.

#1: Ruminating will decrease

Time spent in their heads will decrease, and Intuitives will become more aware of the concrete world around them. Because of this, they will be more attentive to the present moment, and their memory of everyday occurrences will improve. They're still the same Intuitives who trust their inner compass beyond all else, but they have learned to give the concrete world a little more attention and respect, and that creates a different impression.

#2: Focus will increase

Mindfulness can help Intuitives block out distracting thoughts and focus on the things and people who are with them in the present moment. They will be able to pay more attention during activities and conversations, which can help them understand others better. This type of focus is not their usual way of operating. It may look as if the Intuitive in your life has become a better listener through the application of mindfulness techniques.

#3: A newfound sense of calm

Intuitives often move from one thing to another, bouncing around ideas and possibilities. This can cause stress and anxiety to build up, both for the Intuitive themselves and the people around them. Through mindfulness, they learn to quiet their racing thoughts and find a sense of calm in the present moment. This can appear to others as an overall change in demeanor and personality, but really, it's just a more stable, focused and grounded version of the Intuitive.

Mindfulness and the Perceiving personality

Perceivers have a reputation for being procrastinators, or “flakes.” This is because they naturally delay decisions in favor of gathering more and more information. But too much delaying can result in an imbalance for this personality.

When Perceivers practice mindfulness, they will become better at making decisions in the present moment instead of pushing them, perpetually, into the future. To others, this can look like an altogether new personality for the Perceiver, but don’t be fooled. The Perceiver is still who they always were, the fluid personality with a preference for openness — they are just living a more balanced life in the following ways.

#1: Insight will increase

Often unaware that procrastination is a natural tendency, Perceivers can become more observant of their own behavior through mindfulness. This heightened self-awareness helps in identifying procrastination early, making it easier to address. Friends and family may perceive this as being more “on-the-ball” and think the Perceiver has changed, but it’s simply a matter of increased awareness.

#2: Stress will decrease

Incomplete tasks often cause stress, and the longer they are delayed, the more overwhelming they become. Mindfulness practices can help Perceivers focus on the immediate tasks at hand, thus reducing stress levels. This newfound sense of calm can be evident to friends and family, who will enjoy seeing a more relaxed and peaceful version of the Perceiver.

#3: Confidence will increase

Failing to complete tasks on time can gradually erode self-confidence, particularly if it is impacting professional relationships. With regular mindfulness practice, Perceivers can become more effective time managers, completing tasks more efficiently. This accomplishment boosts self-esteem, and the change in self-confidence will be noticeable to others.

A final thought

Mindfulness is so much harder for some than for others, and some personalities will feel the benefits more than others. If you are struggling to practice mindfulness, it’s worth finding out why.  Identify your personality type as a good first step. You will then be armed with more self-awareness and will have more patience and self-compassion when you struggle.

When you start to see the positive impact that mindfulness has on your personality, celebrate! And remember, you're not changing who you are, you're just learning new skills to enhance and balance your natural tendencies. It's another tool in your toolbox for living a fulfilling and balanced life.