IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY

Contributed by Blesilda A. Tamoro, Teacher III, Sta. Rosa Elementary School, Pilar

Why is personality important? Personality is the sum total of individual characteristics and ways of behaving which their organization or patterning describe an individual’s unique adjustment to his environment.

A great deal of a person’s success in his work, his home life, his relations with others, depends on his personality. Although many traits of personality are inherited, many can be learned, developed, or acquired through training or other means.  A person may not be born beautiful, but one can improve one’s appearance so that one can at least be attractive; one can make up for lack of looks by developing charming manners, the art of conversation or a special talent. To improve personality, however, it is necessary to: (1) Determine what traits should be improved or acquired. (2) Have the will power to change or improve. (3) Practice the traits and strive to make no exception.

For instance, if one wants to improve one’s figure and the means to do this is through exercise and diet, these should be followed without exception. Exercise regularly and not only when one feels like it. Do not diet one day and skip it the next. You may give up starchy foods, but eat ice cream and cake. This is why will power is necessary in improving personality. The studies show that acceptance and promotion in a job depends a great deal on personality.

References:

Geldard, Frank A. Fundamentals of Psychology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 1963. Chapter 18

Hilgard, Ernest R. Introduction to Psychology. 3^rd ed. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World Inc. 1962. Chapter 13

Holland, Morris K. Psychology An Introduction to Human Behavior. Los Angeles, D. C. Health and Company. 1978. Chapter 16.

Ruch, Floyd L. Psychology and Life. 4^th ed. Chicago: Scott, Foreman and Company 1953. Chapter 11.