The age-old debate of nature versus nurture has never truly been solved, but researchers now believe that your personality is affected by both. The traits of any person may be a different mix of environmental factors that shape who they are and latent information inside of them which dictates natural behaviors. One common example of this is in developed skills – a person from a lineage of very physical, coordinated ancestors may have an easier time in sports, but the environmental factors such as how much they practice also have a very significant impact on their overall abilities.
To be specific, we don’t necessarily inherit traits – we inherit genes, which have a strong influence on behavior and traits. Different genetic makeups mean that these genes will be more prominent or latent in different people, which is why someone may naturally be better at certain skills than others. Another great example of DNA affecting how animals behave is instinctive behavior. Humans are much less affected by their genetic makeup in day-to-day life than wild animals, who operate sometimes entirely on instinct.
In the same manner, you may be affected by traits passed down from one generation to the next. While humans aren’t born with the natural instincts of most animals, we do have some which are common among almost all people. The traits passed down to you are not the end-all to your personality, however.
Just as you can train to become better at sports, even to the same degree as those with a natural advantage, you can train yourself to create better, more positive habits. Creating better habits that shape a more positive and happier future for yourself takes effort, however. You can’t become a professional athlete in just a day, and in the same manner, it can take a long time to practice these positive lifestyle changes. At the end of the day, you’ll be happy you did – but it takes effort.
For most, putting in that effort and generating positive change can be difficult. With a little bit of help, you can get started on the road toward better mental and physical health. If you’re interested in taking the first steps toward personal responsibility and a more positive life, Integrated Therapies PLLC is here to help. Get in contact today about a coaching or counseling session, which focuses on developing your personal skills to create a more harmonious life.