One of the most counterintuitive truths about big 5 personality traits: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Big 5 Personality Traits Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of big 5 personality traits
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking big 5 personality traits is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging big 5 personality traits without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing big 5 personality traits to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for big 5 personality traits while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Big 5 Personality Traits
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting big 5 personality traits, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Big 5 Personality Traits
Many people find that when they stop fighting big 5 personality traits and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of big 5 personality traits is partly the struggle against it.