Can People Really Change? 3 Signs Someone Will Change

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Have you ever struggled to change a habit?

Do you think forcing someone to change ever works?

Today, Jay dives deep into one of the most frequently asked questions: Can people really change? Drawing from a mix of personal stories, scientific research, and spiritual wisdom, Jay sheds light on the complexities of human behavior, how change unfolds, and why it can often seem so elusive.

One of the key insights Jay offers is the distinction between acknowledgment and accountability. Many people acknowledge they need to change, but accountability—taking full responsibility for how their actions impact others and making a concrete plan to improve—is much harder to achieve. Without this deeper level of self-awareness and commitment, lasting change remains out of reach.

Jay provides practical advice for those navigating relationships with people who seem resistant to change. He outlines key signs to look for that indicate someone is truly ready to change, including self-awareness, accountability, and a genuine desire to improve. He also stresses the importance of patience and empathy, reminding listeners that change is often a gradual process, filled with setbacks and oscillations between old and new behaviors.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to encourage change without forcing it

How to help someone become self-aware

How to support someone’s change process

How to communicate about change in relationships

How to accept that change must come from within

Patience, empathy, and an understanding of the complexities of human behavior are key to supporting both ourselves and others in the pursuit of meaningful evolution.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:37 Is There Someone In Your Life You Wish Would Change?

04:24 Core Personality Traits Are Difficult to Change

07:46 Signs that Someone is Likely to Change

08:25 #1: They Take Accountability and Has Self-Awareness

10:18 #2: They Must Have the Motivation to Change

14:19 Change Doesn’t Happen Right Away

16:59 Signs that Someone is Changing

18:57 How a Community Can Trigger Change

21:30 How Do You Start a Healthy Conversation with Your Partner?

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