Psychology says that people change all the time, evolve, and depend on circumstance.

Psychology suggests that individuals are constantly changing, evolving, and adapting based on their circumstances. This concept was explored during a recent discussion led by Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo as part of the Conversaciones series hosted by LA NACIÓN. Sordo emphasized that personality lacks static traits, as character evolution responds to shifting priorities and opinions. She stated, “We change all the time,” highlighting how experiences shape personal transformation. According to her, it would be unfortunate if life events did not alter who we are, adding that people evolve because they are shaped by external conditions. For instance, she noted that one might feel anxious in certain situations while being extremely calm in others, or orderly in some aspects of life yet chaotic in others. Sordo’s insights were drawn from eight years of research into personal development and emotional stability. During this period, she identified the internal dialogue as the fundamental unit of mental health. The way individuals speak to themselves defines self-love and worldview, she explained. Internal dialogue influences confidence and resilience in the face of uncertainty. She recommended paying attention to personal narratives to strengthen self-esteem, emphasizing that how individuals tell their own stories directly affects their psychological well-being and quality of social interactions. The impact of language on mental equilibrium was another key point raised by Sordo. She argued that modern vocabulary has deteriorated due to excessive reliance on technology and visual media. Citing psychiatrist José Luis Marín, she warned that limited vocabulary can lead to emotional distress. “We get sick from lack of vocabulary,” she said, noting that a reduced lexicon hinders the expression of complex emotions and leads to frustration. Sordo observed that people today use fewer words in conversation, stating, “We’re speaking less. We’re using less vocabulary when talking.” She stressed that genuine conversations require openness to transformation through interaction with others. Without such openness, she warned, communication risks becoming an intermittent monologue rather than a meaningful exchange. Accepting suffering plays a crucial role in personal maturity, according to Sordo. She acknowledged that growth often involves pain, but contemporary society tends to avoid discomfort. Instead of fleeing from difficult situations, she advocated for embracing them as opportunities for learning. “It is necessary to be obedient to pain,” she advised. She explained that resistance to pain prolongs its effects, making it more burdensome and less conducive to learning. In contrast, yielding to pain allows for greater personal growth, which she described as essential to human development. Sordo’s perspective challenges conventional views on identity and personal change. Rather than seeing personality as fixed, she portrays it as fluid, shaped continuously by experience and environment. Her work underscores the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in navigating life's complexities. By recognizing the dynamic nature of the self, individuals can better manage their emotional landscapes and foster healthier relationships with themselves and others. Her analysis of internal dialogue highlights the power of self-perception in shaping reality. How individuals talk to themselves influences their sense of worth and outlook on life. Encouraging introspection and mindful self-talk could help build resilience against adversity. Additionally, her concerns about linguistic decline suggest that maintaining rich verbal expression is vital for emotional clarity and connection. In discussing the role of suffering, Sordo calls for a shift in societal attitudes toward hardship. Rather than avoiding pain, she encourages facing it with openness and vulnerability. This approach, she argues, facilitates deeper understanding and personal evolution. Her message resonates with those seeking to embrace change as a natural and necessary part of life. Sordo’s contributions continue to influence discussions on psychology and personal development. As her research gains recognition, more people are beginning to see the value in embracing transformation and fostering emotional flexibility. Her work serves as a reminder that growth is not only possible but essential for leading a fulfilling life.