Abstract
Recent research suggests that individuals can intentionally change their personality traits. This article proposes a complementary, skill-based approach to volitional change, arguing that social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills—defined as learned capabilities rather than dispositional tendencies—represent more direct and intuitive targets for intentional development. We introduce the Cumulative Practice Model (CPM), a framework that integrates principles from the personality development, clinical intervention, managerial coaching, and cognitive science literatures. This model proposes that the volitional development of SEB skills can occur most effectively through a repeating cycle of motivation, instruction, opportunity, practice, feedback, and skill change. We then review preliminary evidence supporting this model. This evidence indicates that individuals generally find developing SEB skills to be more desirable and feasible than changing personality traits. It further shows that skills exhibit plasticity across the lifespan, with both normative age trends and individual-level changes linked to relevant life experiences. Crucially, it suggests that interventions centered on deliberate practice can facilitate SEB skill development, and that gains in these skills are linked with positive life outcomes including academics, occupational interests, social relationships, health, and well-being. Thus, the Cumulative Practice Model offers a promising framework for individuals who wish to improve their SEB skills, practitioners who wish to facilitate skill development and growth, and researchers who wish to better understand the antecedents, process, conditions, and outcomes of volitional change. This skill-based approach to volitional change also highlights open questions and promising directions for future research.