Why You'll Probably Continue to Make Bad Decisions Until You Turn 25

Why You'll Probably Continue to Make Bad Decisions Until You Turn 25

There’s a reason why you do so much stupid shit as a kid.

Because there’s actually a part of your brain that doesn’t fully develop until you’re around 25.

And this area of the brain prioritizes actions WAY differently as a kid VS when you’re an adult.

(Although I’d argue most of you 25 year olds are still kids)

I’ll break down the area of your brain responsible for this as well as how you can attempt to “hack” your brain to make better decisions if you’re under 25.

The Science Behind Your Bad Decisions

Next time you end up in trouble from doing something dumb, just blame it on your weak ass prefrontal cortex.

Your prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain that handles executive functions. It’s like the CEO.

This includes managing complex processes such as planning, problem-solving, and controlling your impulses.

And when it fully develops, you start prioritizing your actions based on long term effects rather than short term rewards.

Many people even SWEAR they feel a literal “shift” around age 25, including me.

But since this doesn’t happen until you’re 25 years old, you're more likely to make decisions based on emotions and immediate rewards rather than long-term benefits if you’re below this age.

During adolescence and early adulthood, the brain undergoes CRAZY changes.

This thing called the limbic system, which processes emotions, matures earlier than the prefrontal cortex.

This imbalance can lead to heightened emotional responses and risk-taking behavior. (AKA why teens are so god damn insane)

My Personal Journey

Let me share a personal story to illustrate this.

When I was younger, especially in my late teens and early twenties, I made a LOT of impulsive decisions.

I was involved in some illegal activities and made choices that didn’t consider long-term consequences.

It wasn’t until I started approaching my mid-twenties that I began to think more clearly and make better decisions.

The turning point for me was around 25 when I started focusing on my fitness career and making more strategic, well-thought-out choices.

It was like all of a sudden I was picturing the rest of my life and constantly weighing my decisions and their consequences on the next 10 years.

And believe me, you’ll know it when you feel it. And now all I do is prioritize long term consequences and benefits.

How to Combat Bad Decision-Making Before 25

Now, I’m not saying you’re doomed to make bad decisions until you’re 25.

You CAN make better decisions now and get a head start on a fulfilling life as a adult early.

And the key here is simply being AWARE of this.

Just knowing that your brain is literally fighting you to make impulsive decisions will help you avoid impulsive decisions.

However, there are also some general workarounds and hacks to try as well:

1. Seek Guidance

Surround yourself with mentors and people who have more life experience.

They can offer valuable advice and help you see the long-term consequences of your actions.

Mentorship can significantly improve decision-making skills in young adults by providing external perspectives and wisdom .

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation can help you develop better impulse control and become more aware of your thought processes. It’s no joke.

Mindfulness meditation can increase cognitive flexibility and reduce emotional reactivity, making it easier to manage impulses and make thoughtful decisions.

3. Set Long-Term Goals

Having clear, long-term goals can help you make better short-term decisions.

When you have a vision for your future, it’s easier to make choices that align with that vision.

Next time you’re about to do something dumb, flash that goal in your mind again and think about how your actions could either help or hinder you reaching that goal.

4. Learn from Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but the key is to learn from them.

Reflect on past decisions, understand what went wrong, and think about how you can make better choices in the future.

Reflecting on past experiences and identifying patterns can improve future decision-making by providing insights into personal behavior and triggers.

5. Delay Gratification

Train yourself to delay gratification. This means resisting the temptation of an immediate reward in favor of a larger reward later.

This skill is crucial for making better decisions.

The famous Stanford Marshmallow Test by psychologist Walter Mischel demonstrated that children who could delay gratification tended to have better life outcomes, including higher academic achievement and healthier lifestyles, indicating the importance of this skill in decision-making.

The BMM Takeaway

Understanding that your prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed until around 25 can explain a lot about the decisions you’ve made in your younger years.

But being AWARE of this also gives you the power to combat those tendencies.

By seeking guidance, practicing mindfulness, setting goals, and delaying gratification, you can start making better decisions now, rather than waiting until you’re older.

Remember, it’s never too early to take control of your life and start making choices that will benefit your future.