Major Personality Changes: When and How They Happen in a Person's Life
The evolution of personality throughout an individual's life can be a fascinating journey filled with significant shifts and moments of personal growth. Many assert that personality changes occur every seven to nine years, but the reality is far more nuanced and individual.
The Early Years: Development from Birth to 23
From the moment of birth, an individual's brain undergoes rapid development, much like the technology used by Google to process complex data. This critical phase lasts until around the age of 23, during which the brain's structures are still under development. It is during this period that the individual's personality takes shape, evolving from a simple, self-aware entity to a more complex and fully aware being.
For instance, from birth to around 21-23 years old, the brain's organic distributed computing system (neural networks) is still largely developing. During this time, the individual's personality is in a state of flux, changing each year. By the age of 23, the individual has gone through a significant transformation, shifting from a mere parasite to a fully aware entity.
From 23 Onwards: Voluntary and Involuntary Changes
After reaching the age of 23, the changes in personality are more directly influenced by personal choices and experiences, rather than inherent biological processes. People can choose to become better versions of themselves by investing time in self-improvement, such as learning to understand themselves and others better. Alternatively, survival itself can bring about unintended changes, as the individual adapts to new circumstances.
It's important to note that the intervals or well-defined periods of personality change are not as rigid as popular opinion suggests. However, there is an average period of around seven to nine years that can be observed, during which significant shifts in personality and behavior are likely to occur.
The Universal but Arbitrary Stage Between 21 and 27
Some individuals experience a developmental plateau or a mental stage that lingers between the ages of 21 and 27. This arbitrary range is often influenced by personal experiences and self-perception, making it different for each individual. While this stage might be mentally stagnant, it does not mean that personal growth is impossible. Change can occur at any age, so individuals who seek to improve themselves and have a significant purpose in life are likely to experience shifts in personality and behavior.
Conclusion
No matter the age, the potential for personal growth and change exists. For individuals aged 20 and upwards, these changes can be consciously aimed at becoming better versions of themselves. Before this age, the biological foundation is still under development, and while changes still occur, they might be less profound and more influenced by external factors.
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