12-Year-Old Decision Test

A decision-making framework about evaluating life choices by comparing them against what your childhood self would think, emphasizing the importance of maintaining childlike qualities in adulthood.

Core Concept

• Instead of asking "what advice would you give your younger self?", ask "what would your younger self think of you now?"
• Focus on being "known well" rather than "well known"
• Goal is to maintain childlike qualities while growing older

Key Childlike Traits to Maintain

• Curiosity about the world
• Not assuming you know everything
• Looking to have fun and play rather than just work
• Seeking adventure and excitement
• Less concerned with practical limitations

Framework Application

• When making decisions, consider:
  • Would 12-year-old you be excited about this choice?
  • Does this align with what younger you dreamed about?
  • Are you maintaining the spirit of adventure you had as a child?
• Don't just do exactly what 12-year-old you wanted, but ensure choices would make sense to them

Benefits of This Approach

• Prevents becoming too conservative with life choices
• Maintains sense of adventure and fun
• Helps avoid becoming "lame" or too focused on practicality
• Keeps you aligned with core values and dreams
• Counteracts tendency to become risk-averse with age

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Playing life too safe
• Becoming too serious
• Losing sense of fun and adventure
• Focusing too much on saving for later years
• Letting practical concerns override dreams and aspirations