In this summary of The Defining Decade by Meg Jay, you’ll discover These book summary will show you why that is. In The Defining Decade, Meg Jay argues that far from being an inconsequential stage of life, the twentysomething years are in fact crucial to our future. It can all feel a bit like a rehearsal.īut then, as they approach 30, panic sets in. Because of this lack of expectations, twentysomethings often find themselves drifting through the decade, avoiding committing to anything serious, whether a job, relationship or starting a family.

Unlike in the past, people in their 20s aren’t expected to have already decided on their career or their romantic partner, and they’re certainly not expected to have children yet. These are some of the questions that Dr.Today, in many ways, the twentysomething years can often feel like a continuation of adolescence. These are “the strong ones” in families, the everyday superheroes who have made a life out of dodging bullets and leaping over obstacles, even as they hide in plain sight as students, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, actors, athletes, parents, and more. Naturally, we are amazed by those who rise above their pasts, yet as we have focused on “How do they do it?” we have forgotten also to ask, “How does it feel?” Jay reveals the secret world of the family hero: those who soar to unexpected heights after early adversity. In this compelling and compassionate talk, Dr. Whether it is bullying, the loss of a parent to divorce or death, an alcoholic parent, a mentally ill parent or sibling, domestic violence or neglect, or emotional, physical or sexual abuse, early adversities are experienced by nearly 75% of us. Yet, often such experiences are kept secret, as are our courageous battles to overcome them. Supernormal: The Secret World of the Family Hero With authority, humor and compassion, she shares the unique power of the twentysomething years and how they change our lives. Jay makes clear just how much our 20s do matter and how you-or your twentysomething students, workers or children-can make the most of them now. In this inspiring and practical talk, Dr. Meg Jay argues, many twentysomethings have been caught in a swirl of hype and misinformation that has trivialized what is actually the most transformative period of our adult lives. Some say they are an extended adolescence. Our “thirty-is-the-new-twenty” culture tells us that the our 20s don’t matter. The Defining Decade: Why 30 is Not the New 20ĭid you know that 80% of life’s most defining moments take place before age 35? That the brain changes more in our 20s than at any other time in adulthood? That personality changes more in our 20s than at any other time in life? That over half of us are married or are dating or living with our future partner by the age of 30? That the first ten years of work have an exponential impact on success?

20s the defining decade