Question

How are you different today from the person you were at 6 years old? What about at 16 years old? How are you the same as the person you were at those ages?

Short answer

The differences and similarities between 6, 16 and the present self will be highly personalized. After following the steps detailed in the solution, one may find that they have grown more confident and independent as compared to when they were 6. Perhaps the preference for outdoor activities stayed constant. Such introspection will lead to a unique, subjective answer for everyone.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Yourself at Age 6

Reflect and write down your key characteristics at the age of 6. Try to remember how you used to react to certain situations, what your favorite activities were, your general demeanor, major influences in your life at that age etc. You could categorize these under physical appearance, personality, interests, strengths, weaknesses etc.

Analyze Yourself at Age 16

Similarly, retrospect and write down your major traits at the age of 16. At this age, your opinions, values and worldview might have started forming. You might have started taking independent decisions. You could take note of the significant people or events that shaped you at this age.

Analyze Your Present Self

Now, analyze your current self. Make a note of your key traits. Think about how you react to situations compared to before, your values, interests, strengths and so on.

Compare and Reason the Changes

Now compare your traits from when you were 6 and 16, to your present self. Identify major changes. Try to rationalize these changes. Was it because of certain events, influence from people or a natural process of growth and understanding?

Identify the Similarities

Lastly, identify the traits that have remained consistent over the years. Again, provide reasoning behind why these aspects of you haven’t changed