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how to twenty-something

how to twenty-something

Ep. 159 The Psychology Behind Your Quarter Life Crisis

how to twenty-something · Jun 29, 2026 · 15:57

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WATCH MY TEDX TALK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/


If your twenties have felt confusing, disorienting, or like everyone else somehow got the manual you missed… this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I break down the psychology behind the “quarter life crisis” and why so many twenty-somethings suddenly feel the urge to blow up their lives, switch careers, move cities, go back to school, or completely start over.

From social media comparisons and post-grad uncertainty to identity shifts, major life transitions, and the science behind your still-developing brain, this episode unpacks what’s actually happening beneath the surface of all those “what am I doing with my life?” thoughts. I also share pieces of my own journey leaving corporate life, moving to Charlotte, and learning how to separate impulsive reactions from genuine clarity.


Key Takeaways:

  1. Why quarter life crises are so common in your twenties
  2. The psychological and emotional changes happening between 18–30
  3. How social media distorts your perception of success and timing
  4. The role your prefrontal cortex plays in decision-making
  5. Why feeling lost can actually be a sign of growth
  6. How to tell the difference between impulsivity and intuition
  7. What to do when you feel the urge to completely change your life
  8. Why you don’t need a full life plan — just the next step
  9. How external processing and support can help you navigate uncertainty


Helpful Resources:

How to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

Email me: coach.jessdiamond@gmail.com

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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