I am somewhat excited at the possibility of a different future self. I'm sure that I am guilty of the behavior in the study to some extent, but I have typically taken decision-making with permanent consequences very seriously. I've only seriously considered a tattoo once. I would have gotten it 15 years ago, and it would still make sense to me now. More than a design, it would have been a reminder. Maybe it's because I have been through a life change that abruptly altered my character. However, I fully expect to grow into a different person. I would be disappointed to think that I won't. I also have a number of friends that I have known for more than 20 years. I enjoy watching the changes in all of us.
I have two tattoos. Both are things that things that are very important to me currently. If in the future I don't care about them any more (which I pray doesn't happen), then they'll become reminders of my past self, of a person who believed so strongly in the harmony of music or living simply. And sure, the possibility exists that I'll regret them. But at least I'll be able to look at them and be joyful about my youth.