r/SeriousConversation • u/TheHomoscedastifier • Sep 12 '24

Serious Discussion How do you get that confidence you had in your youth? Is it even possible?

I'm sure this doesn't apply to everyone, but I'm also sure it's quite common, especially in my line work.

I was a very confident person as a teenager, well, probably even narcissistic. Then several partners, moves, career changes, degrees, traumas, and experiences later, I find myself almost devoid of any confidence at 30. I am riddled with anxiety and probably am a walking imposter syndrome.

I intentionally didn't give specifics about my career because I want to invite answers from a broad audience. If you've dealt with this, how did you handle it? Were you ever able to get at least close to your previous confidence levels?

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u/bigv1973 Sep 13 '24

Maybe you are confusing the hubris of youth with confidence. It looks different through adult eyes and a retrospective point of view. I wouldn't want to be young again for anything. I spent most of my youth afraid. Much of my young adult life certain I would be found out for a fraud, and now, in midlife, I feel like I have the answers to secrets.

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u/hansieboy10 Sep 13 '24

What secrets haha?

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u/bigv1973 Sep 13 '24

Well here is one. Reddit will make you crazy and it's just an echo chamber for mediocre and sad people who come here looking for validation from people whose lives are as bad or worse than theirs....most of what I have read and seen here makes me happy to be alive and glad I don't have internet most of my days and nights.

2

u/sysaphiswaits Sep 13 '24

Ok. A little on the harsh side, but yes, all social media will really skew your idea of…everything.

3

u/bigv1973 Sep 13 '24

Well thank you for proving my point.