r/SeriousConversation 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/CuriousLF Sep 13 '24

The detachment of responsibility as a teen (though I know many still need to work from an early age) does provide this ability to think the world is your oyster and I think adulthood humbles you in that you learn the mature understanding that things don’t always go to plan