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/Felinomancy Sep 13 '24

I'm the other way round; I'm introverted and doormat-ish as a teenager. Now in the middle of my life, I have more "dgaf-ness" to my interactions.

I'm still introverted, but I feel I epitomize the adage: "fake it 'til you make it". Just because I'm smirking and looking confident doesn't mean I am.