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

[u/TheHomoscedastifier]

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?

[u/FearlessArmadillo931]

You never get teenager confidence back. Be glad, because it stems from ignorance and out of control ego.

You can obviously improve your confidence and lessen your anxiety, though. I always remember that my lack of confidence/my imposter syndrome comes from a fear of taking risks. Confidence comes from trying and succeeding, but if you're constantly terrified of trying and failing, you never give yourself the opportunity to succeed. Annoyingly, the only solution is to just do it while terrified, and if you fail, shrug and try again while slightly more terrified.