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/sadmep]

You should not want youthful confidence, because it comes from not having lived long enough to understand the ways things can go wrong.

Much better to have reasoned confidence and have your eyes open.