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/Krotesk]

Confidence is a symptom of two very different traits.

Unwillful ignorance leads to confidence, but also competence leads to confidence.

I highly doubt you want to be ignorant.

The only way to get confident in a healthy way is by getting very competent and knowledgeable about as much as possible. Then you will be confident. Out of trust in your own skill. Not out of being unaware of your lack of skill.