Ah, I remember being 22. It was one brief, shining moment in my life where I was certain I knew *everything.*
As clueless as I was, I still remember and think fondly on that time and the feeling of absolute confidence. Which I now know was supported by the very thin ice of blissful ignorance and naïve optimism and the feeling of competence and mastery that came with finally being able to say I was successfully playing grownup.
Oh, I had so much to learn. But for a moment, I had no idea how much I didn’t know.
It didn’t last long.
Everyone is different, but I love reading this story and seeing a bit of myself in you. You’re smarter than me because you’re writing and publishing your thoughts on this experience as it’s happening.
I hope I’m wrong and you’re not joining me in what appears to be a never ending state of imposter syndrome. But the only reason you’re able to question yourself is because you *are* smart. Smart enough to know that there’s a lot you don’t know.
You’ve probably heard of the Dunning-Kruger effect, where experts tend to underestimate their mastery of a subject and people who know very little are extremely overconfident in their abilities. Which, of course, is due to their ignorance.
One other thing I should warn you about: Has anyone ever told you what happens when you achieve all of your life goals?
☺