There are 2 things that I want to share from my life and then ask for advice:

  1. I started hitting the gym regularly about 4 months ago and am lifting almost 3x the weights where I started.
  2. I started picking up witty banter fights with some friends who used to do the same with me, and I have successfully destroyed them in it for the last several times, unlike what used to happen in the past.

Both these things give me significant ego boost. But I am not sure if it translates into real confidence. I still crave attention and appreciation.

It feels great after a workout. But I think the satisfaction is short lived. Feels like a high I get when pumping iron which fades away quickly.

As for the witty banters, despite winning them, I have a desperation to get into it again and again to win again. I find myself rehearsing in my head hypothetical conversations and prepping myself against these couple of friends.

Also the cheering up of watchers during the banters had more effect on me rather than the win itself. I feel that's wrong as it's ego stroking and validation seeking.

I think if I had real confidence I would not addictively prep inside my head, I would 'know' that no matter when a banter happens, I can kick ass.

Any advice or suggestions to help me reach real confidence would be appreciated.