--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was 29 or 30 when I felt sure of what I…" description: "\"I was 29 or 30 when I felt sure of what I was doing, but not fully identifying as a songwriter until I was 37.\" — David Berman" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/713/david-berman-3689_doing_i-was-29-or-30-when-i-felt-sure-of-what_1940240.png" --- # I was 29 or 30 when I felt sure of what I was doing, but… ![“I was 29 or 30 when I felt sure of what I was doing, but not fully identifying as a songwriter until I was 37.” quote by David Berman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/713/david-berman-3689_doing_i-was-29-or-30-when-i-felt-sure-of-what_1940240.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/713/david-berman-3689_doing_i-was-29-or-30-when-i-felt-sure-of-what_1940240.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/713/david-berman-3689_doing_i-was-29-or-30-when-i-felt-sure-of-what_1940240.png) > “I was 29 or 30 when I felt sure of what I was doing, but not fully identifying as a songwriter until I was 37.” [David Berman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-berman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Self‑identification can lag behind skill development; true confidence often arrives after years of practice. **In simple terms:** Identity follows skill, not the reverse. Key Takeaway Practice before labeling yourself. Themes identity confidence growth Mood thoughtful encouraging Type reflective motivational When to use this quote - career development - artistic pursuits - education - personal branding Key Concepts psychology self‑concept Questions to Reflect On - When did you truly feel ready? - How does age affect self‑belief? A Different Perspective Premature labeling can limit growth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [30 Felt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/30-felt-3086894/) [Doing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doing/) [Felt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/felt/) [Felt Sure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/felt-sure-236041/) [Identifying Songwriter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identifying-songwriter-3086893/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Songwriter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/songwriter/) [Songwriter 37](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/songwriter-37-3086892/) [Sure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sure/) [Until](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/until/) ## Related quotes > [I felt sure we could gain the upper hand by putting ourselves in the mindset of the Incas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tahir-shah/i-felt-sure-we-could-gain-the-upper-hand-by-putting-ourselves-in-the/) [Tahir Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tahir-shah/) > [“I felt sure of this. 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I look at their work as excellent data…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-berman/i-don-t-know-if-i-actually-respect-other-artists-as-people-as-much-as/) [David Berman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-berman/) > [Some nights I'm funny with the between-song commentary, some nights I'm not. I have no control over this. 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