How To Overcome Developer Imposter Syndrome

"You're a fake, and everyone will see it! "
"You're not a real developer; you're just pretending! "
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Everyone - and I mean everyone, has one time or another heard inner thoughts similar to these. Whether you're a seasoned developer with over a decade of experience or a newcomer who just started learning today, you've likely been haunted by imposter syndrome. 

Based on a Blind Survey, 58% of people in tech experience some form of imposter syndrome. As daunting as this statistic is, it should also assure you of one thing - that you are not the only one!
You are not Alone! Imposter syndrome is something we have all suffered from!
It's a common feeling among newcomers and seasoned professionals alike, but it doesn't have to hold you back!
In this post, we'll explore what imposter syndrome is, why it's prevalent in tech, and most importantly, how you can overcome it.

Recognizing and Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments, have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, and believe they don't deserve their success. Have you ever experienced any of the following? :

Self-Doubt: You question your coding abilities and feel like you're just pretending to be a developer.
Comparing to Others: You often compare yourself to more experienced developers, assuming they know everything.
Fear of Failure: You're afraid of making mistakes, as you think they'll reveal your lack of competence.

In my decades long relationship with programming I can 100% say that I have grappled with one or more of these crippling symptoms at many points in my software career. As a newbie, you doubt your motivation, your capacity to learn, and question whether or not you're even cut out for tech. As a seasoned developer you feel the weight of the pressure from both those above you as well as those below you. You wonder if your skills are truly better than your subordinates, whether you've kept up enough with the latest tech, and whether or not you're still fit to be a leader within the organization. 

The tech and software industry is like no other. It's like a whirlwind - everything and everyone in it is scrambling around purely trying to catch up with the speed at which it progresses. There's always a hot new language to learn, a better framework, and an ever-evolving bar for proficiency. We get paralyzed by these high standards and the comparison trap because tech by it's very nature moves rapidly and with an undefined course.
Dunning-Kruger Effect

Source

The picture on the left is based on the Dunning-Kruger Effect. It says we start our software journey with conviction but as soon as we hit a point where we acknowledge our lack of proficiency, we often spiral down with the aforementioned symptoms into the Insecure Canyon. 

The thing is most of us get stuck there for a long time, sometimes to the point where we quit the journey entirely. But, as the diagram shows being in the Insecure Canyon is a prerequisite to climbing up the mountain of knowledge. 

Here's the thing - no large software product was built by a single person, no software or engineering team was ever a population of 1, and no software developer has ever attained even a small sized portion of all the knowledge that the tech whirlwind has to offer. 

Strategies to Overcome Insecurity

You're not expected to know everything. Acknowledging that you're on a continuous journey where self-doubt does not equal fraudulence and the fact that the nature of technology means the mountain is always growing is the key to overcoming imposter syndrome. 

Now that we understand why and how imposter syndrome manifests we can take a look at strategies to overcome it

1. Take Credit Where Credit is Due

The road up the mountain has many ups and downs, and the ups are sometimes at such a low incline that you don't even feel your progress. Setting measurable goals and celebrating your achievements are crucial. You may at times feel like you don't deserve a pat on the back, but setting milestones and celebrating each small victory allows you to truly see what you've achieved. Building your first Github Project, contributing to an open source project, learning a new framework feature, etc. are all things that count as a win! That's why we at Codeclassroom award you with badges as you engage and help out your peers!

2. Embrace Continuous Learning

As mentioned, technology is a whirlwind. Embrace the fact that tech is constantly changing and that you'll always be improving yourself. Have a growth mindset and instead of fearing challenges, embrace them as opportunities for betterment and learning. Don't overwhelm yourself with the comparison game and believe that you have to dive deep into every topic your peers do. Find the knowledge and topics that are interesting to YOU! Just remember the journey is about learning, not knowing everything!

3. Mentorship

In the world of coding and programming, mentorship is not just a valuable resource; it's often the secret ingredient to success. Like we mentioned it takes a team to build a great product. A mentor can guide you through the complex maze of tech, providing insights, sharing experiences, and offering invaluable advice. Whether you're seeking career direction, technical expertise, or simply a supportive voice during challenging times, a mentor can be your compass. Embrace mentorship as a powerful tool to accelerate your growth and navigate the exciting but sometimes overwhelming path of becoming a developer. Don't be afraid to find a mentor and book Coffee Chats with our instructors!

4. Engage with the Community

One of the most enriching aspects of the tech world is the vibrant and supportive community that surrounds it. By actively participating in tech-related events and discussions, you not only expand your network but also gain fresh perspectives and insights that can fuel your passion for coding. Don't underestimate the power of being part of a community that shares your interests and challenges. Ask questions on Slack and in the course forums, attend the virtual fire-side chats, book Coffee Chats with an instructor. Engaging with the community will help you find encouragement on your journey toward becoming a skilled developer!

Your Journey Continues!

Discuss with your peers and instructors on the Slack Channel #Motivation if you're ever starting to feel the grip of imposter syndrome. We're here to help you become the best developer that you know you are!

As you venture into the world of software development, remember that imposter syndrome is a hurdle that many newcomers and experienced developers face. However, it doesn't define you, and it certainly doesn't have to hold you back. By recognizing it, understanding its causes, and implementing strategies to overcome it, you can thrive in your coding journey.