Do you ever get the feeling that you’re not good enough? When you think you don’t deserve where you are, you see other developers and you start thinking that they are all smarter and better than you.
Or everything you’ve achieved so far is just luck.
Well, you’re not the only one. In fact, according to research, employees working in top-notch companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple also face imposter syndrome despite their accomplishments. 58% of tech employees suffer from this feeling.
I’ve also experienced Imposter Syndrome and in this article, I will talk about what it is and how to deal with it.
So, let’s dive in!
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a common experience among high-achieving individuals, characterized by feelings of self-doubt and insecurity despite evidence of success and earned recognition. It is a phenomenon where people feel like they are not as competent as others perceive them to be, and fear that they will be exposed as a "fraud".
Imposter syndrome is quite common across all industries, and it affects people from all walks of life. This can be a common experience in the field of software development, where developers often face complex technical challenges and must continually upskill to stay current. New technologies and tools are introduced every day and people feel pressure to keep up with it.
How does it affect individuals?
Imposter syndrome can have a significant impact on mental health and job performance, including decreased confidence, decreased motivation, and increased stress levels. It can also lead to burnout and can make it difficult for individuals to feel satisfied with their work, even when they have achieved success. It creates unnecessary stress and as a consequence, it affects your productivity and your relationship with the team.
How to overcome Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is not too hard to overcome. In a way having these symptoms is a good sign because it means you are growing and trying to be better. There’s a saying that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Imposter syndrome is a signal that you’re doing something outside of your comfort zone.
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Recognize that imposter syndrome is common
Knowing that many successful people experience imposter syndrome can help you feel less alone and more normal in your feelings of self-doubt. Remember that you are not alone in feeling this way and that imposter syndrome is a common experience.
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Accept and embrace it
Change your perspective towards this problem and embrace it. Accept the fact that software development is a field that is constantly evolving and nobody knows everything. Use it as a morale boost and keep learning and expanding yourself.
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Reframe your thoughts
Instead of focusing on your flaws and areas of insecurity, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Remember all the things you have achieved and remind yourself that you are capable.
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Keep track of your accomplishments
Identify negative thoughts and challenge them with evidence of your accomplishments and qualifications. Since you started your journey in programming and how far you have come. Remind yourself of the reasons why you were selected for your current role and all the skills and experience you bring to the table. This will help you to build confidence in your abilities.
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Seek support and feedback
Don’t be afraid of asking questions. Talk to your peers and manager to get their feedback. Receiving constructive criticism from superiors and peers is a great way to combat imposter syndrome. Use feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as evidence of your inadequacies. Remember that feedback is a valuable tool for personal and professional development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, imposter syndrome is a normal feeling and it's not something to be ashamed of. With time and effort, you can learn to manage and overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence in your abilities. Remember to be kind to yourself and remind yourself of your accomplishments and qualifications. Seek support and surround yourself with people who are positive and encouraging.
Thanks for reading!
