How Do You Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure".-Paulo Coelho

I am just a few weeks away from finishing the first phase of my Software Engineering Bootcamp at Flatiron School. Surprisingly, I recently became aware of the term "Imposter Syndrome" and can confirm that I am experiencing all the related symptoms.

What is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and feel like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. Many questions whether they're deserving of accolades. Conquering Imposter Syndrome can be daunting, but it's crucial to acknowledge that these negative thoughts and emotions don't mirror your skills. Let's explore the ways to tackle it head-on.

In my current role, I am accustomed to receiving accolades for consistently delivering and always meeting deadlines with efficiency.

However, with only a month into my Bootcamp journey, I've already experienced moments of self-doubt and a lack of motivation that make it tempting to throw in the towel. It's all too easy to fall into a negative headspace instead of maintaining a positive and focused mindset.

So How Do You Combat Imposter Syndrome? I found this article online https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/impostor-syndrome-tips which I have found to be very useful and have started using it as a guide.

Know The Signs.

The initial phase of this endeavor requires a mindset that acknowledges the challenges ahead, and accepts that the journey will be a demanding one. However, the outcome promises to be well worth the effort. In coding, failure serves as an invaluable tool, aside from Google. When feelings of inadequacy or impostor syndrome begin to surface, taking a step back and reflecting on past struggles and triumphs can help build resilience and inspire a winning attitude.

Know You're Not Alone.

-Whenever I lack motivation to study, I turn to my favorite Software Engineer YouTubers for inspiration. I highly recommend subscribing to their channels if you enjoy their content:

Livie the developer //

BABE ENGINEER

Livie's words in one of her videos really resonated with me: "Yes! Your feelings are completely valid and coding is undeniably challenging. I experienced the same struggles, but I persevered and became the first to receive a job offer. You can do it too." Since then, I've been a dedicated follower of hers. I recommend seeking out a community of like-minded individuals for support, or joining a group such as https://dev.to/. There's a wealth of valuable information on this platform for beginners that is definitely worth exploring.

Distinguish Humility And Fear.

Humility is a sign of Strength. Accepting Fear is part of being alive. Recognizing and accepting fear is a natural part of the human experience, and humility is a sign of true strength. For those new to coding, building confidence requires developing a personalized learning plan that takes into account individual learning styles. It's crucial to avoid comparing oneself to others and instead focus on consistency, dedicating several hours each day to coding. Adjusting to the pace of learning can be a challenge, so it's important to be patient and keep in mind that programming is a difficult undertaking.

Let Go Of Your Inner Perfectionist.

To succeed in programming, it's essential to become comfortable with stepping out of your comfort zone. It's simply not possible to know everything about this constantly evolving discipline, and even seasoned developers are challenged to keep pace with new developments. Mastery of every programming language is neither expected nor required. Success in programming comes down to having the passion, desire, and dedication to pursue it, and with these traits, one can overcome any obstacle.

Be Kind To Yourself.

It's crucial to prioritize rest and exercise to maintain one's well-being. Equally important is spending quality time with loved ones whenever possible. For those juggling the demands of being a student, working full-time, and managing a household, it's essential to keep one's purpose in mind. In my case, I dream of a better life and strive to inspire others, particularly women in similar situations. These aspirations provide me with the motivation to keep going, knowing that I have much to offer and am driven by pure intentions.

Track Your Success.

Learning to code is undoubtedly challenging, so it's important to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. I was overjoyed when I created my first task-lister, even though it took me hours to complete. Afterwards, I would often pour myself a glass of wine to mark the occasion. Cheers!

Talk With Your Mentor.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have a cohort that is both kind and supportive. Within this community, I've been able to freely express my emotions without any fear of judgement. It's essential to establish a strong connection with your mentor. My advice to anyone starting out in a similar program is to be open and never hesitate to ask questions, even if you worry they may be perceived as "dumb."

Say Yes To Opportunities.

If an opportunity arises, I'm eager to seize it with open arms. When I first began my current job, I had no prior experience with SAP systems and my proficiency in Microsoft Excel was limited. However, less than a year later, I've become one of the top performers on our team. This is because I was willing to put in the effort to learn and improve.

And Lastly...

Embrace The Feeling.

DO NOT allow feelings of 'Imposter Syndrome' to hinder your progress in achieving your goals. Remember that self-doubt is a common experience among many individuals, including those who are highly skilled in their respective fields. Instead of letting these negative thoughts consume you, try to acknowledge them, and focus on the progress you've made so far. It's also helpful to surround yourself with a supportive community of individuals who can relate to your experience and provide guidance when needed. With dedication, perseverance, and the right mindset, you can overcome any obstacle and reach your aspirations and as for me to one day become Software Engineer.