First things first. What in the actual hell is imposter syndrome?
Answer: A psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments, talents, and abilities despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably felt at some point in your career [life] that you don’t really know what you’re doing, and that people are always looking at you wondering how the actual hell you’re able to pull off what you do. It’s exhausting, right? I know I’m not alone in these feelings as I come into a new job or role. The good news? You can overcome imposter syndrome, no matter what industry or phase of life you’re in.
Web development can be an intimidating task, but with the right attitude and support, it's possible to overcome the feeling of imposter syndrome. Setting achievable goals, celebrating small wins and reaching out to a supportive community, even if it’s just your family, are just some of the ways web developers can combat their feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, reframing challenges as learning opportunities and using positive self-talk can be powerful tools to boost confidence and increase motivation. This helped me more than I thought it would. Saying affirmations out loud (even if it’s a loud, “Oh, fuck yeah! I figured it out!”) helped with my self-esteem and enabled me to stay motivated when I felt like banging my head against the wall (two minutes after my celebratory shout, ofc).
When confronted with difficult tasks, web developers often feel overwhelmed and struggle with negative thinking. That's why it's important to find ways to shift our perspective and approach challenges from a constructive angle. Taking the time to pause, breathe, and recognize accomplishments can be helpful in managing imposter syndrome. Building habits like journaling or mindfulness can help bring awareness and clarity. Additionally, being aware of the common triggers of imposter syndrome can help in managing it. Setting boundaries with yourself and others, can also be helpful in dealing with imposter syndrome. Need a break? Take one. Fixed a bug? Give yourself a pat on the back, and move on to another issue. Seriously. Simplifying things, taking a step back, and a deep breath might be more helpful than you ever thought possible.
You've got this! Cheers 🧡