Imposters Guide to Engineering

While I am proud of my achievements in building various product features and core libraries, I often feel like I am not qualified or skilled enough to keep up with my peers. So why would you listen to me? Well, have you heard of imposter syndrome? It’s the feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt that can plague even the most experienced professionals. Despite this, I am constantly striving to learn and improve my skills as a developer. So here’s how I avoid constantly making mistakes and pretending to meet expectations.

First things first; it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people struggle with imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, and it’s a normal part of the learning and growth process. Here are some basics for dealing with imposter syndrome in general:

  1. There are many online resources and communities where one can ask for help and advice, or just connect with others. Seek out support & guidance from others in the community; provide support in return as much as you can.
  2. No one is perfect, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of yourself when learning a new skill. Be kind to yourself and remember that you’re still learning and growing.
  3. Keep track of your progress and the things you’ve learned, and use them as evidence of your skills and abilities. Celebrate your strengths and accomplishments.

One strategy that can be effective is to “fake it till you make it.” This means that, even if you don’t feel completely confident or capable in a certain situation, you can still act as if you do. This can help to build your confidence and eventually, you will begin to feel more confident and capable in your abilities. While it can be a useful strategy in certain situations, it’s important to remember that it should not be the sole focus of your efforts to manage and overcome imposter syndrome. Here are some additional strategies that can be helpful:

  1. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. This can help you get a better understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement and can help to build your confidence.
  2. Set achievable goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself and work towards them consistently. This can help you build momentum and feel more confident in your abilities.
  3. Seek out opportunities for learning and development: Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development, whether it be through training, workshops, or simply seeking out new challenges and experiences. This can help you build your skills and knowledge, and can help to boost your confidence.
  4. Practice self-affirmation: Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental health. This can help you feel more grounded and better able to manage imposter syndrome when it arises.

Remember, managing imposter syndrome is a journey and it will take time and effort. It’s important to be patient with yourself and to focus on the strategies that work best for you. By taking a holistic approach that includes a combination of strategies, you can effectively manage imposter syndrome and build your confidence over time.