Have you ever experienced that nagging feeling that you don’t belong, did not earn what you’ve achieved, or have no clue what you’re doing? You may be experiencing imposter syndrome and it can be a lonely feely despite many others feeling a similar way. According to Blind, a workplace insights platform, 58 percent of tech workers experience imposter feelings. These feelings are experienced by many regardless of race, gender, class, or career experience.
Imposter syndrome can be tough to experience and even harder to manage. This guide will provide an overview of the telltale signs of imposter syndrome, how you might experience it in the tech industry, and tips to help you overcome imposter feelings.
How to Spot Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can be debilitating to a person’s self-image and confidence so it is important to understand what the symptoms are if you or someone you love are experiencing them. While there are a variety of symptoms that people with imposter syndrome experience, some of the most common signs of imposter syndrome include:
Self-doubt
Self-doubt is that nagging feeling that you won’t be able to do something. Many people who struggle with self-doubt are uncertain about their abilities and often question their own worth. When those with self-doubt do achieve their goals, they often feel like a fraud and that you’ve tricked people into thinking you know more than you do to get what you have.
Undermining your experience or expertise
“Imposters” often don’t recognize what they bring to the table. This can manifest itself in ways, such as feeling underqualified for a role despite having the necessary qualification or an inability to advocate for compensation effectively because you don’t recognize your achievements.
Fear of failure
Those experiencing imposter syndrome often have a hard time with failing, or making a mistake, out of fear of being viewed as a fraud. This leads to an unsustainable and unhealthy need for perfectionism, which can cause an increased level of anxiety and stress.
Attributing success to external factors
If you’ve ever heard or found yourself saying, “I had a lot of help” or “I got lucky” when someone recognizes your accomplishments, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome. “Imposters” have a difficult time recognizing their achievements and accepting praise, and often feel a need to give credit to others. Likewise, when “imposters” do accomplish their goals, they feel like anyone can do it if they were able to. They are unable to acknowledge their own contributions.
Use of minimizing language
People with imposter syndrome often use minimizing words or phrases that weaken their messages due to a lack of confidence. Minimizing language can include words and phrases, such as “I think so”, “I’m sorry”, or “I might be able to do this.”
How You Might Experience Imposter Syndrome in Your Coding Bootcamp
Learning to code can be difficult and requires time and persistence. It can be as mentally draining as it is mentally stimulating to learn new programming languages, frameworks, and other technical skills needed to excel in your tech job. When you are learning a new skill it is inevitable that you will make mistakes. However, it can be easy to get bogged down and doubt your ability to learn to code. Likewise, when you’re surrounded by peers with differing abilities, it can be easy to compare yourself to others who might be having an easier time grasping a new programming language.
Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Now that you understand what imposter syndrome looks like you need to know how to overcome these feelings or support a loved one who is experiencing imposter feelings. Here are a few tips to overcome imposter syndrome:
Practice Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are declarative statements used to overcome negative thinking. They are meant to affirm something to be true and can be validated as you flip the script on self-doubt. Positive affirmations usually began with “I am” statements but can have other structures. A daily practice of either writing down or saying aloud positive affirmation can help cope with imposter syndrome. A few examples of positive affirmations include:
- I am confident in my ability to understand this new programming language
- I am smart and worthy of being in this coding bootcamp
- Today will be a great day
- I have the strength and focus needed to complete my assignments and projects
Take Note of Your Accomplishments
Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments is a great way to begin to recognize your experience and expertise. One way you can do this is by documenting your “wins.” These can include noting when you solved a problem you were stuck on, finishing an individual or group project, getting an interview or job offer, or speaking at a conference.
Talk About It To Close Peers and Mentors
Don’t keep your feelings to yourself! Many people suffer alone with feelings of imposter syndrome despite the fact that others around us struggle with imposter feelings. An estimated 70 percent of people experience impostor syndrome at one point in their lives, according to the International Journal of Behavioral Science. Talking with others about your imposter feelings can help you recognize that you are not alone and how illogical these beliefs about yourself are.
Let Go of Perfectionism
We all make mistakes and holding on to the need to be perfect will set you up for failure. Instead, take the time to focus on learning from the mistakes you make through the process. Focusing on how you overcame the mistake and what you learned from it can help you become a better developer.
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we lose out on the chance to recognize our own growth and achievements. Rather than focusing on others, reflect on your own journey to this point and celebrate what you’ve achieved thus far.
A Final Word
While there are people who have completely overcome their imposter syndrome, it can often be a long-term struggle to see yourself as worthy and deserving of your achievements. There is no cure for imposter syndrome but the tips outlined above are meant to help you cope and deal head-on with this feeling when it presents itself. The more your work on affirming your work, talking with others about your feelings, and not engaging in perfectionism and comparisons, the easier it will become to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome as you progress in your career
Ready to start your coding career?
Are you interested in finding the coding bootcamp that’s right for you? Check out Noble Desktop’s coding bootcamps. You can take in-person classes at Noble’s location in NYC or attend a live online coding bootcamp from anywhere in the world. You can also find other coding bootcamps in your area using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool.