Imposter syndrome is all about those feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that can creep in, especially when you’re joining a new company or team. But here’s the thing: those feelings are honest but seldom reflect reality. Let’s walk through some action items that can help you understand and manage these feelings. Here are some examples to help overcome imposter syndrome.
You are good enough!
Don’t let anyone, including yourself, tell you otherwise. Others may have more domain knowledge, but it’s nothing you can’t learn with time, dedication, and discipline. Remember, everyone started where you are now; they just have more experience under their belts.
Trust is earned.
Be dependable. If you say you’ll do something, make sure you follow through. Consistency in your actions builds trust and demonstrates your reliability to your team.
Jealousy or feelings of intimidation towards you are normal.
As the new person, all eyes are on you. Everyone wants to advance, and opportunities can be limited. Be kind and courteous, but don’t hold back. You have every right to be there, and your fresh perspective can be a valuable asset to the team.
Remember, they hired you because they believe you can do the job.
Your skills, experience, and potential were recognized. Trust their judgment and allow yourself to grow into the role.
To overcome self-doubt, counter your thoughts with action.
If your brain says, “I can’t do X,” go and do X. Recognize that thought as a trigger for action. Keep doing it until it’s done. Negative thoughts will always exist; teach yourself to take them less seriously. Each action taken against your doubts weakens their hold on you.
You don’t have to be perfect.
Aim for good enough and get it done. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, preventing you from finishing tasks. It’s better to complete something imperfectly than to never complete it at all.
Learn from others.
If your smart colleagues want to teach you, swallow your pride. Accept free lessons and their time graciously. Their insights can accelerate your learning curve and help you integrate more quickly into the team.
You don’t rise to the level of your goals but fall to the level of your systems.
Create a routine or system for constant improvement, which helps manage your feelings and keeps you on track. Systems help you maintain progress and make incremental improvements without being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
It’s perfectly normal to ask for help.
On Stack Overflow, they always ask, “What have you tried?” before offering advice. This approach ensures you get the correct guidance. Asking for help when needed shows you are engaged and willing to learn, which is a strength, not a weakness.
Find a mentor and/or mentor others.
Find a colleague you trust to share your work frustrations with. This person will understand your context and provide grounding and closure. Additionally, mentoring others can reinforce your own knowledge and boost your confidence.
Thank you for reading. I have covered this topic in a previous article IMPOSTERING A SUCCESSFUL SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CAREER.
If you found this helpful, please repost to help other software engineers struggling with imposter syndrome. Sharing our experiences and tips can create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and capable.
