Notes From a Developer Fighting Imposter Syndrome

Like so many developers, I struggle with imposter syndrome. It has held me back from living life to the fullest and cost me countless opportunities that were right in front of me.

Today, I want to honor myself by fighting back and taking a concrete step toward overcoming it. That step is this article. I’m writing it to remind myself, and whoever is reading, how I (and hopefully you too) can fight back against imposter syndrome.

Confront Your Fears (Whatever You’re Avoiding)

Imposter syndrome will often push you toward avoidance and hiding. Take that as a sign. If something scares you, if it causes anxiety, if you want to hide from it to feel safe, that’s the sign you ought to do it.

It could be sharing an idea on Slack, raising your hand in a meeting, asking a “dumb” question, volunteering for a task, or applying for a job. A lot of this is fear of failure: fear of being seen as a fraud. You can’t control what other people think. But I believe that the more you expose yourself to the things you fear, the less power they hold over you. And that builds confidence.

Of course, sometimes mistakes made in public have real consequences. You should absolutely weigh those consequences and make a smart decision about whether the risk is worth taking. Just be honest about why you’re choosing to avoid something. Is it out of fear of what others might think? Or is it because the stakes are genuinely high?

Even publishing an article like this one causes me fear and anxiety. But that’s the whole point. This is what sets you free. Confront your fears.

Talk to People

I’ve found that reaching out to people, especially people who seem to have it all figured out, is immensely helpful.

First, you’ll likely find that they also experience (or have experienced) imposter syndrome. Yes, even the people you hold in such high regard, the ones who seemingly can do no wrong. Second, it helps you see through the distortion. Because that’s what imposter syndrome is: a distortion of reality.

Talking to the right people is like cleaning your glasses. You start to see more clearly. You learn so much, it gives you confidence, and you feel less isolated. So talk to the people you admire. Reach out to them. Open up to them if you can. Have deep conversations. It can help you feel grounded again.

Focus on Yourself (Avoid the Comparison Trap)

I can’t stress this enough: focus on yourself and what you can do. You know your life, your reality, your circumstances. You know how much time and energy you have available. We all live different realities and have different priorities, so it doesn’t make sense to compare yourself to others.

Run your own race. Set your own goals. Define success for yourself, and then don’t lose sight of it. That way, when you inevitably see someone else doing the same thing you do, seemingly faster or better, you won’t feel like an imposter or a failure.

Comparison keeps you moving the goalpost, often because you don’t have a clear definition of what success means to you. So define it. Acknowledge your reality. Look to others for inspiration, not to put yourself down. And take small daily steps toward your goal.

Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s yours, and it’s 100% valid.

Build, Build, Build (For Yourself)

As developers, we know we need to keep our skills sharp, and we’re constantly learning new technologies. Building projects is one of the best ways to do that. I believe it’s also one of the most effective ways to fight imposter syndrome.

But here, you’re not building just to stay sharp and current. You’re building a body of work for yourself, even if nobody else ever looks at it. Put it all in one place, so it’s always there for you to see. Whenever doubt creeps in, look at the work you’ve done! Look at the work you’re doing! Look at what you’re capable of!

The work doesn’t lie. Nobody can question it. So build, not just for a portfolio or for clients, but to remind yourself how much you’re capable of. You are NOT an imposter. You are a complete, legit, capable builder. Just look at your work.

Go to Therapy

This one should be self-explanatory, but of course, therapy helps. If you can afford it and you find you need a professional’s help to overcome imposter syndrome, I highly recommend it.

It won’t be an overnight transformation, and it won’t be linear. But a good therapist who knows you well can supercharge your progress and keep you consistent until change finally happens. Go to therapy. Therapy is for people who want to grow!

One Step at a Time

I’m still in my own process with this, and these are the steps I plan to take to get better. Publishing this is scary, and that’s exactly why I’m doing it. This article is my first step.

I hope it helps you take yours. Wish me luck, and thanks for reading!