Chapter 1: My Journey from Self-Doubt to Confidence

Before diving into my personal journey with self-doubt, feel free to skip the anecdotal parts if you're only interested in the actionable advice below.

It’s often said that everyone starts as a beginner. Have you ever felt overshadowed by colleagues who appear to possess vast knowledge while you feel like a burden? I certainly have. Three years ago, I transitioned from being a data analyst to a junior software engineer. Initially, I thought this shift was manageable; I always believed in the “learning by doing” approach. My confidence led me to think that I could handle any role given enough time.

Looking back, I realize how naive that was.

For the first time in my career, I felt anxious and hesitant, struggling to speak without trembling in front of my peers. This was a stark contrast to how I had conducted myself in previous jobs, even when my performance wasn't stellar. I had just begun my role as a software engineer at a startup, and the initial months felt relatively normal. I kept telling myself that feeling overwhelmed is typical when starting anew. However, after about a year, self-doubt began to take hold.

Meetings became particularly daunting. My colleagues engaged in discussions about technical challenges with ease, quickly understanding issues and proposing solutions. Often, they spoke on my behalf regarding the projects I was involved in, planning next steps with minimal input from me. The more I struggled with my own knowledge gaps, the more I faltered when I tried to contribute, spouting what I feared were foolish questions. My anxiety escalated to the point where I questioned if I was imagining the judgmental looks I thought I received.

For months, I felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, convinced that my colleagues were brilliant while I lagged intellectually. Even though I felt I was making some progress, it paled in comparison to the vast reservoir of knowledge my peers seemed to have. Compounding my feelings was the fact that I was older than most of them, having made this career switch later in life.

However, I’m pleased to share that I eventually regained my footing. I no longer feel like a hindrance in meetings. My voice is steady when I discuss my work, and I can confidently engage with my colleagues, contributing as a valued member of the team. Here are eight insights that helped me along the way:

1. Progress at Your Own Speed

Begin with manageable tasks. Taking on too much too quickly can lead to more setbacks than successes, which will only erode your confidence further. Focus on mastering the basics and celebrate your achievements with smaller challenges before tackling more complex ones.

2. Avoid Over-Reliance on AI

While it might be tempting to use AI for quick solutions, resist that impulse. It’s essential to understand and replicate your work independently. As one colleague wisely noted, “If an AI can do your job, you can easily be replaced.” And who wants to be outshone by a robot?

3. Keep a Record of What You Don’t Know

Document any terms, concepts, or ideas that confuse you and look them up later. Consider asking your colleagues if you can record meetings for later review. This way, you won’t forget valuable information and might impress someone with your grasp of obscure abbreviations later on.

4. Prepare Thoroughly for Meetings

Inquire about the meeting agenda in advance and conduct your research. If necessary, block off time on your calendar specifically for preparation. This groundwork will equip you to contribute meaningfully. If all else fails, come prepared with insightful questions; it’s better to appear curious than clueless.

5. Utilize Diagrams

When faced with complex information, try illustrating it. Diagrams can be powerful tools for breaking down difficult concepts. Flowcharts can map processes, while mind maps are excellent for brainstorming. Visual aids not only clarify ideas but can also impress your superiors with your creativity.

6. Master Your Tools

Whether you're using Excel, an IDE like PyCharm, or Figma, becoming adept with these tools can significantly enhance your productivity. Learn shortcuts and explore all features available. Muscle memory will aid your efficiency, allowing you to focus your mental energy on problem-solving. Plus, sharing your screen with confidence prevents those awkward moments of fumbling.

7. Schedule One-on-One Time with Colleagues

Don’t hesitate to invite coworkers for coffee or lunch. Building relationships and honestly discussing your feelings can dramatically improve your workplace experience. Pretending to be untroubled by anxiety won’t help; most people are understanding and willing to assist. You might even gather useful tips or enjoy some light-hearted conversations over coffee.

8. Discover Other Helpful Tools

Sometimes, simpler solutions exist thanks to the variety of tools available today. Research instruments that could assist with your specific challenges. Nowadays, there seems to be a tool for nearly every issue, and you might realize you’ve been tackling tasks the hard way when a tool could streamline your workflow.

Transitioning careers is never straightforward, and feeling inadequate compared to peers can be disheartening. In a fast-paced environment, everyone can feel clueless at times. However, if you persist and trust the process, you’ll eventually reach a point where you can share your wisdom with the next newcomer, even if you’re still figuring things out.

The first video titled "How to Overcome SELF-DOUBT (in your career and in life)" offers practical strategies for tackling self-doubt in both professional and personal contexts.

The second video, "How I Overcame Self-Doubt and Found Success," shares a personal narrative of overcoming self-doubt and achieving success, providing insights that may resonate with your own journey.