Great software engineers are known for their ability to learn quickly and consistently deliver impressive results.
A distinguishing factor among senior software developers is their incredible capacity to tackle massive amounts of work efficiently. To join their ranks, you must strive to avoid idle states and ensure you're making steady progress in your projects.
This mindset pushes you directly into 1% of best software engineers.
In the world of software development, your progress speed is directly linked to your ability to learn, adapt, and overcome challenges.
By delivering a constant stream of results, you'll demonstrate your value and enhance your reputation as a capable engineer.
The key to achieving this level of productivity is to minimize periods when you're stuck or not making progress:
Stagnant Progress: When you feel like you're not making any headway, it could indicate that you're facing a problem that needs resolving. It's crucial to recognize this signal and act on it.
Uncertainty about Next Steps: If you're unsure about what needs to be done, it's time to pause and assess the situation. You might be overlooking an essential step or feature.
Difficulty Solving Problems: Even the simplest issues can feel overwhelming when you're just starting in software development. Don't let this discourage you.
In all three cases, the solution can be straightforward: ask for help. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or even AI tools like ChatGPT. By seeking guidance every 10 minutes when you're not moving forward, you can maintain momentum and ensure you're on the right track. Right track will lead you to becoming senior software engineer much quicker than reading guidelines.
I'm building a game specifically build for software engineers to master such mindset.
The best way to progress in software development is by continually feeling a sense of accomplishment. Keep pushing yourself, learning from challenges, and seeking assistance when needed. This approach will ensure you are well on your way to a successful career in software development.
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Top comments (2)
One of my weaknesses is that I'm very stubborn in trying to solve a problem on my own, sometimes to my own deteriment. However, you are absolutely right that you should always keep a positive mindset on focus, speed, and progress. I want to emphasize positive mindset, because if you are approaching it from a negative standpoint then you are going to feel rushed, stressed, and produce less than stellar results. You want to feel motivated, you want to get into a flow state, optimal performance, you know - in the zone.
Even though I've held the title of Senior Software Engineer I wouldn't call myself Senior level. That being said, take my advice with a grain of salt and find a balance of what works best for you. So, some of my advice for people reading the comments to elaborate on what the author, Mike, said.
When you feel you are stagnating or uncertain about next steps, never be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. We all started as beginners, no one was born an expert. We all had to work hard to become where we are today, and we continue to work hard to continue to progress in this field. It may not always be easy, but the reward of being able to achieve your goals and solve the problem at hand is always a reward in itself.
No one has all the answers. If they say they do, they're wrong. Always keep an open mind, and never be afraid to seek outside perspectives. Always put yourself in the shoes of other people and try to see things from their angles. Sometimes solutions present themselves when viewed through different lenses and at different angles.
If you can avoid re-inventing the wheel, avoid it. Leveraging the tools at hand and don't be afraid to use them if they're permitted by your employer. I'm looking at you ChatGPT. These tools are powerful when leveraged responsibly and creatively, so put your best thinking-hat on and find creative and unique solutions to your problems using the tools at hand.
Never give up. The impossible may seem unreachable, but through perserverance, hard-work, team-work, and creative thinking even the most insurmountable of goals can be realized. Never tell yourself you aren't good enough, that you can't achieve your dreams or your goals. You are capable, you are good enough, you are smart enough, you have the skills, the expertise, the tools at hand. You are enough. Just focus on the path forward, always look to expand your horizons, and as I said, never give up.
Thanks for reading, and kudos on a wonderful article.
I usually tell everyone(mostly intern/mentoree) never stay blocked more than half an hour on a problem without asking questions. They all keep searching for a full day, sometime more, lying about there progress and when finally asking the issue get solved in two minutes.
The usual answer i get when asking why didn't you ask before is either related to impostor syndrome or fear of being annoying if asking questions too quickly.
I now see that half an hour is even generous for some.
And if you're in this position, please ask questions. We way better prefer being annoyed a few minutes every now and then than learning nothing has been done for a few days. If you are assigned a senior dev, a mentor or a reference coworker, use them.