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Imposter syndrome is that feeling of inadequacy and incompetence which further paves the way for countless issues and problems. Thus, dealing with it and implementing ways to overcome it has become the need of the hour. These days, it is quite common to find this syndrome in almost every field that one can think of. Data science tends to be no different. Considering how important it is to overcome it, we have come up with a list of top 10 tips to overcome data science imposter syndrome. Have a look!
As a matter of fact, data science is an ever-changing field where there is a need for new technologies constantly. However, the very realization that your learning curve will get steeper with time plays a vital role. One needs to accept the fact that it is absolutely okay to not know everything about data science. End of the day, you should be in a position to do what's assigned.
People refrain from asking questions presuming that doing so would make them look silly. Yes, it might be a little scary to ask questions upfront to your teammates and superiors but what is important to note is that it is way sillier if you don't ask questions. Asking questions is the best way to learn and overcome data science imposter syndrome.
During our entire lifetime, we have, for once at least, comparing ourselves to others. It's a natural human tendency. Every person is different and has his/her own strengths and weaknesses. Comparing those to that of yours is something you should stop henceforth.
Yes, competition is at its peak these days. But being harsh on yourself doesn't work anyway. Just like comparing yourself to others doesn't make it any easier, so does self-criticism. All this will just add up to the already existing data science imposter syndrome.
Breaking silence is considered to be yet another powerful tool when it comes to overcoming data science imposter syndrome. As you start to feel that you are having a strong emotional reaction, try to describe, or name it – whether to yourself or to others.
As far as data science as an industry is concerned, it goes way beyond facts and numbers. Just in case you happen to experience a certain emotion like self-doubt, put it out there and analyze whether what you are feeling is based on facts or based on something else.
Get out of a toxic environment
It has been a common observation that someone working in a toxic environment tends to develop every possible trait of imposter syndrome. Toxic environments can have devastating effects which are why getting out of such an environment is critical.
There is probably no better way to learn and grow from the failures and mistakes you make. It is through failure that we learn the greatest lessons that life could probably teach us.
Rather than following the path laid by someone else, creating your own path is always appreciated. By doing so, one not only gets to learn various prospects of getting better but also to overcome data science imposter syndrome.
Self-criticism doesn't work. This will not lead to any improvement in areas that you think might work. Data science is a field that has a lot to do with data and numbers. The field is such that it requires good analytical skills as well. Here, self-criticism doesn't seem to be of any use. Rather it adds up to result in a data science imposter syndrome.
Irrespective of how small or big an achievement is, always celebrate it. This way, you are not only bringing in positivity but also getting closer to getting away from imposter syndrome.
