Starting your journey in tech can feel extremely exciting. It was for me, I was thrilled to be entering a new field, and it felt like anything was possible. However, I quickly realized that success in tech isn’t something that happens overnight.
When I began, my main focus was on developing new skills in the field. I did this by taking online courses and making sure to implement as I learned. But as time passed, I began to feel disillusioned as I realized that I was a long way from becoming a professional and from monetizing the skills I was learning. It felt so discouraging to be investing so much time and effort without seeing any immediate results.
During a coaching session, a mentor shared a valuable analogy with me which helped me change my perspective. He described the journey I was on and the skills I was learning as the planting of a seed. You can’t expect it to bear fruit immediately. It requires nurturing, patience, and consistent effort.
The same principle is applicable to a career in tech, it won’t yield results in one day. You have to acquire the skills first, polish them with practical experience, and maybe even do some work for free to develop a portfolio, before you finally start to reap the rewards. This invaluable insight changed my mind set and has helped me stay focused and reminded that the skills I was building would eventually yield results.
The tech journey isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Patience pays off. Share on XThis insight is applicable no matter the field you are in. You have to put in the work first and build yourself up before the rewards start pouring in. Without persistence, it’s easy to give up along the way especially when entering a new field.
In this article, I’ll share some challenges beginners face and strategies to stay motivated as a beginner in tech or any other field.
Challenges of Staying Motivated as a Beginner
Entering the tech world comes with its fair share of obstacles, especially when you’re just starting out. Here are some challenges that can make it difficult to stay motivated:
1. Imposter Syndrome
As a beginner, it’s easy to feel out of place. Imposter syndrome often strikes when you compare yourself to professionals and feel you’ll never measure up. These feelings can creep in even when you’re making progress, creating a sense of inadequacy that’s hard to shake.
Imposter syndrome is just fear in disguise—push through, you belong here. Share on X2. Overwhelmed by Information
The tech field is vast, filled with endless tools, programming languages, and resources. For beginners, deciding where to start and what to focus on can feel overwhelming. The abundance of information can make it hard to stay on track, leaving you feeling stuck before you’ve even begun.
3. Slow Progress
In tech, skill development takes time and repeated practice. The results are rarely immediate, which can be frustrating when you’re eager to see tangible outcomes. This slow pace of improvement can lead to discouragement, making it harder to stay committed to your goals.
4. Isolation
Learning tech skills independently can be a lonely journey. Without a network or peers to share experiences, it’s easy to feel disconnected. The lack of encouragement or shared milestones can make the process feel more daunting than it needs to be.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step in overcoming them. Here are some practical strategies to keep yourself motivated:
1. Break Down Your Goals
The first step to staying motivated is to define your “why.” What is the primary reason driving you? For those in tech are you pursuing it for a career change, or as an opportunity for personal growth? Once your long-term goals are clear, break them down into smaller steps. When I started, weekly goals like finishing one course module or creating a small project kept me motivated. Taking your goals one at a time will make the journey feel less overwhelming and more rewarding.
Set a vision, break it into goals, and watch your dreams take shape. Share on X2. Join Supportive Communities
Navigating the tech world is easier with support. Platforms like Discord, or Facebook groups offer spaces to ask questions, share experiences, and celebrate wins. Look for beginner-friendly groups that foster positivity. Engaging with others turns isolation into collaboration and makes learning more enjoyable.
3. Celebrate Small Victories
In a field as challenging as tech, every achievement—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. No matter the field you’re in, your first wins should always be celebrated. You can do something special that you enjoy, share the news on social media, or even journal about your progress. When I launched my first blog, it felt like a huge accomplishment. Sharing that moment with others motivated me to continue learning and growing.
Small wins build big dreams. Celebrate every step forward. Share on X4. Make Learning Fun
One of the best ways to stay engaged is by working on projects that excite you. Building something tangible, like a personal blog or a simple app, can make learning more enjoyable. Participating in challenges on social media is another great way to have fun while learning and practicing your skills. Choose projects that align with your interests and abilities. For instance, I enjoy writing and editing, so starting a blog was a great way for me to combine my passions and sharpen my tech skills.
Building a career in tech is a journey, not a race. To stay motivated, you need a clear vision of what you want to achieve both short term and in the long run. Remember to enjoy the process and be patient with yourself as you grow.
What strategies have helped you stay motivated in your tech journey or whatever field you’re in? Share your thoughts in the comments.