A new year often brings excitement and anticipation. Many people set resolutions and make plans for the year ahead, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. As I step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on a decision that significantly shaped my journey in tech—a simple yet life-changing choice to start.
While rounding up my National Youth Service, I began to seriously contemplate my future. At the time, I had no definite plan and felt uncertain about the path ahead. However, I have always been intrigued by a career in the field of technology. The world is in a digital age and the field’s promising prospects and rapid advancements are impossible to ignore. Additionally, the lucrative pay associated with tech roles is undeniably appealing. Despite my interest, I felt lost and unsure of where to begin.
I turned to my elder brother, who happens to work in the tech industry, for guidance. He asked me thought-provoking questions: “What are you interested in? What skills do you currently have? What roles appeal to you?” At the time, my understanding of the tech field was limited to images of people endlessly writing code in languages like Java or Python—areas in which I had no expertise. I felt intimidated and discouraged.
However, I resolved to move past those doubts. I reminded myself that others had succeeded in this field, and they were no more inherently capable than I was. I took the first step and began researching different areas within tech, exploring potential roles and the foundational skills required to break into the field.
Taking a tech career quiz provided clarity by helping me identify roles aligned with my strengths and interests. Eventually, I applied for a promising digital apprenticeship program that offered hands-on training and mentorship. To my delight, I was accepted. Today, I proudly call myself an aspiring “tech girl,” navigating a journey that once seemed insurmountable.
The moral here is that you don’t know what you’re capable of doing until you do it. Taking that first step has opened doors to opportunities I could not have imagined. For instance, I have learned how to build a personal website—an achievement that once felt impossible. Beyond technical skills, the apprenticeship has taught me work skills and life lessons that will remain invaluable throughout my career.
There are several factors that discourage people from chasing their dreams and taking that first step. Let’s explore some of them:
1. Fear of the Unknown
People often feel scared to leave their comfort zone. They fear challenges, failure and even the discomfort that comes with it. The unfamiliar can be intimidating, triggering a natural stress response that often discourages individuals from stepping out of their comfort zones. While this fear is an evolutionary mechanism designed to protect us, it can also hinder personal growth and prevent us from seizing new opportunities.
2. Lack of Confidence
This is one of the most common barriers to trying new things. Many individuals doubt their capacity to succeed in unfamiliar fields and choose to remain within their areas of expertise. For instance, I initially believed anything related to tech was too complex for me, which delayed my exploration of the field’s opportunities.
Confidence is built, not given. Start small, celebrate your wins, and build your way up. Share on X
3. Past Failures
Negative experiences from previous attempts can create apprehension about trying again. Such failures often deter individuals from exploring new paths, even if they have the potential to succeed.
Now that we have identified these challenges the next step is to understand that they are not insurmountable. Here are some strategies that can help you overcome them:
1. Adopting a Growth Mindset
Shifting from a mindset of fear to one of possibility is crucial. Growth occurs when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges.
A growth mindset turns challenges into opportunities. Don’t fear the unknown—embrace it. Share on X
2. Building Confidence Gradually
Confidence develops over time through setting achievable goals, celebrating small wins, and reframing negative self-talk. Recognizing one’s strengths and viewing setbacks as part of the learning process can significantly enhance self-esteem.
3. Reframing Past Failures
Viewing past failures as learning opportunities rather than defeats can transform apprehension into determination. Reflect on what went wrong and how to improve and avoid repeating past mistakes. Every setback is an opportunity for success, and resilience is a key trait that can be cultivated through perseverance and self-reflection.
Failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone to success. Embrace the lessons from each setback. Share on X
Conclusion
Starting something new can be daunting, but it is often the catalyst for growth and transformation. By identifying and overcoming the barriers that hold us back, we unlock our potential and create opportunities for fulfillment and success.
If you’ve been considering stepping into the world of tech but don’t know where to begin, I encourage you to explore the Digital Apprenticeship Program that has been instrumental in my journey. It provides hands-on training, mentorship, and a supportive community to help you navigate your path in technology.
Take that first step today. Pursue the dream you’ve always had—you might be surprised where it leads.