Feeling Stagnant As A Developer

One of the benefits of what I do is that I get to hear from all kinds of people and their struggles—developers of every skill level. No matter where you are in your coding journey, chances are you’ve felt stuck at some point, as if you’re not progressing. This feeling of stagnation is common, but it’s also something you can work through.

In this post, I want to explore why developers often feel stuck and how you can break out of that rut to start seeing progress again.

Why Feeling Stagnant Happens

Feeling like you're not progressing can lead to burnout, imposter syndrome, or even giving up entirely. I know this not just from talking to others but also from personal experience. For instance, I’m currently creating a Next.js e-commerce course—the most advanced project I’ve ever done for a course—and it’s pushed me to doubt myself, both as a developer and a teacher.

So, why do we feel this way? Let’s dive into some reasons.

1. The Dunning-Kruger Effect

The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias where people with low ability in a specific area overestimate their competence.

When you first start learning to code, everything seems straightforward. You write your first “Hello World” and think, I’ve got this! But as you dive deeper, the complexity increases, and suddenly, you realize how much you don’t know. This shift can make it feel like you’re stagnating, even though you’re actually learning more than ever.

2. Comparison with Others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially on social media. You see polished portfolios, impressive open-source contributions, or glowing success stories. What you don’t see are the years of struggle, late nights, and mistakes that got those developers to where they are.

Remember: people rarely share their failures. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth.

3. The Infinite Depth of Programming

Programming is vast, and there’s always something new to learn—languages, frameworks, paradigms, tools. The more you learn, the more aware you become of how much you don’t know. This infinite depth can make you feel inadequate, even when you’re growing.

4. Lack of Visible Milestones

Progress in programming isn’t always tangible. Artists can showcase physical pieces, and their growth is easy to see. Developers, on the other hand, often work on subtle improvements—cleaner code, better performance, fewer bugs. While these achievements matter, they don’t always feel as rewarding as finishing a big, visible project.

5. Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that you’re not qualified for your role, even when you are. It’s common among developers. You might think you’re not progressing, but often you are—it’s just hard to see. The key is to compare yourself to your past self, not to others. Look at where you were last month or last year, and you’ll likely notice real progress.

Signs You’re Actually Progressing:

• You understand concepts you used to struggle with.
• You recognize and fix errors faster.
• You help others with their code, which reinforces your own knowledge.
• You approach problems more systematically.
• Your recent projects are better than your older ones.

How to Overcome Feeling Stagnant

If you’re feeling stuck, here are some actionable steps to get back on track:

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Break your learning into manageable chunks. For example, instead of aiming to “learn React,” set a goal to build a small app in React over two weeks. Mapping out each step, no matter how small, can give you a sense of accomplishment.

2. Know Where You Want to Go

Uncertainty about your career direction can make progress feel aimless. Take time to figure out where you want to go in your software development journey. Write it down so you can refer to it and track your progress.

3. Reflect on Your Progress

Keep a journal or document where you note what you’ve learned each week. Reviewing these entries can be a great reminder of how far you’ve come.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Did you solve a tricky bug? Learn a new library? Celebrate it! Recognize these achievements as steps forward.

5. Embrace the Process

Programming is about solving problems, not writing perfect code. Shift your focus from outcomes to the process itself. This mindset can help reduce the pressure to always “be better.”

6. Limit Comparisons

It bears repeating: don’t compare yourself to others. Unless you know someone’s full story—including their failures—it’s not a fair comparison. Focus on your own journey.

7. Build Something You’re Passionate About

Burnout often stems from a lack of connection to your work. Reignite your passion by creating a project that genuinely excites you. This can remind you why you got into programming in the first place.

8. Join a Community

Even if you’re not naturally social, joining a community—whether online or in person—can boost your confidence. Sharing knowledge and receiving feedback can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Feeling stagnant as a developer is normal, but it’s not permanent. Many times, it’s just a matter of perspective. If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s okay to take a break. Step away for a few days, do something fun, and come back refreshed.

Remember: progress isn’t always obvious, but it’s there if you take the time to look for it. Keep learning, stay curious, and trust the process.