The Secret to Growth as Software Engineer

The post argues that real growth as a software engineer shows up when you look back at your own earlier code and notice better judgment, cleaner writing, and improved problem-solving. The author describes feeling embarrassed by old code, then treating that reaction as evidence of progress rather than failure.

It also says growth is about comparing yourself with your past self instead of with other people. The author recommends documenting your journey, reflecting on how far you have come, and trying to do better than you did before.

Reading notes

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• Growth is measured by comparing your present self with your past self and noticing improvement in what you usually do.
• Seeing a better way to do something you once handled differently is part of growth.
• Understanding what steps should have been taken to avoid a past outcome helps you adjust your approach.
• Comparing yourself with others can steal joy and does not count as growth.
• Comparing yourself with your past self should not steal joy and is presented as the real measure of growth.
• Documenting your journey helps you track improvement and gives you a basis for comparison later.
• The post encourages competing with yourself, not with others.