THESENIORDEV NEWSLETTER

attitude

I can write a book about what it takes to become a great developer. I can talk about technical skills, from design patterns to testing and performance. I can talk about how to sell yourself and how…

Dragos Nedelcu
Dragos Nedelcu

Mar 14, 2024 · 3 MIN READ

I can write a book about what it takes to become a great developer.

I can talk about technical skills, from design patterns to testing and performance. I can talk about how to sell yourself and how to negotiate. Or how to manage your time and how to work in a development team.

But, if you would ask me to sum it all up in one word.

I would tell you that being a great software engineer comes down to one thing only.

That is attitude.

A good attitude is a “can do” attitude.

It is a positive way of seeing things in a world full of negativity.

Developers with that attitude focus on solutions rather than problems. They don’t mind making mistakes, but they seek success. They work hard but also take breaks.

They seek advice and feedback.

Mental toughness is also part of that attitude.

Because no matter how smart or talented you are, and no matter how hard you work, you will face hard times. You might get laid off even if you over-delivered. You might not get the job even if you did a great interview.

It is in those times, when you doubt yourself and everything you are doing, that mental toughness will come in handy. Developers with mental toughness understand sometimes the ride is a bit bumpy. Sometimes the wind is not in our favor.

But that’s not an invitation to quit. That’s an invitation to improve.

So here is my tip for today.

If you are a developer looking to level up, work on your attitude before you work on your knowledge.

With the right attitude, the knowledge will follow.

Okay, people. I talked to Bogdan yesterday. He was giving the update on the new stuff we are adding to Software Mastery (including how to stay competitive in the age of AI). Hot stuff, I know :)

He also told me we can only accept 5 more mentees this month because he wants to focus his efforts on the new programs we will release this year.

I have a few consultation spots left this week. You can check them out here and book a chat with me <https://www.theseniordev.com/apply> before they run out!

Until we see each other, work on that attitude!

Cheers

P.S. Attitude is also the most important factor when deciding what kind of developers we accept in the mentorship program. Life is too short to work with the wrong kind of people. We want to create a community of motivated go-getters, not nasty complainers. We believe the glass is half full and love to work with developers who think the same. If that’s you, apply now! <https://www.theseniordev.com/apply>

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