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5 Small (But Easily Fixable) Mistakes Most People Make Working In Software Development

For anyone working as a Software Developer, these are the 5 small (but easily fixable) mistakes most people make—and why, if you can avoid these, your career is going to accelerate exponentially

Getting promoted oftentimes isn't about being "the best."

It's actually far more about being reliable—and people being able to trust that you won't make little mistakes.

For anyone working as a Software Developer, these are the 5 small (but easily fixable) mistakes most people make—and why, if you can avoid these, your career is going to accelerate exponentially:

Mistake #1: Waiting too long to ask for help

When developers get stuck, they avoid asking for help and instead trying to figure it out on their own. One hour turns into one day and the problem is still not solved.

The next time you're stuck, give yourself a time box. If you can't figure it out by then, ask for help.

Mistake #2: Waiting too long for feedback

There's always more developers can do before getting feedback. But when we wait too long, the feedback loop grows too large. And long feedback loops mean waste.

Instead, set a regular time — each day perhaps — to ask for feedback on your work. You'll catch mistakes a lot earlier.

Mistake #3: Using every new and shiny thing

Developers love learning the latest cool and shiny thing. But we end up wasting a lot of time trying to use them all just "because."

Instead, stick to the tools and frameworks you know well when it matters, and save the experimental stuff for side projects.

Mistake #4: Assuming people understand you

If you ask a developer, they'll probably tell you that they communicate very clearly and effectively. But that's not always the case. Many times, we think we're being logical and rational, but it doesn't come across that way.

Never assume that your message was received clearly and accurately. Make sure you're communicating effectively.

Mistake #5: Stopping personal development

So you've been a senior developer for a few years. Congrats! But it's no time to sit back and relax as the world passes by.

No. You need to be constantly finding opportunities for personal development and self-improvement. There's always something you could be doing better.