Unexpected Insights from a Programming Class

I distinctly remember the first day of class, seated between two other women as the instructor introduced the fundamental concepts of programming. Afterward, she tasked us with writing an algorithm. Although I had dabbled in programming during my studies, I had never excelled at it, yet this task appeared manageable.

Up to that point, I had consistently been an "average" student. Aside from humanities, I struggled to stand out in most subjects. My presence in this computer class was primarily due to my recent failures in engineering entrance exams—this was my final chance to carve out a career as a software developer in India.

When the teacher prompted us to create an algorithm, I eagerly set to work and surprisingly, I was among the few who got it right. The instructor praised my efforts in front of the entire class. A sense of embarrassment mixed with pride washed over me until the student beside me, visibly distressed, inquired, "How did you manage that?"

"I had some programming experience in school," I replied, feeling my pride shift to guilt. It seemed unfair that I had an advantage, and I felt undeserving of the praise.

"That explains it!" the other student responded, reassured.

I sank a little deeper into my seat, but then something remarkable occurred. The teacher turned to the student next to me and remarked, "At least she remembered what she learned in school. That’s still impressive."

I was taken aback. Impressive? Me? This was a new experience.

In that instant, my self-perception underwent a transformation. I transitioned from being "average" to "impressive." Not only did I thrive in the programming course over the next year, but I was also invited to instruct the same class the following year. Since then, I've excelled in all my academic endeavors.

What had shifted in that moment? Did I suddenly become more intelligent? Absolutely not. What changed was my self-perception, my belief in my capabilities. That single comment from my teacher opened up the possibility that I could exceed my previous self-image. I began to believe that I could be remarkable, that I was not destined to remain average.

Self-Efficacy: Your Belief in Your Capabilities

Researcher Albert Bandura defines our belief in our ability to enact change—termed "self-efficacy"—as a critical factor influencing how we think, feel, and act in various situations. Consider this: when are you more inclined to initiate change in your life—when you believe you can make it happen or when you doubt your ability?

In my case, my self-efficacy grew through what Bandura refers to as "verbal persuasion." A respected figure—my programming instructor—proposed a new perspective of myself. However, my own "mastery experiences" further boosted my self-efficacy. Believing I could succeed in this class fueled my motivation, creating a positive feedback loop: increased self-efficacy led to hard work, improved performance, and the reinforcement of my belief in my capabilities.

Bandura asserts that our own mastery experiences are the most impactful source of self-efficacy. If you’re facing challenges in making a change, reflect on your past achievements. Have there been moments when you accomplished something you thought was beyond you? Perhaps you believed you could never land that dream job, but you pushed yourself and succeeded. Consider how you achieved those victories; if you could do it then, what’s stopping you now?

My journey in the programming class ignited a profound interest in the potential of the human mind. Although I excelled in programming, I chose to study psychology and pursue a career focused on personal development. To this day, I find immense joy in helping others expand their understanding of who they are and who they can become.

Over to You

Returning to the change you wish to make in your life, do you believe you can achieve it? If not, what insights can you draw from your past successes or encouragement from someone you respect? How can you enhance your self-efficacy to facilitate this change?

The first video, "How to Believe in Yourself (Even if No One Else Does)," explores strategies to cultivate self-belief and overcome self-doubt.

The second video, "2 Ways to Believe in Yourself & Achieve Cool Things," shares effective methods for boosting your self-confidence and achieving your goals.