&gt; How exactly does the &quot;mental block&quot; look like? Does it mean that you see several possible approaches and struggle to decide which one to use?<p>Sometimes yes (paralysis by choice), but in this case no. In this case defeat and &quot;I can&#x27;t do it&quot; are my initial response, and I shy away from programming.<p>&gt; A lot of people grow with their competences (be it knowledge or skills) to the moment when they start to realize the limitations of their competences. The moment when they see a bigger picture of their work, the broader consequences of a possible error, they feel bigger responsibility etc. It&#x27;s a moment when doubts start to creep in and self-esteem plummets. The paradox of this phase is that objectively such people are very competent and capable to solve the problems they face. But they become paralyzed by the pressure and self-doubt.<p>That fits. I know I know nothing. Then I wonder what it means to know. What is meaning? You get the picture - it&#x27;s a destructive deconstructive spiral brought around by doubt. I inhabit &quot;Imposter Syndrome&quot;, still trying to find a way out.<p>&gt; If this reminds you your situation (at least partially) then the solution is called coaching - a method created to help competent people who lost their faith in own competences, overcome the difficulties and grow further.<p>Do you have any pointers for finding a competent coach please, vs someone who&#x27;s overconfident in their own abilities?<p>Thanks for taking the time to comment, you&#x27;ve been really helpful.