It has been quite a while since the last blog article as I allowed myself to enjoy a holiday without touching any coding after signing off the final project this early June. Do not get me wrong - this is never a destination! The journey will keep going until my goal is realised.

In the following, I am going to share some of my thoughts while learning programming, hope this would inspire you in some ways. Meanwhile, this article is also acting as a reminder for myself whenever I feel discouraged. Let’s get started!

Some key mindsets

Be patient:
Learning takes time and effort. Rome is not built in a day - do not expect to become an expert overnight. Just keep learning and practicing, and trust the process.

Be persistent:
There will be times of feeling stuck or frustrated. These feelings are very normal and you are not the only one. Therefore, continue after you declutter all your messy emotions. Remember, you have not failed until you choose to give up.

Be open to learning:
The world of programming is constantly evolving. Do not be afraid to learn and try new things. Just ask for help when you have any questions, do not leave them on your mind. There is no shame in not knowing about everything. Stay hungry stay foolish! There are also many online resources available to help with your journey.



Here are some more tips to go the extra mile.

Set realistic goals

Knowing yourself is very important, not just your strengths, but also your limitations. Do not try to learn everything at once. I particularly like one saying - “Dream Big. Act small.” Like what is the core of problem-solving - Break the complex problem into smaller manageable pieces of the task. Always start with small, achievable goals, and gradually build your skills over time.

You can use SMART criteria in setting goals that stand for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame.

Take breaks

Taking breaks is extremely useful which people often neglect. Well-being is always my top priority. How can a person sustain without a good meal, a full sleep, and a calm state? Rest is not meaning to take away your precious time, instead, it helps you stay more focused and avoid burnout.

Therefore, when you feel stuck again - when don’t you just consider taking a walk and leaving the computer, you might get an unexpected incredible outcome!

Do not compare

I used to compare myself with a lot of people and fulfill the expectations of society, and my parents… That is some sort of cultural thing in which I grew up in a highly competitive and high-pressure environment. From my experience, pressure is good in some ways but too much is no good so I truly understand how comparison only brings misery but not productivity, and more importantly, it is absolutely meaningless.

Everyone’s starting point and ultimate goal are different so what is the point to compare? For example, I never compare myself to anyone who is coming from computer science or any sort of engineering background. The only person you should compare is the one you see when you are in front of the mirror. If you think you are better than you were yesterday, acknowledge it and give yourself some credit!

Conclusion

Learning programming can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Even if you think you do not have those mentalities, it does not mean that you cannot get through the path.

Everyone is different, just find the ways you are comfortable with and explore them. If you agree with the content, you can also try to train yourself with the mindsets!

Useful resources

SMART Goals

16personalities





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