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JC Smiley
JC Smiley

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Analogy between Running a Race and Learning to Code

I want to share an analogy between running a race and successfully learning to code. Radio host Steve Harvey stated that a runner in a race is not disqualified if they trip or fall. That success in racing is tied to finishing the race, not on perfection. While learning to code, we are allowed to make mistakes. Similar to racing, we need to get back up whenever we stumble or fall down. We can't just sit on our hands and think because we stop for a second it's over. You can't give up on your dreams.

We are in race to learn and to get paid for our skills. Each person's finish line or version of success is different. Therefore, we can't stop running because others are ahead of us. Success can be a thousand different outcomes like starting a startup, working for a corporation, or developing a personal project to solve a personal problem. Your success is determined by focusing on your journey and your goals.

Finally, Steve Harvey spoke about running a race through the forest called life without a map. No matter how fast you run, you are at a disadvantage and have a possibility of never arriving at your destination. You have to have goals. In tech there are an avalanche of skills to learn and millions of distractions between us and our goals. Success is determined by knowing what to focus on while running and what the finish line looks like for you.

Summary:

  1. We need to get back up whenever we stumble or fall down.
  2. Each person's finish line or version of success is different. Focus on your journey!
  3. Success is determined by knowing what to focus on while running. Avoid distractions!

Top comments (2)

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Barry

Don't be afraid to update or refine your goals too over time. "Many a man gets to the top of the ladder, and then finds out it has been leaning against the wrong wall." Failing is such an important part of learning to code I definitely encourage everyone to do so and not be ashamed of it.

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JC Smiley

I have steal your quote. Its perfect!!!! I agree that failing and learning to code goes hand in hand. I tell everyone I can, nothing wrong with failing. Its the best teacher.