When I started learning Python (with Machine Learning as the long-term goal), I thought the hardest part would be syntax.
Plot twist:
It wasn’t syntax.
It was me.
Here are 5 beginner mistakes I made in my first weeks learning Python — and what I’d do differently now.
1️⃣ Trying to Jump Into Machine Learning Too Fast
I started learning Python because I wanted to build ML systems.
So naturally, after learning some basics, I thought:
“Okay cool… time to train models.”
Yeah… not quite.
I quickly realized:
- I didn’t fully understand loops
- My logic was shaky
- Debugging took forever
🔎 Lesson learned:
Strong Python fundamentals make Machine Learning 10x less painful. Don’t skip the boring stuff.
2️⃣ Underestimating if / else Logic
I thought conditionals were simple.
Then I wrote programs where:
- Conditions never triggered
- Conditions always triggered
- Nested logic confused even me
Python ran the code…
It just didn’t behave the way I expected.
🔎 Lesson learned:
Programming is precise thinking. Small logic mistakes create big confusion.
3️⃣ Ignoring Error Messages (At First 😬)
Whenever I saw a big red error message, my brain did this:
“Nope.”
I used to:
- Re-run the code without reading the error
- Change random lines hoping it would magically work
- Copy-paste the entire error into Google
Eventually I realized something important:
Error messages are not enemies.
They’re clues.
🔎 Lesson learned:
Slow down. Read the error. It usually tells you exactly what went wrong.
4️⃣ Watching Too Many Tutorials
I fell into tutorial mode.
Watch.
Follow along.
Feel productive.
Forget everything the next day.
I wasn’t building anything independently.
🔎 Lesson learned:
After every tutorial, build something small without copying.
Even a simple calculator or number guessing game helps more than 3 extra videos.
5️⃣ Comparing My Progress to Everyone Else
This one hit the hardest.
I’d see:
- People building ML projects
- Fancy dashboards
- AI demos everywhere
Meanwhile, I was fighting with basic input() statements.
It’s easy to feel behind.
But here’s what I realized:
Everyone posts their highlights.
Nobody posts their broken if statements.
🔎 Lesson learned:
Compare yourself to yesterday-you. Not to the internet.
🎯 What I’m Doing Differently Now
Instead of rushing, I’m:
- ✅ Focusing on logic first
- ✅ Writing small but complete programs
- ✅ Reading error messages properly
- ✅ Building more, consuming less
Machine Learning is still the goal.
But I’m choosing progress over ego.
💬 If You’re Learning Python Too…
What beginner mistake slowed you down the most?
Or which one are you currently fixing?
Let’s compare notes — I’m still learning too.
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