I'm a slow learner. There, I said it.
I can't rush through five tutorials a day. I can't build huge projects overnight. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn't cut out for coding.
But then I realized something: maybe slow isn't the problem. Maybe rushing is.
Why I Don't Rush My Learning
I've never believed in forcing myself to understand everything in one go. Some concepts just take time.
SQL JOINs didn't make sense immediately. Classes in Python felt confusing in the beginning. Even Git took a while.
But instead of pretending I understood, I'd revisit the topic later. Sometimes the next day, sometimes a week later... and every time, I understood it a little better.
This slow approach helps me:
actually remember what I learn
think clearly while coding
avoid unnecessary stress
stay honest with myself
I don't study to "finish a syllabus." I study to understand.
Consistency Over Speed
I don't code every single day. But I do come back to coding regularly.
My progress doesn't come from streaks or pressure. It comes from:
solving one LeetCode problem properly
writing one clean function
learning one SQL concept at a time
Many people think consistency means coding every day. For me, consistency means showing up in a way I can sustain.
If I can learn something properly today, that's enough.
How I Learn in a Clear, Honest Way
I don't try to look advanced. I don't try to memorize big definitions. I don't pretend I know topics I'm still figuring out.
Here's what I actually do:
1. I stick with simple learning cycles
Python, then SQL, then small projects... repeat. I don't switch topics every week. Staying focused on a few things helps me go deeper instead of spreading myself thin
2. I build small features
A summary function. A login system. A single SQL query. A visualization.
These small wins build real confidence. I'd rather finish one feature properly than start ten and abandon them all.
3. I don't chase "green squares"
I use GitHub to track my work, not force activity. Some days I push code, some days I don't. I never push just for the streak.
Progress isn't about daily commits. It's about meaningful work, even if it's just once or twice a week.
4. I take breaks when needed
If I don't understand something, I leave it for a while. Most of the time, when I return, it makes more sense.
Forcing yourself to "get it" when you're confused just leads to frustration. Sometimes your brain needs time to process.
Being Real With Your Learning Journey
I used to think learning fast meant you were smart. Now I think learning honestly is what really matters.
Anyone can rush. But staying consistent (even slowly) takes clarity.
So if you're learning something yourself, here's my simple reminder:
Go slow if you need to. Just don't stop.
Your pace doesn't define you. Your consistency does.
I'm still learning slowly. Still figuring things out. But I'm also still here.
What made you realize that slow and steady works better? I'd love to hear how other people approach their learning pace.
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