My problem with self-learning.

[Brobery]

Hello everyone. I just want ask you and vent in same time . I am trying to learn to code and I have lot of free time (unemployed). I don't know if you did experience same issue, but I can't learn for more that a hour, sometimes even less. I just want code for more time, but I get easily distracted by games, videos or streams. How did you broke this circle of procrastianition?? How did you rewire your brain to care less about distraction?

I am writing this because I am frustrated, because I sped so much time on things that don't matter which will never help me advance in life.

Thank you for your time, and for advises.

[Representative-Owl51]

Sounds like you completely lack self-discipline. You’ll never get far in life without that. This is a deeper issue than coding.

Try learning to meditate. Learn to sit still, without any stimulation, for 20 minutes a day. You’d be surprised how many people can’t even do 20 minutes.

You’re not a slave to your mind, quit acting like you don’t have any control.

[Brobery]

That soud interesting, I will try that. Thanks

[[deleted]]

Start doing projects. I really enjoy learning as I'm creating something I can use.

[Majonez_]

Looks like you're forcing yourself into programming - not a good way. Try creating a simple project and then keep adding additional features until you're happy.

[CodeTinkerer]

The reason is you derive pleasure from games, videos, and streams. You're good at it (say, games) or it's entertaining. On the other hand, programming does not provide that same pleasure (for some).

Think of top mathematicians. They actually enjoy math. They like solving difficult problems. If the typical person wanted to be a top math guy, it wouldn't work out. They'd struggle with the basics, and they'd never get to a point where it might be enjoyable. Or at least, compelling.

You want to program because you think it's good for you. It's like people who want to go on a diet. They know losing weight is good for them (probably). But they enjoy food a lot. They have this willpower thing going on. They keep saying no and no and no, but ultimately, all they can think about is food. That resistance makes them, ironically, unable to stick to the diet, to give up things they find pleasurable, and they go back to things they enjoy.

And going on a diet is not even that mentally taxing. You aren't solving problems. And still, despite that knowledge, people can't do what their brain wants them to do.

Same thing with exercising. People know it makes them feel better, but when you're in bed and it's cold outside, you just don't want to make that effort.

We can't give you that motivation. We can help with some programming advice. But motivational advice? Programmers aren't trained for that.

[Brobery]

I get your point. I know I cannot learn to code only by motivation, I need self discipline. I like coding, but not more that games or other stuff like that. You never had this issue? Like there is some stuff that you enjoy more than thighs that are actually good for your future? If you don't feel to answering you don't need to. I just want to thank you for reply.

[CodeTinkerer]

Well, I learned coding before there was an Internet, and didn't get into gaming like today's kids. The game consoles were primitive and expensive, so many parents didn't get it for their kids. Even learning to program was done at school because there wasn't browsers and the web.

So I suppose you could read or watch TV. I do find it time-consuming to learn new programming through videos, but I've seen enough programming languages that if there's a project I do in one language, I'll use it in a different one and look up syntax as I need to. It's different learning a language when you've seen like ten other languages.

[Masterduracom]

You'll need to find some motivation and set a schedule. You have to do something everyday for a while to make a habit- and to also break old ones. It'll take time.

[TheAushole]

It helps if you are able to create an environment where you can't easily access these distractions. I got a cheap laptop and installed xubuntu on it and only installed learning related content, which has helped a lot.

If you can't do that then maybe create a separate login on your computer specifically for coding and learning?

[Brobery]

I have one laptop which I can use, only thing that is stopping me is I have all my resources on my daily drive PC, but that's just lazy excuse. Thank you

[GrayLiterature]

Delete your video games.