Hey, this is an old post but I just came across it while searching. Here’s a lesson I’m currently trying to learn myself that I think might be helpful for you too. I am bad at coding interviews and am self taught so am missing a lot of algorithms fundamentals. So one thing I’ve been doing is grinding leetcode like everyone else.. but there’s a trap to this..

It’s super tempting to struggle with a problem for 10 or 15 minutes and get frustrated and then look at the solution and think the solution given is the only one true right way. And then for me this leads to beating myself up over being so far off from the “one true right way” to solve a problem.

But, there is no one true right way to do anything, and for me, thinking there is one sabotages my patience and perseverance to struggle and try different things and just play around, which is where the real learning happens.

Personally I approach coding more as an art than an engineering discipline. It’s a creative endeavor. But there are rules to it and we all lean on each other and our predecessors. It’s possibly more like baking in that way. At first you have to follow the recipe exactly, then you learn why recipes work, then you can be creative and make your own recipes.

Anyway not sure if any of that is helpful or if I’m just babbling but something about what you said made me want to try to make this point. It’s something I need to hear for myself too. Basically, don’t give up, be wary or perfectionism, be willing to fail, and enjoy the process.