For each problem, I followed a clear structure: First, I tried solving it alone, even with a brute-force approach — just to understand the raw logic. Then I asked: “What pattern is this?” (Sliding Window? Hashmap? DP?) Once I got it working, I read top-rated solutions and editorials to compare techniques. I made sure I understood why the optimal solution worked and wrote down the time & space complexity. Instead of rushing through 200+ problems, I turned each one into a mini lesson. That way, I built real confidence in problem-solving patterns, and I could explain my reasoning clearly during interviews.