Confused about my progress

# Confused About My Progress in Problem Solving

It's a common experience for many aspiring programmers and software engineers: you're working diligently on coding challenges, yet you find yourself struggling with problems you've tackled multiple times before. Meanwhile, some new and unfamiliar questions seem to come together effortlessly. If this resonates with you, you're not alone. Let's delve into the intricacies of this phenomenon and explore how to focus your efforts for better results.

## Understanding the Struggle

The struggle to recall solutions to previously solved problems can stem from several factors:

1. **Memory Decay**: Our brains don't retain every piece of information indefinitely. Even if you've solved a problem multiple times, without regular review, the details may fade, leading to a disconnect when you encounter the same type of problem again.

2. **Learning Styles**: It's important to recognize that different people learn and retain information in various ways. If you find that you're struggling with problems you’ve learned through video tutorials, it may be because passive learning (watching videos) doesn't engage you as actively as problem-solving on your own.

3. **Problem-Solving Approach**: The way you approach a problem can significantly impact your ability to solve it. Problems that you solve independently may resonate more with you, reinforcing your understanding and retention of the material.

## Insights on Progress

### Self-Solved Problems vs. Video Tutorials

The distinction between problems you've solved independently versus those you've learned from videos can reveal important insights:

- **Active Learning**: When you work through problems on your own, you engage more deeply with the material. This active involvement helps you internalize concepts better, leading to improved recall and application in the future.

- **Dependency on External Guidance**: Conversely, relying heavily on video tutorials could foster a form of dependency. If you memorize solutions without fully understanding the underlying principles, you may find it challenging to adapt those solutions to new problems.

### Focus Areas for Improvement

Now that we understand some potential reasons behind your struggles, how can you recalibrate your focus to enhance your learning and problem-solving skills?

1. **Practice Active Problem-Solving**: Prioritize solving problems independently before seeking external resources. Start with a problem, spend time brainstorming solutions, and only then refer to tutorials if you're truly stuck. This will help reinforce your understanding.

2. **Review and Reflect**: After solving a problem, take the time to reflect on your approach. Write down the key concepts and strategies you employed. Regularly revisit these notes to reinforce your learning.

3. **Mix It Up**: Challenge yourself with a variety of problems—those that you find easy, as well as more difficult ones. This diverse practice will keep your skills sharp and expose you to different problem-solving techniques.

4. **Engage with the Community**: Join coding forums or study groups where you can discuss problems with peers. Teaching others or explaining your thought process can solidify your understanding and uncover gaps in your knowledge.

5. **Embrace Failure**: Understand that struggling with a problem is a normal part of the learning process. Each failure is an opportunity for growth. Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve for next time.

## Conclusion

It's perfectly normal to feel confused about your progress in problem-solving. The key is to recognize the patterns in your learning and adapt your strategies accordingly. By focusing on active learning, reviewing your work, challenging yourself, and engaging with others, you can foster a deeper understanding of algorithms and data structures, ultimately leading to greater success in your coding journey.

Remember, every coder experiences ups and downs. Embrace the journey, keep pushing your boundaries, and you'll continue to grow as a problem solver.

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### Top Comments

- **User A**: "I totally relate! I often find myself stuck on problems I thought I understood. It’s reassuring to know it’s a common issue."
  
- **User B**: "Great tips on active learning! I’ll definitely try to focus more on solving problems independently."
  
- **User C**: "I love the idea of mixing up easy and hard problems. It keeps things interesting and helps me build confidence."