# Milestone-400 Achieved

Hello, LeetCode enthusiasts! 🎉 

It feels surreal to write this, but I am thrilled to announce that I have just achieved the milestone of solving 400 problems on LeetCode! This accomplishment comes just 87 days after reaching my previous milestone of 300 problems. It’s been quite a journey, and I wanted to share my experience, not only to celebrate this achievement but also to motivate my fellow Leetcoders and myself (yes, a little self-motivation never hurts!).

## Why LeetCode?

As a Lead Software Developer with over 8 years of experience, I often find myself busy with the day-to-day demands of my job. However, I recognize the importance of continuous learning and preparation, especially as I gear up for upcoming interviews at tech giants like Google (L5) and Microsoft (L64). LeetCode has been an invaluable resource for honing my problem-solving skills and preparing for technical interviews.

## Balancing Work and Study

One of the biggest challenges I've faced is finding the time to dedicate to LeetCode amidst my professional responsibilities. Between project deadlines and team management, it can be tough to carve out time for practice. However, I’ve learned that consistency is key. Here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

1. **Set Small Goals**: Instead of overwhelming myself with the goal of solving a hundred problems in a week, I set smaller, achievable targets. This could be as simple as solving one problem a day or dedicating 30 minutes to review concepts.

2. **Utilize Breaks Wisely**: I started using my lunch breaks or downtime to tackle one or two problems. It’s a great way to make use of those pockets of time without feeling like I’m sacrificing my personal life.

3. **Focus on Quality, Not Quantity**: While I’m excited about reaching 400 problems, I believe that the understanding of concepts matters more than the sheer number. I often revisit problems I’ve solved to ensure I’ve grasped the underlying principles.

## Preparing for Interviews

As I prepare for interviews, I’m focusing not just on coding problems but also on systems design and behavioral questions. Here’s how I’m tackling these areas:

- **Systems Design**: I’m diving into resources and mock interviews to get a solid grip on design principles. It’s essential to understand scalability, system architecture, and trade-offs in design decisions.

- **Behavioral Interviews**: Preparing for behavioral questions involves reflecting on my past experiences, challenges, and successes. I make sure to have a few stories ready that highlight my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills.

## Community Feedback

I truly appreciate the feedback from the LeetCode community. One of the top comments on my previous post was from a user who mentioned, “I would rather judge you based on Contest rating. Question Count doesn’t mean sh*t to me.” This comment made me reflect on the different ways we measure our progress. While solving problems is one way to improve, participating in contests and tackling real-time challenges can provide a different perspective on one’s skills.

## Moving Forward

As I celebrate this milestone, I’m also aware that the journey doesn’t end here. There’s always more to learn, more problems to solve, and more skills to refine. I’m excited about the challenges ahead, both in preparing for interviews and continuing to grow as a developer.

To all my fellow Leetcoders: Keep pushing your boundaries, stay motivated, and remember that every problem solved brings you one step closer to your goals. Whether you’re preparing for interviews or just improving your skills, let’s keep this journey enjoyable and fruitful!

Here’s to more milestones ahead! 🚀

Happy coding!