At this point, I have sporadically written five articles with about four of them technical as part of my resolve to hold myself more accountable. So I figured why not let this next piece be a more personal one.
As an active user of Reddit and a computer science student, I like to browse subreddits like r/cscareerquestions and r/learnprogramming for interesting stories and occasionally learning. Take a stroll through either of these communities and you will find at least one “confession” post in which the poster confesses to not being able to code after four years of degree or having no direction in the midst of his/her degree studies.
The first time I read such post I was taken aback because I realized I was (probably still am) in a similar situation. The replies are always kind, filled with words of encouragement and advice, some even offered job opportunities. As I encounter more of these posts, I began to notice a pattern — the most common advice either mentions the first step or insinuates taking the first step.
Why is it so important? Because taking the first step means holding yourself accountable, it means becoming proactive, it is a sign of strength and resolve. Sure, you need to be consistent to win, but who says anything about winning? You have probably taken the first step for the thousandth time already. How do I know? Because I am just like you!
Here is the idea: instead of jumping straight to consistency in work, start by being consistent in taking the initiative. I have created so many projects in the past few years but not one have I managed to complete (bad example). If there is one thing I have learned, it is that the more you try (or understand) the less insecure you become. Sure, it may be a big waste of time, but for someone like me, I consider this a big achievement.
Computer science is hard. I get it. We get it. But the field is so vast and diverse that it is very likely you will find something that is easier to learn and perhaps interest you at least a little bit. If you do not like the stuff you are learning, find something else. Eventually, you will find something that sticks and one day be good enough to give yourself a pat on the back.
