I'd been telling myself that I would learn how to code for years now. After some half-baked attempts at online courses and tutorials, all I had to show for my coding skills was a Coursera account filled with incomplete courses and overdue assignments.
At the time, I couldn't figure out why I lost momentum after a week or two. I enjoyed creating things with code and watching my programs work, even if they were simple. I didn't love online classes, but I had experience with them and could handle them. So then, why couldn't I stick with it?
Although I'm still working things out, I think I finally have an answer to that question. I didn't have a goal or plan in mind when I tried to learn. I told myself, "This is probably a good skill to have." But why was I learning it really?
After starting G{Code} and 100Devs, I see that I failed because I never had goals in mind. Well, that won't be the case this time, (I hope 😅) because I'm outlining what I want out of these experiences right here, right now and throwing it into the internet, where I'm sure someone will keep me accountable (again, hopefully!).
My Goals/Plans (in a rough timeline order):
- Finish G{Code} feeling comfortable with the material we learn.
- Finish 100Devs, even if I'm behind now.
- Make some friends along the way.
- Make a portfolio website from scratch.
- Make 2-3 projects for my portfolio.
- Make my learning public (that's where #CNC2022 comes in).
- Get comfortable with using social media to share my progress.
- Learn some UX/UI design (maybe a Figma tutorial?)
- Talk to more people in these fields! Ask questions!
- Decide what area I want to keep pursuing (front end? back end? both? neither?! UI/UX?)
- Get a job! (or probably an apprenticeship to start?)
I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but I think that list already looks daunting. But, I have hope because I know I'll have support (shout out to the wonderful people of G{Code}!) and something just feels different this time around.
Top comments (11)
I resonate with all of this so much. I keep learning the basics over and over but not actually building anything, so I'm trying to fix that now and finally get my hands dirty!
I'm not familiar with G{code} but I am starting to work through the 100devs videos on youtube, and I'm digging into a CSS course to get real practice with styles (my nemesis!). Your list here is very comprehensive, and though it can be daunting, it's all very achievable with time! You know what they say, you eat an elephant one bite at a time ;)
Thank you! I thought I liked CSS until I got stuck on the flexbox stuff, but you're right - one bite at a time!
Very relatable! Have you checked out any of the CSS "games" that are out there? Flexbox Froggy helped make it fun and easier for me to get the hang of: flexboxfroggy.com/
Hello Neida!
I wish you the best of luck with your coder journey. If you need / want an "accountabilibuddy" maybe we could work together? I could use one myself 😅
Yes, a buddy would be great! I really struggle with actually getting things done when no one is poking me to do it
This sounds great for me as well! We should plan this further and establish . Do you have a platform preference for online messaging? Maybe discord, google hangouts or slack?
Good luck! Having a list of goals makes it easier.
hope you are able to reach your goal i have also been having the same probalem with learning how to code.
Thank you for sharing your goals!
I feel the same. I was not sticking on one thning. I created myself a good stretagy with deadline. I will follow that.
Hi Neida, I love your post. Like you, I have wanted to learn coding too and I always found myself quitting. Do you need a partner to study? If you do please reach out to me.