6 tips to get you started on the productive way to learning how to code and sticking to it!

So you’ve decided to start learning how to code, fantastic! But with so much content available for you to start learning from, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Learning to code can be a daunting task, especially if you're just starting out and don't know where to begin.

A little backstory…

When I first started out, I found a bunch of online resources to learn from and started watching and following tutorials. It was great at first, but after a couple weeks I found myself watching the tutorials less and less. I really wanted to build some great projects, but I had a day job and life started to get in the way.

I went from spending a few hours every evening, to every other evening, and then weekends only, and then every other weekend. I became distracted with life admin, socialising and other things that hindered my motivation. Eventually, I would go months on end with no learning, and every time I thought about starting again, I worried about the fact that I had now forgotten the things I had already learnt and the idea of starting from scratch again put me off even more.

What happened? Why did I lose that spirit and drive I once had in the beginning?

The problem was that from the start, I never had the right mindset.

I thought I did, I mean I knew I wanted to learn to code, I had found the resources, I had started the process, but I lacked productivity.

What’s it all about…?

Productivity skills are the key to starting and completing any task you put your mind to. I didn’t realise this before. I always knew that I struggled massively with procrastination and putting things off, but for some reason I didn’t associate this issue with my overall mindset.

One day I came across a guy called Ali Abdaal on YouTube. He’s an ex-doctor turned YouTuber & Podcaster who is a massive advocate for boosting your productivity. Ali taught me about the importance of building a productivity system is to get your life in order and free up valuable “brain space”.

And overtime, I’ve learnt that with the right mindset and productivity skills, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of your time while learning how to code.

With that in mind, I can now share with you 6 key tips that can help get you started on the productive way to learning how to code - and sticking to it!

#1 - Set clear goals 🎯

Before you start learning, take some time to think about what you want to accomplish. Do you want to learn a specific programming language? Do you want to build a specific project? Having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated as you progress through your learning journey.

Try setting one goal first like: “I want to learn javaScript”, and then breaking that down into smaller more manageable goals you can work on each day or every week.

This ties in with the next tip…

#2 - Create a schedule 🗓

As with any new skill, learning to code takes time and dedication. Create a schedule that works for you and make sure to set aside dedicated time each day or week to practice and work on your coding skills.

Even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day, it will make a huge impact on improving your skills. If you’re following an online video or tutorial, you could aim to watch just one video or complete one step of a task rather than trying to cram as much as possible.

Doing your learning in the smallest, manageable chunks will help you to feel less overwhelmed.

#3 - Stay organised 🗃

With so much new information to absorb, it's easy to get lost or lose track when learning to code. To stay on track, keep your notes and projects organised in a way that makes sense to you. This could be through physical notebooks, online tools like Evernote, or even just using folders on your computer.

For me personally, I use Notion to keep myself organised. I find Notion fantastic for not only keeping notes but managing projects, keeping schedules, journaling, and overall life-admin.

Having one place to store and organise what you’re doing across all platforms (laptop, phone etc) is going to help you have a quick and easy-access way to keep on top of your learning journey.

#4 - Take breaks ⏳

It's important to take breaks and give your brain a chance to rest and recharge. Step away from your computer and take a walk, do some stretching, or just relax for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout as you continue learning.

One method I use, and you may want to adopt when working is the Pomodoro Technique. This is a time management technique developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.

Essentially, the idea is to use a timer to set a time for deep work (without distractions) typically for around 25 minutes, and then when the timer sounds, you take a 5 minute break. You then repeat this 3 more times before taking a longer 20-30 minute break at the end, and then repeating the whole process.

Working in this way has helped me to get things done without burning-out or suffering from constant distractions.

#5 - Seek out resources 🔍

There are countless resources available online to help you learn how to code, including tutorials, online courses, and forums.

• Online tutorials: There are many websites that offer free tutorials on various programming languages and concepts. These can be a great way to get started and learn the basics. Be sure to bookmark the most useful tutorials that you come across, use folders to organise them by subject matter.
• Online courses: If you want a more structured learning experience, there are many online courses available that can teach you the fundamentals of programming. Some of these courses are free, while others may require a fee.
• Books: There are also many books available on programming that can provide a deeper understanding of various languages and concepts. Reading a book can be a good way to learn at your own pace and refer back to specific topics as needed.
• Forums and communities: There are many online forums and communities where you can ask questions and get help from other programmers. These can be especially helpful if you're stuck on a specific problem and need some guidance.

Also, don’t be afraid to seek out help when you need it, whether it's through asking a question on a forum or finding a mentor.

#6 - Practice, practice, practice! 💪

As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Don't be discouraged if you don't understand something immediately – it takes time and practice to truly master a new skill. So be patient and keep at it!

A little a day goes a long way, I’ve made it my goal to practice and learn something every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes. That way I feel satisfied that I got something done. An easy win for boosting self-confidence.

Round up time…

Remember the overall aim is to create a mindset for being more productive, by following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of your time as you learn how to code.

With dedication and a little bit of organisation, you'll be well on your way to becoming a productive and proficient coder.

All the best until next time.

Your fellow ever-growing dev,

Cherlock Code

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