How I taught myself to code

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares his journey of self-teaching coding from scratch while working at a warehouse. He emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed one, to overcome self-imposed limitations. The speaker outlines a method for learning any meaningful skill, which includes setting a clear goal, choosing resources wisely, and committing to consistent practice with a focus on iteration and improvement. He also stresses the value of active learning, understanding fundamentals, and learning effective study techniques to build a strong foundation for mastering new skills.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Mindset is crucial for learning new skills, especially a growth mindset which embraces the belief that you can learn anything with dedication and effort.
• 📚 The speaker overcame a fixed mindset by listening to 'Mindset' by Carol Dweck, which emphasizes the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than barriers.
• 🔄 Having a growth mindset means embracing struggle and viewing it as a positive part of the learning process, rather than a sign of inadequacy.
• 🎯 Setting clear goals with a realistic timeline is essential for making meaningful progress in learning a new skill, such as coding or a new language.
• 🛠 Execution involves breaking down the learning objective into manageable parts, choosing a few resources, and diving into the material without overthinking.
• 🔍 Avoiding 'analysis paralysis' is key; do some research to find good resources but then start learning and practicing rather than endlessly seeking the perfect resource.
• 📈 The 'iterate and improve' philosophy is central to the learning process, which involves consistent repetition with continuous improvement at each step.
• 🛑 Recognize when a learning resource or method is not working and be willing to switch to something more effective, adapting your approach as you learn more about what works for you.
• 📝 Learn how to study effectively by understanding scientifically-backed learning techniques and avoiding common study pitfalls.
• 🏗️ Prioritize active learning, such as building projects or problem-solving, over passive learning to truly master a skill.
• 💎 Mastering the fundamentals is vital for a strong foundation in any skill; avoid skipping over basics in favor of more advanced topics.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about the speaker's journey of self-teaching coding from scratch and the method they used to acquire this meaningful skill.

What book influenced the speaker's mindset while learning to code?

The book 'Mindset' by Carol Dweck influenced the speaker's mindset, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset over a fixed mindset.

What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset as described in the video?

A fixed mindset is characterized by self-imposed limitations and the belief that one's abilities are static. A growth mindset, on the other hand, acknowledges that one can learn anything with commitment and effort, and views struggle as a positive part of learning.

Why did the speaker initially start learning web development?

The speaker initially started learning web development because it was their first interest in coding, focusing on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

What made the speaker switch from web development to data analysis?

The speaker switched to data analysis after realizing that web development was not to their liking, and they found a more suitable interest in working with data and Python.

What are the key components the speaker identified for becoming a data analyst?

The key components identified for becoming a data analyst were SQL, a visualization tool, Excel, and some knowledge of Python.

What is the term used by the speaker to describe their philosophy for continuous self-improvement?

The speaker uses the term 'iterate and improve' to describe their philosophy for continuous self-improvement.

What is the speaker's advice on setting a goal when learning a new skill?

The speaker advises setting a meaningful goal with a realistic timeline to work towards, which should push the learner but not be so impossible that it leads to demotivation.

What are some of the general tips provided by the speaker for effective learning?

Some general tips provided by the speaker include learning how to study effectively, preferring active learning over passive learning, and mastering the fundamentals of the skill being learned.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with the feeling of being stuck while learning a new skill?

The speaker suggests embracing the feeling of being stuck and viewing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, rather than a reason to give up.

What resources did the speaker find most helpful during their learning journey?

The speaker found resources like Codecademy and Udemy to be the most helpful during their learning journey, as they provided interactive learning experiences.