If You’re Not Motivated to Code, Do This.

Summary

This video outlines a practical approach to learning coding by focusing on project-based learning. The creator shares their journey of overcoming obstacles and offers tips such as setting clear goals, understanding fundamental programming concepts, limiting tutorial dependency, and using AI as a tool. They emphasize building projects to solidify learning, managing time effectively, and learning in public. The key takeaway is that true progress in coding comes from consistent practice and applying knowledge to real-world problems, shifting the mindset from just consuming tutorials to actively building and creating.

Takeaways

• 😀 Set clear goals to guide your learning and development, whether it's landing a job or building an app.
• 😀 Focus on understanding the fundamentals of programming (variables, functions, control flow) across languages.
• 😀 Avoid tutorial hell by limiting tutorial consumption and applying what you've learned through hands-on projects.
• 😀 Use small, iterative projects to test your knowledge and build confidence in your skills.
• 😀 Once you grasp the basics, use AI tools to help solve problems, but don't rely on them for learning.
• 😀 Build and share projects consistently to stay motivated and track your progress over time.
• 😀 Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• 😀 Use a dedicated space, like a Notion page, to jot down and explore project ideas regularly.
• 😀 Embrace the process of building by learning through doing rather than striving for perfection from the start.
• 😀 Learning in public by sharing your progress can help you stay motivated and reflect on your growth.

Q & A

Why is having a clear goal important when learning to code?

Having a clear goal helps overcome lack of motivation and allows you to make faster progress. It provides focus, enabling you to skip irrelevant content and stay on track toward achieving your goal, whether it's landing a job or building an app.

How can working on a project help you learn to code effectively?

Working on a project helps you focus on solving real-world problems. It enables you to learn iteratively, searching for resources as needed, and builds a deeper understanding of what you're learning, unlike just watching tutorials passively.

What is the importance of understanding fundamental concepts in programming?

Understanding the fundamentals, such as variables, functions, and control flow, makes learning new languages easier and faster. It allows you to adapt your knowledge to different technologies, like Go, TypeScript, or Unreal Engine, and make more meaningful progress.

Why is 'tutorial hell' a problem for new learners?

Tutorial hell occurs when learners follow tutorials without truly understanding the material. It can feel productive but leaves them unable to apply what they've learned on their own. The key to avoiding this is to limit handholding and focus on building something independently while referring to resources as needed.

How should beginners approach using AI when learning to code?

Beginners should wait until they have a solid grasp of core concepts before using AI too much. Once they have some experience, AI can be a useful tool for automating repetitive tasks and solving specific problems, but it should not replace fundamental learning.

What advice is given to those struggling with a lack of project ideas?

The advice is to stop worrying about having perfect ideas. Instead, focus on creating a volume of ideas to train your mind to spot problems that can be solved with software. Writing down ideas regularly helps generate inspiration and improves your ability to identify good project ideas.

How can someone find time to work on their coding projects consistently?

Finding time depends on your schedule, but setting aside dedicated blocks of time—like waking up early for uninterrupted work—can help maintain consistency. Focusing on small, achievable tasks within those blocks makes the process more manageable.

Why is 'learning in public' a valuable approach?

'Learning in public' involves sharing progress through screenshots or videos, even if no one sees it. This builds satisfaction and motivation and allows you to reflect on your growth over time by comparing current work with past projects.

What is the benefit of focusing on small features rather than trying to build an entire game or app at once?

Focusing on small, manageable tasks prevents feeling overwhelmed. It allows you to build incrementally, making steady progress while avoiding burnout. This approach also helps maintain motivation and ensures that you're always moving forward.

How does having structured learning time contribute to building a game or project?

Structured learning time, like dedicating 2 hours in the morning to work on a game, helps you stay disciplined and focused. It ensures consistent progress, giving you time to understand new concepts and apply them directly to your project, which speeds up the learning process.