How to Learn to Code FAST (Do This or Keep Struggling)

Summary

The video explains principles for learning to code quickly: engage in deliberate practice with clear goals, full focus and pushing your comfort zone; identify and attack weaknesses directly through repeated practice; manage energy via sufficient sleep, taking breaks, and exercise. It advises joining a community for support.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 10,000 hour rule only works if you practice deliberately and optimally
• 👍 Identify your weaknesses and attack them directly with focused practice
• 🔥 Engage in deliberate practice outside your comfort zone to improve rapidly
• 🎯 Set clear goals and give 100% focus during practice sessions
• ⏰ Manage your energy by getting enough sleep and taking regular breaks
• 🧠 Treat your brain like an athlete treats their body - train intensely but rest
• 📝 Log your weaknesses to drill them when you have time
• 🏋️‍♀️ Moderate exercise can boost mental energy and creativity
• 🧩 Diffuse thinking (taking a break) can spark creative problem solving
• 👥 Join a community of like-minded people for support and motivation

Q & A

What is the key to rapid skill increase according to the video?

The key to rapid skill increase is to engage in deliberate practice, which involves having clear goals, full focus and attention, and going outside your comfort zone.

What is an example of a specific weakness the video advises you to work on improving?

The video advises targeting weaknesses like not fully understanding asynchronous programming and promises in JavaScript.

What is diffuse thinking and why does the video recommend it?

Diffuse thinking is letting your brain think about a problem in the background while taking a break. This can lead to creative problem solving.

How many hours of sleep per night does the video recommend for maintaining energy levels and discipline?

The video recommends getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night to recharge your batteries and allow the part of your brain that regulates emotion and discipline to function properly.

What is an example of a simple way to get exercise that the video suggests?

The video suggests getting moderate exercise like walking around the block a few times per day or aiming for 10,000 steps.

What is the key problem with watching 10,000 hours of coding tutorials according to the video?

Just watching tutorials will not make you a programmer, even if you watch for 10,000 hours, because that type of passive practice is not targeted or deliberate.

What does the video say is important for deliberate practice sessions?

Deliberate practice sessions require clearly defining what specific skill you are trying to improve before starting.

What personal example does the narrator give of attacking weaknesses?

The narrator shares how he improved at aerial shots in the video game Rocket League by identifying it as a weakness and repeatedly practicing drills.

What does the video say is wrong with the idea that success requires intense hustling and grinding?

The video says that idea is wrong - instead you should treat your brain like an athlete treats their body and have intense but shorter learning sessions with long breaks.

What cognitive benefits does the video say exercise can provide?

The video says exercise improves your ability to think and come up with creative solutions.