“You’ll never know how far you can go until you keep pushing past the point you think you can’t.”
The first time I encountered a coding error, I was overwhelmed. No matter how many times I went through my code, I couldn’t understand where I went wrong. My imposter syndrome kicked in: Maybe I’m not cut out for this. But over time, I realized that the key to learning to code isn’t talent, it’s perseverance. Today, I’ll share why sticking with it, even through failures and doubts, is crucial for anyone learning to code.
The Myth of the “Natural Coder”
When we think of coding, we often imagine the stereotype of a “natural” coder—a genius who seems to understand every line of code on the first try. Here’s the truth: they don’t exist. The most successful developers aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones who persevere through endless challenges.
This stereotype of the “natural coder” can be harmful, especially for beginners. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not learning fast enough, or that coding should somehow “click” right away, you’ve likely bought into this myth. Coding is a craft that’s built through repetition, problem-solving, and consistent effort over time.
Take it from me—I used to think I wasn’t cut out for front-end development because I struggled with CSS layouts. Every <div> I placed seemed to move everything on the page except where I wanted it to go! But over time, with constant practice and patience, I began to understand not just how CSS works, but also why it’s such a powerful tool.
Learning to code is a long-term game that requires persistence. Early in my coding journey, I often compared myself to others, wondering why I wasn’t progressing as fast. But I realized that the most effective developers aren’t necessarily those who get it all at once, but those who continue to persevere when things get tough.
Overcoming Failures: The Developer’s Rite of Passage
Let’s get one thing straight: failure is part of the process. Every time you hit a roadblock, you’re faced with two choices: give up or keep pushing. It’s in these moments that perseverance is your best friend. The longer you stick with it, the more likely you’ll find that failure isn’t something to avoid but something to embrace. In fact, I’ve learned that failure is the ultimate teacher in coding. With every error message, there’s a chance to discover something new about the language, syntax, or how computers process instructions.
My First Coding Challenge
I still remember my first major coding challenge with SheCodes: building a basic weather app. It seemed simple on the surface—fetch data from an API and display it on a webpage. But the minute I started, I was hit with error after error. Hours passed. I rechecked my API key, restructured my code, googled errors, and tried countless fixes—nothing seemed to work.
After hours of frustration, I began to doubt my abilities. What if I’m not cut out for this? I thought. But I didn’t quit. I took a step back, gave my mind a break, and the next day, I approached the problem with fresh eyes. This time, after some debugging, I noticed a typo in my code, a small error I’d overlooked. The relief I felt when the weather data finally loaded onto my screen was incredible—it was a moment that made all the previous frustration worth it. That experience taught me two things:
- The power of persistence.
- The importance of taking breaks.
Often, when you feel stuck, stepping away from the code can give you the clarity you need. When you return, you might see the issue in a new light, and a solution that seemed impossible before will become clear. It’s easy to feel defeated when you’re in the thick of it, but taking a break is a form of perseverance—it’s about knowing that you’ll come back stronger.
Actionable Tip: When you hit a wall, don’t be afraid to walk away for a moment. Give your mind the space to process the problem in the background. Then, come back refreshed and ready to tackle it again. This small shift in mindset can often make the difference between giving up and pushing through.
The Fail-Learn-Succeed Cycle
Coding is not a straight path; it’s a journey filled with twists and turns, detours, and dead ends. There’s a fail-learn-succeed cycle that all coders must go through, and this cycle is ongoing. Every time you write code, there’s a chance that it won’t work on the first try. That’s not a sign of failure—it’s a sign that you’re in the process of learning.
Take debugging, for example. I used to dread error messages. I’d stare at the screen, feeling like every error was a sign of my incompetence. But over time, I began to appreciate these errors as feedback. The computer was simply telling me where I went wrong, and with that information, I could make adjustments and improve my code. This fail-learn-succeed cycle is the backbone of coding. The more you engage with it, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.
For more insights on how I balanced failure and success early on, check out my post My First Coding Project: Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced.
Battling Imposter Syndrome: “I Don’t Belong Here” Syndrome
One of the most common feelings among developers—especially beginners—is imposter syndrome. This is that nagging feeling that you don’t belong in the coding world, that you’re somehow “faking it” and that eventually, everyone will figure out that you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’ve ever felt like this, know that you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common in coding, especially because the tech world evolves so quickly that there’s always something new to learn, making even seasoned developers feel like beginners.
How to Combat Imposter Syndrome
When I first started coding, I constantly felt like an imposter. I’d look at seasoned developers and think, I’ll never be as good as them. Here are a few things I’ve learned that have helped me deal with imposter syndrome:
- Recognize it: The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing that it exists. Once you’re aware of it, you can start to dismantle the negative thoughts that come with it.
- Talk about it: Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with others. I’ve found that when I open up about my struggles with coding, more often than not, the person I’m speaking to will have experienced the same thing. Knowing that others have gone through the same struggles can help alleviate the pressure to be perfect.
- Celebrate small wins: This was a game-changer for me. When I first started coding, I was so focused on the big picture that I forgot to celebrate the small victories. Whether it’s fixing a bug, learning a new concept, or completing a project, make sure to take time to acknowledge your progress. Every step forward is worth celebrating.
- Remember that learning is never-ending: Even senior developers experience imposter syndrome. The tech industry moves quickly, and there’s always something new to learn. Instead of feeling like you should “know everything,” embrace the fact that you’re constantly growing and learning.
Long-Term Rewards: Why Sticking With It Pays Off
One of the hardest things about learning to code is that the rewards aren’t always immediate. Coding is a long-term investment in yourself, and it’s only through consistent effort and perseverance that you’ll start to see the real payoff.
The Long-Term Benefits of Perseverance
Let’s break down some of the long-term rewards that come from sticking with coding:
- Improved problem-solving skills: Coding teaches you to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces. Over time, this skill becomes second nature, not just in coding but in all areas of life.
- Career opportunities: The tech industry is constantly growing, and there’s a high demand for skilled developers. The more time you invest in learning and improving your skills, the more opportunities will open up for you in the future. This was a huge motivator for me when I transitioned into coding after losing my job. If you’d like to read more about my journey from retrenchment to coding, check out my post From Retrenchment to Reinvention: My Coding Journey After Losing My Job.
- Sense of accomplishment: There’s nothing quite like the feeling of solving a difficult problem or completing a project that once seemed impossible. These moments of triumph make all the struggles and frustrations worth it.
My Journey
When I look back at where I started, it’s clear that perseverance has been the key to my progress. At the beginning of my journey, coding felt like an insurmountable challenge. But with each new skill I learn and each project I complete, my confidence grows. I didn’t get here overnight—it is a process of consistent effort, learning from mistakes, and pushing through when things get tough.
If you want to read more about how coding has transformed my life, check out my post How Coding Transformed My Career Prospects.
FAQs About Persevering in Coding
Q: How do I stay motivated when coding gets hard?
A: Break big problems down into smaller tasks, celebrate small wins, and remember why you started coding in the first place. Surround yourself with a supportive community and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them.
Q: What should I do if I feel like I’m not making progress?
A: Reflect on how far you’ve come rather than how far you have to go. Progress is often slow, but it’s there. Keep a journal of your accomplishments or try revisiting old projects to see how much you’ve improved.
Q: How do I overcome the feeling that I’m not good enough?
A: Recognize that everyone feels this way at some point. Imposter syndrome is common in coding, but it’s not a reflection of your abilities. Surround yourself with supportive peers, and remind yourself that learning is a process, not a destination.
What’s Your Perseverance Story?
I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever faced a major challenge while learning to code? How did you overcome it? Share your story in the comments below, and let’s continue to support each other in our coding journeys.
Keep Going, You’ve Got This!
Learning to code isn’t easy. There will be moments of frustration, doubt, and uncertainty. But remember, perseverance is key. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stick with it, and the rewards will follow.
Whether you’re just starting or have been coding for a while, don’t give up. Perseverance is the most important skill you can develop as a coder, and it’s what will ultimately lead you to success.
