Embracing the Journey: A Shift in Perspective on Problem-Solving in Programming

In the realm of tackling coding challenges, particularly those on platforms like LeetCode, I once found myself captivated by the allure of big O notation, fixated on achieving optimal time and space complexity. I couldn't help but envy those who effortlessly crafted solutions in just a line or two, leveraging built-in functions and libraries that seemed like magic spells to me. Nested loops felt like a sin, despite their reliability in problem-solving.

However, a recent epiphany has brought about a newfound clarity in my approach. I've come to realize that the essence of learning programming lies in embracing the basics, breaking down problems into simple, incremental steps. If I need to dissect tasks into baby-step chunks to comprehend the underlying mechanisms, then so be it. Relying prematurely on fancy built-in functions and dictionaries may not be the most effective path for my learning journey.

While the significance of big O complexities still holds weight, they no longer haunt me if my solutions lack the elegance of others. I've come to understand that the core of the learning process is the journey itself. This shift in perspective allows me to appreciate the learning process, acknowledging that every step, no matter how small, contributes to my growth as a programmer.