Learning C++ is something I’ve put off because of distractions and procrastination. During this winter break as I experience the numb sensation of time passing, I am motivated to focus on learning C++ early during this break. At the same time, I feel inclined to tell my future self and anybody else that comes to this post the mental obstacles that naturally appear as you are learning something new in programming.
C++ Resources - C++ Embedded Engineering Roadmap
This is where I’m thinking I should start. I will trust the process and look through all of this, skipping the general high level programming ideas.
My story of procrastination
It was probably the high expectation I put on myself with eclipsing ego that I was a chronic procrastinator during my weekends. During my High School years, I’ve wasted countless hours: when I wake up on a Saturday or Sunday, my brain just pauses and look at my phone for hours and then when I open my eyes it was already 3 in the afternoon. Demotivated, I continued to be careless. This habit has not magically removed itself despite any self-improvement voodoo, but it has certainly improved. The only way out was through reflection, through episodes where I regret doing what I did, wasting my potential that my mind finally concedes and signals that I have to change bit by bit to survive in the real world.
Ego
Is this humble topic good enough to befit me? That is the wrong question yet my mind asks that subconsciously. I was not prepared mentally to humble myself and learn everything systematically, trusting the process. I want to move on to the newest and greatest thing despite not having the time to understand the fundamentals.
Time Management
Eventually, I do not want to just focus on learning during the break. I understand I would have other responsiblities like my part-time job and the 4 units quarter studies at UCI. If I have to minimize my shift for learning then I would. This was the mistake I made during my High School years. Despite doing everything I could, I was only able to start learning at 8:30 PM. Instead of trying to fix the problem I promptly gave up. Looking back there were many things I could do: (1) make my learning more efficient, (2) utilize the weekends to finish work early, (3) minimize distractions and video games; stop escaping reality. I was so incredibly naive and stupid. I should have had blinding confidence to change things the way they were, and even they did not work, I should continue finding ways to change. God delivered humans on this earth so that they have limitless potential.
There’s So Much to Learn
Yes, many people base their career off of understanding C++ and using it. Of course there’s a lot to learn and master. Trust the process else I will never get started, not even mastery. The demand is high and the supply is short for a reason.