Mistakes that feel like progress
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Switching languages weekly | Resets basics | Two weeks on one track |
| Copy-paste tutorials | No recall | Type, then rebuild closed-book |
| Ignoring errors | Guessing grows | Read line + message first |
| Giant first projects | Never finish | One input, one output |
| Only watching videos | False fluency | Run code every session |
| Comparing timelines | Quitting early | Track your own streak |
None of these mean you lack talent. They mean the learning design is wrong. Fix the design: one language, daily run, small finishes. Read How to Practice Coding Every Day and How to Use Tutorials Without Getting Stuck for the replacement habits.
If your study log shows more watching than running, flip the ratio tomorrow.