I Finally Completed 100 LeetCode Problems, After a Year of Procrastination
I used to think I’d crack 100 LeetCode problems in no time.
For the longest time, I struggled with staying consistent on LeetCode. At the start, I was driven by the idea of hitting big milestones: maybe I’d become a coding master, or I’d make it to the top of the leaderboard in no time. But reality hit fast — solving each problem was far from instant success.
Starting Strong, Slowing Down Fast
When I began, I managed to stay disciplined, picking up a 50-day streak badge on LeetCode. Those early days were exciting. Every problem solved felt like a mini-victory. Then came the slump. One missed day led to another, and soon my streak was history. I’d opened LeetCode with full intention, but after skimming a few problems, I’d close the tab and think, “Tomorrow.” Days turned to weeks, and that 100-problem goal seemed like a mirage, far off and fading.
What Changed?
Recently, I decided that I’d had enough of this back-and-forth. I redefined my approach to problem-solving, moving from a “win or lose” mentality to a “learn and grow” mindset. Here’s how I did it:
1. Focusing on the Journey, Not Just the Badge
At first, I was consumed with the end result: getting to 100 problems, 200, or hitting a specific rank. Now, my focus is simply on showing up daily. Instead of aiming for a set number of problems each week, I aim for daily learning, whether it’s one problem, one concept, or just reviewing a solution.
2. Planning and Tracking Progress
I started creating a study roadmap, breaking down the types of problems I wanted to tackle. I wanted a mix of challenges, so I focused on: (these are the number of problems i solved)
- Fundamentals: Arrays (66 problems), Strings (22 problems), Sorting (16 problems)
- Intermediate Skills: Math (23 problems), Hash Tables (19 problems), Binary Search (14 problems)
- Advanced Concepts: Dynamic Programming (15 problems), Divide and Conquer (7 problems), Segment Trees (3 problems)
Having this roadmap kept me grounded. If I felt lazy or unmotivated, I knew exactly which topic I could tackle next without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Breaking Free from Perfectionism
Early on, I thought every problem had to be solved without hints, perfectly, and within a set time. Now, I accept that some problems will take longer, some solutions will be messy, and sometimes hints are essential. This small shift helped me stick to the routine even on days when my brain wasn’t in top form.
4. Creating Enjoyable Daily Habits
Instead of viewing each problem as a challenge, I’ve started enjoying the thrill of it. Solving a problem now feels like playing a puzzle game. I remind myself it’s about building skills like Two Pointers, Stacks, and Linked Lists that I’ll use throughout my career.
5. Embracing Accountability
I began sharing small wins with friends or on social media. Sharing updates — whether about cracking a tough Dynamic Programming problem or finally understanding a Binary Search algorithm — gives me motivation and keeps me accountable. I’m no longer isolated in my learning journey.
6. Learning to Celebrate the Small Wins
Each milestone, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Solving my first Matrix problem, grasping Hash Tables, or getting through Divide and Conquer were small but crucial wins. These wins reminded me that every little step counts toward the bigger goal.
Final Takeaways: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
After a year of ups and downs, my key takeaway is simple: consistency trumps intensity. I finally hit 100 problems by learning to let go of rigid goals and focusing on daily improvement. I’m no longer racing to a destination; I’m enjoying the process. Every problem solved isn’t just a tick on my list; it’s another step toward becoming a better coder, problem solver, and thinker.
Ready to Challenge Yourself?
If you’re stuck in the same cycle of starting and stopping, let go of the big goals for a bit. Show up every day, find enjoyment in the little wins, and let the process unfold. I’m proof that you don’t have to sprint — you just have to keep moving forward.
