Why I Abandoned the 100 Days of Code Python Challenge

The other day I called my friend to catch up and somewhere in between our conversation she said one word, “Python”, that plunged us both in some fit of laughter.

Why were we laughing?

Well, because about 2 years ago we both (individually) embarked on journeys to learn Python – the programming language. However, for varied reasons, we didn’t really get far with it.

Let me speak on my own.

So around November 2022 I decided I wanted to start learning Python and I enrolled for the famous 100 Days to Code Python Bootcamp by Dr. Angela Yu. Out of excitement, I also decided I wanted to share my learning journey publicly so I used to post reels on my Instagram speaking on the different challenges I was working on. My friends and colleagues were incredibly encouraging and it made me want to show up even more. Initially, I did show up – for the first few days of the course.

Then I started to lose interest and became less engaged. The challenges started getting a bit harder for me to complete in a day because this is something I would only dedicate about an hour or two in my day. After more than 100 days since starting the challenge, I remember recording my Day 10 video🤦🏽‍♀️. I was watching the video the other day and in it I actually said that at the rate I was going, this challenge was going to take me 5 years to complete!

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And that was the last video I did. I stopped my learning at Day 14. I didn’t even make it out of the Beginner’s class, even though I was almost there!

So what happened?

You might be wondering: Did I even want to learn coding in Python in the first place? I did. I have always loved programming – SQL being the only language I can “speak & write” fluently 😉 . However, I never chose to pursue software development as a career for many personal reasons. One of them being, I tend to get so immersed. I was scared of one day forgetting to feed my children or pick them up from school because I was trying to debug something. I mean, I had seen myself in action before. I took debug issues so seriously to the point where I would wake up in the middle of the night to fix code because a solution would have come to me in my sleep.

But, this is decades later. I thought I was ready. Was I though? I did some self introspection over the past few months around this and realised that I wasn’t ready but, this time, it had absolutely nothing to do with my initial fears.

My motivation around taking the 100 Day Challenge wasn’t really purely to just learn the language. There was something else I was looking for. At the time when I decided to start this challenge, I was an emotional wreck. I had just lost my dad and life was generally showing me flames.

I wanted something to go right. I was desperate for a win and, to be honest, I thought me taking up this challenge would give me that feeling of conquering and winning against adverse life situations. Remember I mentioned I was also sharing this journey publicly. I got to a point where my only motivation was when someone asked me, “What day are you on?” I would think, let me do another day’s challenge so that they can see how I am so enthusiastic with this – yet somewhere along the way, I had honestly lost all zeal for it and struggling to move forward.

As much as I desired to learn coding in Python, at this particular point in my life, I stopped wanting to do it for myself and for my personal development. I wanted to do it for external validation, so that people would pat me on the back and say, Oh you are doing amazing! I was sick of feeling like I was losing in life and wanted to hear someone or some people tell me how well I was doing.

Unfortunately, for me, that failed to sustain my learning journey and I soon fell off that wagon. Because I wanted to win so bad, I ended up feeling like it was now an impossible milestone to reach. I was too focused on the “prize” that I had made up in my head and not the learning experience itself. In the end, I felt defeated as I thought there was no way I was going to be able to master this skill and become a pro – not in a hundred days and not ever. I was pretty much done.

It didn’t matter how much I loved the idea of coding. My life circumstances and mindset at the time completely clouded my approach to learning.

That said, the 100 Days of Code Python Bootcamp is an incredible course and excellent value for money. I got mine for just $12, and I have lifetime access! The challenges were engaging, and the content was solid. My lack of progress had nothing to do with the course. It was all about how I approached it.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve decided to give it another shot. This time, I’m taking a completely different approach.

So, What’s Different Now?

1. I’m doing it for myself.
   My motivation is no longer about proving something to others. I want to learn Python for my personal and professional growth. As a Product Owner and Tech Operations Lead, I see how Python can enhance my skills in data analysis, visualisation, automation, and process improvement. I’m also intrigued by its applications in AI and machine learning.
2. I’m embracing the journey.
   I no longer care how long it takes to complete the 100 days. Some challenges might take me a day whilst others might take several. That’s OK. I’m focused on the learning experience, not the timeline.
3. I’m seeking community.
   This has already been a game changer and motivator for me. I’ve been connecting with other developers (especially women) who are learning to code or are seasoned developers. Their stories inspire me, and I’ve realised how valuable it is to learn from and lean on others. Two years ago, I was too caught up in wanting to seem “unstoppable” to seek mentorship or inspiration from others. Now, I’m actively surrounding myself with people who share similar goals and it’s exciting.

Will I Share My Journey This Time?

Yes, but differently. I’ll post updates occasionally, particularly when I hit milestones like moving from Beginner to Intermediate to Advanced to Pro. I’ve learned not to let public validation dictate my pace or progress. This time, it’s all about investing in myself and celebrating genuine growth.

Looking back, I realise how much I let self-inflicted pressures and personal struggles derail me. I’ve learned my lesson: never take on a challenge just for the bragging rights. It’s a sure way to suck the joy out of learning.

Have you ever set out to learn something for the wrong reasons? How did it turn out, and what lessons did you take away? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your story!