I wanted to share something personal about my experience with competitive programming and how it led to some tough times for me. It’s a bit of a journey, and I hope it resonates with anyone who’s been feeling overwhelmed.

When I first got into competitive programming, it was exciting. I loved the challenge of solving complex problems and the thrill of competition. But over time, that excitement started to change. I began comparing myself to others, and it felt like I was never good enough. No matter how hard I tried, it always seemed like someone else was faster or better. It felt like that constant comparison was slowly dragging me down.

Instead of enjoying the competitions, I started to feel anxious. I would get really nervous before contests, and it became a heavy weight on my shoulders. The highs of solving problems quickly were often followed by really low moments when I didn’t perform well. It was tiring, and I began to pull away from from coding.

Eventually, I realized I needed a break. Taking time off from competitive programming felt scary, but it helped me remember why I loved coding in the first place. I started working on a fun project that excited me, without the pressure of competition.

I also tried to change how I think about competitions. Instead of seeing them as a way to prove myself, I began to view them as chances to learn. I started celebrating small victories, like understanding a tricky concept or solving a problem I had found hard before. That made everything feel a lot better. Rather than pushing myself to be the best, I aimed to enjoy the process. I remind myself that it’s okay to take things slow and that progress doesn’t have to be a straight line.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by competitive programming or any passion, please remember to take care of yourself. It’s okay to step back and find joy in what you love without the pressure. Mental health should always come first.

Thanks for reading, and take care of yourselves!