Starting something new is never easy, and for me, competitive programming (CP) has been no exception. I remember when I first dove into this world — the problems felt overwhelming, the concepts were foreign, and the algorithms seemed like a complex web of confusion. But with every challenge I faced, I’ve come to realize that growth in CP is a journey, not a sprint.

When I first started, I had no idea how much effort it would take to break through. My logic wasn’t sharp, and my programming skills were decent, but I lacked the mindset of competitive problem-solving. The thinking — that precise and structured thought process required to break down problems and come up with elegant solutions — was something I had to develop from scratch. And believe me, the beginning was tough.

But I didn't give up.

I started with the basics, focusing on understanding loops and selection in C++ , basics of dynamic programming, recursion , Some graph Easy-implementation and I'm still building up the strong foundation to become who I want to be .However , Even though I'm doing that , I realized that competitive programming isn’t just about knowing the algorithms — it’s about developing the ability to think creatively and logically under pressure.

As I continue to grow, I focus not just on solving problems, but on how I approach them. It’s not just about getting the solution — it’s about how I think through the problem, how I break it down, and how I refine my approach. For me, improvement is constant, and each day I strive to be a little better than yesterday.

To anyone who’s just starting their CP journey — don’t get discouraged by the difficulty. The start will always feel like a hurdle, but it’s worth it. Focus on improvement rather than perfection, and the results will follow. Keep pushing yourself, stay consistent, and you’ll see the rewards.

For those already on this journey, I’d love to connect and share experiences.I'm not good enough that's why I'd like to learn a lot.

By ABUMUGISHA Barnabee.