When I first joined Codeforces, I thought solving problems was just about knowing algorithms. I quickly realized I was wrong.

I could write C++ code, I understood basic data structures, but when I opened a contest… I froze.

The Real Problem

The issue wasn’t syntax or even knowledge—it was thinking.

I didn’t know how to approach new problems I jumped into coding too fast I got stuck and wasted hours on a single idea

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.