Why You Should Drop the "When Will I Finish" Mentality When Learning Python

Announcement

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Master Python Fundamentals: The Ultimate Python Course for Beginners.

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Introduction

"Sitting on the beach isn't going to save you once you get there."

One of my favorite quotes is "Life happens while you are still planning." The implication being that there is no destination but the present. We cannot attach life's meaning to milestones and events because then we run the risk of missing everything that happens in between. Life is the moments that we experience along the way. If you cannot enjoy the moments along the way, I can guarantee that you will not enjoy the destination either. This brings me back to why we are here: to talk about Python. Since I started teaching Python, I have run into a group of people that seem to be obsessed with the destination but not very much excited with the journey. I call them the "When will I finish?" gang. This gang has one singular goal: finish as quickly as possible and land a job. Don't get me wrong; I am not saying that having a clear purpose or goal is wrong; I am saying that obsessing over the “When will I finish?” can undermine your ability to fully learn, grow, and appreciate the process. In this article, I want to talk about some of the reasons why you should drop this mentality.

News Flash: There is No Destination

Obsessing over when you will finish implies that learning Python has a destination or a finish line. The truth of the matter is that there isn't one. When learning Python, there will always be something new to learn or explore. There’s always a new library to explore, a more efficient way to write code, or a complex problem to solve. Even the veterans of Python will tell you that they are constantly learning, whether it’s about optimizing their code or diving into emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

In technology, there is also a constant threat that new technology will come along that will render what you already know obsolete. That means that for you to stay in the game, you have to learn the new tech from scratch. So learning Python is not a journey with a defined destination; it is a continuous process, much like being a parent. You don’t simply "finish" being a parent; it’s a role that evolves as your children grow, presenting new challenges and joys at every stage.

You will Suck at Python

Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything. ~ Wyatt Earp

Let's say you rush through the course and you finish it in a week. That may give you a sense of accomplishment, but without precision and understanding, it’s hollow progress. You see, when you are obsessed with finishing, you will get discouraged when you run into concepts that are hard to grasp, and there are plenty of such moments in Python. You will not have the patience to grind through hardships because you will view them as obstacles and not opportunities. You will "finish," but your knowledge will be shallow. All that finishing will count for nothing if you cannot demonstrate that you have the problem-solving skills that can demonstrate your understanding of programming concepts. Be aware that employers reward competence and confidence, not just completion. If you rush, you risk missing out on the deeper learning needed to tackle real-world challenges.

When you are not obsessed with finishing, you will spend ample time on topics you find difficult. You will experiment with your own projects and revisit concepts when needed. Like Wyatt Earp once said, "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything." Prioritize clarity over shortcuts. Make accuracy your foundation, and speed will follow naturally with practice.

Data Analysis with Python: Practice Practice Practice.

The main purpose of this book is to ensure that you develop data analysis skills with Python by tackling challenges. By the end, you should be confident enough to take on any data analysis project with Python. Start your 50-day journey with "50 Days of Data Analysis with Python: The Ultimate Challenge Book for Beginners."

The Job Will Come When You’re Ready

There are many stories of people being offered jobs way before they graduated from high school or university because they demonstrated competence even before finishing. Jobs come when you can demonstrate that you are ready, not when you say you have finished. We all have experienced giving a child a task to do, and they come back after a few moments claiming they are finished. Well, taking a closer look at their "finishing" usually reveals that they are not yet ready for bigger responsibilities.

While you may rush through the process and put in the claim that you have finished, you cannot hide from the scrutiny that will follow. You will only be rewarded with a job if you can demonstrate through knowledge and achievements that you are ready, not by simply claiming that you are finished. Your obsession should not be when

Instead of asking, “When will I finish?”, ask yourself:

• What did I learn today?
• How did I solve this problem?
• What’s something cool I can build with what I know?

These questions shift your focus from the end goal to appreciating each step forward, no matter how small. It's only by appreciating each step that you will be ready.

Motivation is in Your Progress, Not the Finish Line

Learning Python, like anything else, requires motivation. If you lack the motivation, you risk dropping out before you even get started. Motivation comes from enjoying the journey, not obsessing over the finish line. Tracking your progress is far more motivating than fixating on the end. Fixating on the end without enjoying the process is like trying to fill your stomach with food that you don't enjoy; you will vomit.

How can you stay motivated? Celebrate small wins, like mastering loops, understanding functions, completing a challenge, or finally debugging that one error that had you stumped for hours. Try building projects at every stage of your learning. Start with small projects like building a simple calculator, then move on to larger projects like creating a simple game or building a web app. These milestones, no matter how small, reinforce your sense of accomplishment and make the journey enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

It's perfectly fine to have a goal or target when learning Python, and I encourage it. But constantly obsessing over when you will finish implies you are not enjoying the process. You are simply in it because of the rewards that you think will come with finishing. You are chasing the destination. Your obsession must be with the learning. Shift your mindset from “When will I finish?” to “What can I enjoy and learn today?”.

I heard a saying once, "Sitting on the beach isn't going to save you once you get there." Simply reaching a goal, like finishing a Python course, doesn't guarantee success or security unless you're ready to actively engage and build on that achievement. There is no finish line; the real work continues after completing tutorials and courses. You need to keep practicing, solving problems, and learning new skills to thrive as a Pythonista. Thanks for reading.

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