If you had told me this time last year I would be excited to be learning Python I would have responded ‘you must be mistaken, I’m no parselmouth!’ - shout out to all the Harry Potter fans out there who got that reference*. Oh how times have changed. As I am beginning to learn to program I increasing see the Python programming language as the key. I also want to share some things that have been helping me in staying motivated to learn to program with the Udacity Intro to programming nanodegree Python course.

So what is this Python programming language?

For those of you not familiar with computer programming, I will attempt to explain it with my limited understanding. Python is a programming language you can use to get a computer to perform different functions, including calculations. Why am I so excited about learning Python? Well, it is Python and other similar programming languages that I will use to program in the ML algorithms. This is what ultimately I will use to complete my mission and define “success”!

What is the Python course like for learners?

So far the Python course  teachers have focused on teaching some of the basics of computer science. I have enjoyed building up more foundational knowledge of programming, it makes me feel like less of an imposter. You can find other reviews of the Python course in my previous post. My favourite part however is the video showing Grace Hopper, a pioneer of computer programming who invented one of the first compiler related tools (wiki link). In the clip she is being interviewed by David Letterman. You can check it out here.

I’ve been finding learning python quite challenging. It’s very different to learning HTML. It is more technical. You are writing functions and commands for the computer as opposed to changing visible aspects of the front end experience. The instructors take you through things step-by-step but I have found that sometimes the background explanation of how the Python programming language and it works is missing.

My motivation to push through and learn to program recently hit an all time low. Traditionally this low level of motivation would have sent me directly into a self deprecating guilt spiral. This time however I’ve decided to try this new thing where I don’t punish myself for taking it easy for a few weeks. This has been great in helping me to preserve my own happiness. I think it’s working, I’m still doing little bits here and there but I don’t feel guilty about not putting in the recommended 10 hours per week. As a result I’m not feeling the same level of resentment to the course as I have when learning other things (like Spanish for example).

Staying motivated to learn to program

I don’t know about you but my life is pretty busy. In between work, keeping (relatively) fit, seeing my friends, maintaining my relationship, watering my houseplants, living up to my family’s expectations on amount of contact and watching all my favourite shows on Netflix before the dreaded spoilers… Basically I feel like I don’t really have that much spare time for following my dreams, especially learning python. As a result, and especially when the aforementioned dreams are seeming increasingly difficult, I’ve been finding it hard to staying motivated to learn to program. Let alone staying on schedule with the course!

I’m now getting through this demotivated stage and can see the light of re-energisation coming close. However, just in case you’re feeling the pain right now I’ve listed three recent TED talks below that have helped me through the dark hours and inspired me to keep going:

• Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
• To learn is to be free
• From death row to law graduate

And this one that motivated me when I was learning Spanish:

• Hacking language learning

Now we’re feeling all pumped up, back to work! I’m off to learn to program! 🙂

How are you staying motivated to learn to program? Are you learning Python? Have you got a preferred Python course? Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts. Or you can subscribe to the mailing list to keep in touch.

*On further reflection, I do think it would be pretty cool to be able to speak Python and to pythons. Unfortunately the latter is not covered in this course. Oh well - on we go!