I always wanted to become confident coder and used to get advice of participating in coding challenges. Also i was recommended my books, all best selling. But after initial start, i would loose track and return to same state.
Here is my journey towards achieving my goal.
I am more focused on developing my skills rather than getting job at big company

Decide Langauge and brush up skills:-
After going through Java, Python , C, C++, i chose Java. I understood Basic OOPS concept, Collections in Java

Choose book and complete it
Among books suggested to me, i completed cracking coding Interview

My requirement for platform
But I was still not confident, as i was not sure how efficient my codes compare to others.
I needed some platform where

1. I can begin with my skill level and grow up at my pace
2. I can choose topics which i find difficult and practice more
3. Instead of seeing solution, i can see some hints which drive me towards correct approach

My Journey
I participated Leetcode contests, although i never finished in top tier, moving from 1 problem per contest to 2 problem per contest helped me in gaining confidence.

Also i started solving problem and seeing how many % of solutions in beat. It kindled desire to excel.
So far, i participated in more than 40 contest and journey to become good developer continues.