I have been solving problems since last 2 months. I have solved like 100+ problems in this time. I started solving easy followed by medium problems. I feel I can write optimal code for most of the easy problems. In all the contests I have participated till now, I could complete only first two problems and several attemps of third question. First 2 problems takes roughly 25-30 minutes. Remaining time I struggle to get correct answer for medium question and never got time to attempt hard problem.

Above lines should give you an image of my state right now.

The problem is im feeling low, demotivated and worthless when I see fancy precise code in discussion. I feel like I can never come up with such amazing solutions on my own. I always miss few corner cases. Most of the time while solving medium problems I have to look for a solution in discuss section. This is constant since last 2-3 weeks.

I'm worried thinking if I can be able to solve the problems on my own ever, if i could come up with optimal solution, can i be able to handle follow up questions in interview, should i continue solving problems or just leave it thinking its not my cup of tea. And all this is affecting my motivation and interest on solving problems. I feel from past 2-3 weeks I did not progress a bit, but raised doubts on my own potential.

Did anyone else went through such stuff? How did you handle? What was the outcome? How fruitful will be the results? Did you land into FAANG?

Do share your thoughts if you came till here.