Overwhelmed by coding? Stuck in tech? Scared to start? Fear kills progress — but today, we’re flipping the script. Let’s kill fear instead and have fun while we’re at it.

A Cool Analogy to Get You Thinking

There’s an analogy I love that changed the way I see fear.
Ever wondered why you’re not scared of chores like washing dishes, doing laundry, shopping, or even gossiping? Yet when it comes to LeetCode, interviews, applying for jobs, or networking in person-you’re suddenly paralyzed by fear?

Fear dwells on underconfidence.

The things you’re scared to do are often the things you think you’re bad at. On the flip side, chores like washing dishes or shopping don’t scare us because we’re confident in our ability to do them. And how did we become confident? Because you’ve done them a million times.

I call it the Confidence-Fear Connection. The same principle applies to coding. Confidence comes from repetition. The more you practice, the less fear has room to grow. It’s a long work in progress, but that’s okay — I’m here to help!

How I Crushed My Fear of Coding (and LeetCode)

Let me tell you about my first big fear. The mere sight of the LeetCode website used to terrify me. I was so convinced I was terrible at coding that I avoided it for months. Every day, I’d find some silly excuse to delay starting.

But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: running from your fears only makes them chase you harder. The only way to overcome them is to turn around and face them.

The Fear-Dopamine Loop:

You want to do something crazy today for a change? Like Smashing Your Fears (and Turning Them Into Your Liking)

Do Exactly What Scares You!

Bring back your rebellious teenage phase — this time, to grow! Think of that one task you’ve been avoiding for way too long. Without overthinking — or even thinking — just do it. You’ll feel unstoppable.

Two amazing things will happen:

1. You Get a Dopamine Hit

Finishing something you’ve been running from for so long feels incredible.

Scared of LeetCode? Open the website. Start with the easiest question. Spend hours if needed. Check the solution if you must but understand it and finish it.

The next time, it won’t feel as scary. Eventually, the task becomes a chore-a neutral, everyday thing you might even start liking. And if you like it, you’ll want to do it again. And again.

Did we just turn our fear into our liking? Look at us — who would’ve thought? Not me! (In Paul Rudd’s voice.) Haha.

2. Your Fear Expands, and So Does Your Growth

Once LeetCode stops scaring you, something bigger will take its place — like inverting a binary tree. But here’s the thing: facing fears expands your boundaries and creates new ones. And you know what? Expanding fears = growth.

With each new fear you conquer, you’re training yourself to handle bigger challenges — and that’s how you grow into a stronger, cooler dev.

Cool People Face Their Fears

If there’s anything I love, it’s being called “cool.” Rarely do people call me that, but let me tell you, facing your fears makes you seriously cool. Here’s why:

• Facing your fears is straight up inspiring because it takes emotional courage. Plus, nothing beats that classic “Aha, that was easy!” moment when you realize you’ve been psyching yourself out for no reason. Confidence speaking? Hell yeah, it is!
• Appearing excited about your skills is way more impressive than saying, “I’m bad at this.” Ya no one likes an underconfident bump!
• Working hard to polish your skills and overcome challenges earns respect. Respect is always cool.
• Being knowledgeable about your work, built on practice and determination, makes you a cool dev everyone admires.

Think you’re cool too? I bet you are! Drop a “Hi!” in the comments.

Time to Plan — Like a boss!

Motivated enough for the day? Good! Now you need a plan:

1. Start small.
   Watch all the motivational videos out there but begin somewhere. Open that scary website. Apply for that job. Take one tiny step forward.

2. Get Better
   Dive into problems. Take help. Check solutions. Spend hours if needed, but make sure you finish them. And after that, give yourself a smirk and say, ‘Done and dusted.’ Because you just crushed it.

3. Build Something. Build Confidence.
   Build anything. Once you finish, you’ll realize you’re no longer a beginner-you’re someone who knows their stuff.

4. Give Back
   Share your journey. Motivate others. Return the favor by supporting those who are just starting.

As a very cool person on Pinterest once said: “That’s just 4 things.”
Yes, that’s going on my T-shirt!

To Conclude

Remember:

• It’s the start that’s scary, not the process. Take the first step. Then the next.
• Yes, it’s overwhelmingly difficult — but so is sitting with the pain of not starting sooner. Pick your difficulty.
• Do what scares you-it’s the only way to grow.
• “That’s just 4 things.” is a cool attitude towards hard things. Use it.

Final Thoughts from Your Coolest Friend

Every time you face your fears, you’re not just becoming better — you’re becoming cooler. And that’s the kind of dev the world admires.

What’s one fear you’re ready to face today? Share it in the comments- let’s grow (and be cool) together!

Liked this blog? Let’s connect!
You can find me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts, share ideas, or just grow alongside fellow developers!