Feeling Overwhelmed by LeetCode? Here’s How I’m Getting Back on Track

I recently started using LeetCode to improve my coding skills—and it hit me like a wall.

At first, I was excited. I picked a few problems, opened my editor, and expected a smooth ride. Instead, I spent an hour stuck on a so-called “Easy” problem, spiraled into a Reddit rabbit hole about time complexity, and started questioning whether I was cut out for this.

Turns out, that’s normal.

LeetCode isn’t just a set of problems—it’s a mental workout. And like any workout, if you push too hard too fast, you burn out. That’s what I started to feel. But instead of quitting, I decided to change how I approached it. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Start Small and Actually Stay There

“Easy” problems are not always easy. And they’re not meant to be solved instantly. I made peace with taking 30–45 minutes to understand one problem deeply rather than rushing through ten and understanding none. Mastering fundamentals builds real confidence.

2. Stop Comparing Your Progress

There’s always someone solving “Hard” problems in 5 minutes. That’s not me (yet), and that’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere. I focus on beating yesterday’s version of myself—not some anonymous genius on the leaderboard.

3. Write It Out

If I can’t explain the problem and solution in plain English, I don’t really get it. So now, after solving a problem, I take a few minutes to write down what I learned. It locks in the concept—and becomes a personal cheat sheet I can revisit later.

4. Use the Discuss Tab, But Wisely

Looking at solutions can help, but only after you’ve tried everything you can. Otherwise, it becomes a crutch. When I do check discussions, I make sure to still write my own version of the solution from scratch.

5. Make a Simple Schedule

I stopped winging it. Now, I pick 1–2 problems per day, max. I track my time, stay consistent, and focus on quality over quantity. It’s way less stressful—and more productive.

Bottom Line:

It’s okay to feel lost at first. LeetCode is a long game. What matters most is consistency, patience, and the ability to learn from every problem—even the ones you don’t solve right away.

If you’re overwhelmed, don’t quit. Just slow down, reset your approach, and trust that improvement comes with time.

Overwhelmed by LeetCode? 5 Ways I’m Getting Back on Track