Navigating the Trough of Sorrow in Learning: Don't Give Up, It Gets Better

Hey there, fellow learners!

Today, I want to talk about something that we've all encountered at some point in our learning journey—the "Trough of Sorrow." We've all been there, that frustrating point where you just want to throw in the towel and call it quits. But let me assure you, this is all a part of the learning process, and it's a place where many valuable lessons are learned. So, if you're currently stuck in this trough, or if you've been there before, keep reading. I'm going to share some thoughts on how to overcome it and why it's worth the struggle.

The Trough of Sorrow: What is it?

I first heard of this term from 100dev's instructor Leon Noel in my first week of the bootcamp. The Trough of Sorrow is that phase in your learning journey when everything seems impossible. You're faced with concepts that feel like they're written in an alien language. You grapple with self-doubt, frustration, and the ever-present temptation to procrastinate. It's the phase where you think about giving up because learning feels like an insurmountable mountain.

You're Not Alone

First things first, let me tell you, you're not alone in this. Every learner, regardless of their field, has been through the Trough of Sorrow. It's a common experience, and knowing this should already give you some solace. Learning is a journey, and like any journey, it's not always a smooth ride.

Embrace the Struggle

The Trough of Sorrow is where growth happens. It's when you face challenges head-on and learn to persevere. Every time you struggle through a difficult concept, you're building resilience and problem-solving skills. So instead of seeing it as an obstacle, view it as a stepping stone toward your goals.

Seek Support

Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Join online forums or communities related to your area of learning, or ask a mentor or friend for assistance. Sometimes, discussing your challenges with others can bring a fresh perspective and help you break through that tough barrier. Luckily 100devs has a very supportive community on Discord so I never feel alone.

Break it Down

One of the common reasons for feeling overwhelmed in the Trough of Sorrow is trying to digest too much at once. Break your learning into smaller, manageable chunks. Instead of attempting to understand everything at once, focus on one concept or topic at a time. This will not only make learning more manageable but also more enjoyable.

Remember Your Progress

It's easy to lose sight of how far you've come when you're stuck in the Trough of Sorrow. Keep a journal or some form of progress tracking to remind yourself of what you've accomplished. Looking back at your earlier work and realizing how much you've improved can be incredibly motivating.

Celebrate Small Wins

Even the tiniest victories count. When you finally understand a complex concept, write it down, take a moment to celebrate, and acknowledge your achievement. It's these small wins that will keep you going when the going gets tough.

Keep Going: It Gets Better

Remember, the Trough of Sorrow is just a phase. It's not the end of your learning journey. It's a dip in the road, and if you keep pushing forward, you'll eventually climb out of it. The concepts that once seemed impossible will become second nature, and you'll look back with pride on how far you've come.

In my personal learning journey, I've experienced the Trough of Sorrow many times. There were moments when I felt like throwing in the towel, but I'm so grateful I didn't. The satisfaction and knowledge I've gained from persevering are immeasurable.

So, to all my fellow learners out there, keep going. Embrace the struggle, seek support, break it down, and remember that it gets better. Learning is a journey filled with ups and downs, and the Trough of Sorrow is just a phase that will pass. The skills and knowledge you gain along the way are worth every bit of effort.

Don't give up, and keep pushing forward. The view from the top of the learning mountain is always worth the climb!

Happy Learning.