Staying motivated

**Durden** · 05-07-2011, 03:00 PM

Hello all,

Just looking for some advice on staying motivated while learning Java. I work full time at a somewhat unrewarding job and my time to sit and learn Java is minimal. Looking for advice on things you may have done to keep motivated, goal oriented and focused. Any thoughts, ideas, experiences welcome! Thanks!

**danborgir** · 05-07-2011, 03:05 PM

After you have learnt the basics, start to set yourself little projects. Maybe come up with an idea of something that you want which is not available to develop or try to recreate something you like! I find the best way to stay focused and enjoy programming is to do it this way else you will get fed up very quickly.

**sunde887** · 05-07-2011, 03:14 PM

I'm in a similar situation, unrewarding job, no university(yet), and not a lot of time for actual coding(plenty for reading). A good thing I'd say to keep you motivated is the end goal, getting out of that unrewarding job and working a job you enjoy.

If you are new, keep reminding yourself just how much there is to learn. Try to think of fun projects but also read, read, and read. Whenever you can, read challenging books once you get the basics down pretty well. Try taking some community college or university classes.

**DarrylBurke** · 05-07-2011, 03:44 PM

If you have net access and free time during your working day, haunt forums like these and try to give good answers.

Whenever you find a topic of interest but don't know the answer, search the net and otherwise keep trying until some more knowledgeable person posts a good answer. Next time round, you'll be that more knowledgeable person :)

db

**Durden** · 05-07-2011, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the tips. I do have net access but some days are busier than others and don't have time between calls to read up etc.

Anyone know of a large Java source code repository I could check out? I'd love to review code people have written to get ideas, and best practices from.

**DarrylBurke** · 05-07-2011, 07:30 PM

You can read the JDK source code, contained in src.zip in your JDK install directory.

It's not all good, but it's certainly large.

db

**silverglade** · 05-07-2011, 07:46 PM

Here's what I do to stay motivated. I got the "Head First Java" book which is great for beginners. Then I lay on my bed relaxed and listen to my favorite trance music, steady hypnotic beat, before or during studying. It has the effect of "colouring" the information in a positive artistic way, I can't explain it. The music will inspire you even if you just listen to it before studying. I think the key to learning something as difficult as programming is to love it. And to love it, you have to find ways to associate java with most pleasant things. I associate java with text games, creative puzzles, a better paying and more rewarding job, cool music that I listen to. All of these things combine to form a love. And it is only the love of a thing that can motivate the brain to work hard. I hope this helps.

**Dark** · 05-08-2011, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by DarrylBurke

If you have net access and free time during your working day, haunt forums like these and try to give good answers.

Whenever you find a topic of interest but don't know the answer, search the net and otherwise keep trying until some more knowledgeable person posts a good answer. Next time round, you'll be that more knowledgeable person :)

db

^This

Being deployed in Afganistan gives me very little time to code, sleep, eat or anything besides work. So what makes me want to spend what little time I've given for the above tasks on programming?

My goals, my goal in learning java is to write apps for the Android operating system. I plan on developing mobile apps, but we all have to start somewhere. To keep myself interested in PC based coding is coming up with a project that can be very simple and as I learn more I add more to it.

I came up with a small RPG project with a small set of goals. After I achieve these goals I'm going to think of something else to add, and then implement it. Book projects are boring, I mean who wants to keep redeveloping a bank account program? Math based programs aren't appealing enough most people so I suggest coming up with your own project.

Maybe you are a music enthusiast, and you want a better way to organize your music files on your computer. Draw up a goal, and then work on achieving it.