Strategies and Mindset

This project is broken into 5 discrete exercises. We build our Wordle clone step by step, working up to a finished game. Each exercise has its own solution, accompanied with a video walkthrough.

Here's what the “intended flow” looks like, for tackling this project:

1. Following the instructions in the project's README.md, attempt to solve the first exercise.
2. Once you've either solved the exercise, or have spent 15-30 minutes trying, watch the solution video for the first exercise, to see how I tackled the same problem.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all 5 exercises.

Here's why I think this flow is effective:

• It encourages you to try each exercise without guidance, challenging you to solve the problem.
• If you get stuck on a problem, the time limit keeps you from wallowing in frustration and spinning your wheels.
• It'll help keep you engaged since you'll be bouncing between active learning (trying to solve the problem) and passive learning (watching the solution videos).

I should also point out: each solution video is between 9 and 15 minutes long, totalling almost an hour. If you wait until the very end to watch the solution videos, you'll have a lot of stuff to watch!

All of that said: There is no “one size fits all” solution. You might prefer to opt for a different approach. Here are some alternative strategies you can try:

1. Code-along. With the solution video playing in the corner, code along with me, typing what I type and absorbing the lessons as we go
2. Freestyle. Try and solve the problem in your own way, using your own tools and methods. Use the README and the solution as a rough guide instead of step-by-step instructions.
3. Solution first, exercise after. Start by watching the solution videos to see how I attempt the problem. Then, close the video and see if you can reconstruct my solution from memory. If you get stuck, refer back to the video.

This course is for you. Ultimately, all of these strategies are way more effective than trying to follow the “intended flow” if it causes you to get so frustrated that you give up on the project altogether!

This project is meant to be challenging, especially if you're coming to this course without any React experience. You may find yourself frustrated at times, not sure how to complete the exercise.

Here's the thing, though: Struggling and failing is so much more productive than effortlessly breezing through an easier challenge. It's not as much fun, to be sure, but it'll help you become a rockstar React developer much more quickly.

If you feel yourself starting to feel frustrated because you can't solve the exercise, I encourage you to try and reframe it as a successful learning experience. This is much easier said than done. Failure is inherently frustrating, after all. But if you can learn to see things this way, you'll become unstoppable. ✨

Earlier in the course, we dug a bit deeper into this idea. Here are some additional links you can use, to cultivate a growth mindset:

• “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”, a talk given by researcher Carol Dweck at Google HQ.
• Growth Mindset Activities on Khan Academy. It claims it's for high school students, but I think it's helpful for everyone!

So, what happens if you make it through the 5 exercises without really breaking a sweat?

This project includes 2 stretch goals that offer additional challenge. There are no solution videos for the stretch goals, though I have personally attempted them, and I do make my solution code available.

You can also invent your own stretch goals! Because we're building a game, there are tons of fun things you can do to extend the functionality.