Back when I was in school, especially during math class, I realized something small that turned out to have a big impact:

Sometimes, even if my answer was wrong, I still got some points.

The reason was simple: the process I followed was considered correct.

Maybe not all the way to the end, but the logic and steps made sense.

I didn’t think much of it at the time. But after stepping into the real world — especially as a developer — I began to understand:

The process is everything.

Instinct Is Good, But You Still Need the Process

Imagine these two problems:

Example A:

10 + a = 12
What is the value of a?

Easy answer. Even a middle schooler would say:

a = 2

Now try this one:

Example B:

5c − 7 = 2c + 8a
Find the values of c and a.

You can't solve this just by "instinct." It requires understanding concepts, algebraic reasoning, and a step-by-step process.

In 10 + a = 12 case, you use your instinct to solve that. But in 5c − 7 = 2c + 8a , you need more “tools” to solve.

And at this point, we realize:

Strong instincts are built from trained thinking processes.

In Programming, We Often Chase Results First

In the programming world, there's a habit most of us have done (or still do):

We go straight for the answer.

We face an error. We're confused by the syntax. We don’t know how to connect the API. And our first move is:

• 🔍 Open Google
• 🔍 Type the question into StackOverflow
• 🔍 Or now, just ask ChatGPT

An answer appears. Problem solved. We move on to the next task.

But one thing remains unresolved: our thought process.

What Are We Missing?

When we only focus on the result, we might:

• Not understand why the solution works
• Not know alternative solutions
• Miss our own logical errors
• Fail to build intuition for similar future problems

A simple example:

Let’s say you want to remove an item from an array in JavaScript. You search and copy-paste:

array.splice(index, 1);

Problem solved? Sure.

But do you know:

• The difference between .splice() and .slice()?
• What happens if index is invalid?
• Does this mutate the original array or return a new one?

Fast Isn’t Always Effective

Being quick doesn’t mean you're skilled.

Finishing a task doesn’t mean you've understood it.

What often gets forgotten:

Programming is about problem solving, not just syntax.

And the ability to solve problems comes from thinking, not just answers.

So, What Can You Train?

When you hit a problem, train yourself to:

1. Analyze first: Understand the context of the error or task.
2. Form a hypothesis: Try to figure out your own solution, even if you're unsure.
3. Compare with the actual solution: Does it match? What's different?
4. Understand the logic behind the solution: Not just the what, but the why.

With this process, you're not just solving one task. You're building a thinking framework that you can use again and again.

🧠 Learning to code is learning to think.

Being quick is good. But being able to understand and repeat it — that's far more valuable.

Not Just in Coding

We often think that only technical fields require strong processes.

But actually...

🍻 Cooking

Anyone can cook instant noodles. But making rendang?

If you just throw in the ingredients and turn the heat up, it won’t end well.

Recipe + step order + technique = process.

📝 Writing

Many people think writing is about talent. But great writers spend more time on outlining and editing than on the first sentence.

🎸 Learning Music

Someone who plays guitar smoothly isn’t just memorizing songs. Their fingers have gone through hours of fingering drills and chord transitions.

Why Do We Often Skip the Process?

Simple answer: because process isn’t instant.

Results can be copied. Processes must be practiced. And in today’s fast-paced world, the process feels like an "extra burden."

But...

Inside the process lies learning, understanding, and character building.

Closing: Train Your Process, and the Results Will Follow

If you're learning something new — whether it's programming, design, public speaking, or even something personal like communication — don’t rush toward the outcome.

Ask yourself:

• Have I recognized the pattern?
• Do I know the reason behind each step?
• Can I do this again in a different context?

The process might be tiring. But like building muscle, today’s pain becomes tomorrow’s strength.

So don’t underestimate those small, slow steps.

That’s where real growth happens.

Photo by toine G on Unsplash