<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Start with pattern recognition, not memorization, by identifying the underlying pattern or main topic before diving into code.Master one data structure at a time to build genuine understanding before moving to others.Don't focus on difficulty labels; concentrate on understanding and growth instead.Follow the naive-to-optimal progression by starting with a naive approach and working towards optimal solutions.Resist peeking at solutions too early and train yourself to convert thoughts into code.Use AI tools for learning, not just answer-getting, and explore community solutions for insights.Learn from other developers' approaches to see multiple ways to solve problems.Problem-solving can become addictive, so focus on consistent practice over intense sessions.Solving popular and frequently asked problems is beneficial for interview preparation.Solve at least one problem daily and participate in contests strategically for practice.