For the past 1.5 years, I've been solving problems in a not-so-regular fashion. I've improved (just a little). I can't solve any fancy problems tho. I can probably solve 2 problems in Div2. Most likely I won't solve C-Div2 within the contest but maybe some hour(s) after.

What is considered practice? Just the exposure to a problem and thinking about a solution (even failure?). Like I will be honest, I enjoy the process and gosh I enjoy it even more when it pays off and you solve the problem. But considering how slow the progress is for me I started thinking two things:-

• I am stupid af and this isn't for me.
• I am doing something wrong or maybe practicing in a wrong way:
• • Taking too long in a problem that might just needs some technique or concept that I am yet not familiar with.
• • Not tackling the problems the right way thus, taking too long to get through them.

I strongly wish some of you write about how their process goes until they find a solution. How you guys look at the problems and what you do to come up with (a) proper solution(s). Is it pattern matching? Completely thinking of something new?. I believe a few tips on how to tackle a problem that I haven't seen anything like would be of much help

Should I look up techniques and algorithms and search for related problems or wait until I am exposed to them by chance?

I try to get out of my comfort zone and solve harder problems (currently Div2 C is not easy for me so I try to solve them). Should I limit my thinking time and just look for hints or check the editorial after? Is it any good if you just keep going or is it a waste of time?

Just share your thoughts. Maybe your practice routines from when you started. Something you read that helped. Success stories for perhaps some motivation.