Six months ago, I made a crucial decision that changed my life. I was feeling overwhelmed and approaching burnout, a common experience in the crypto ecosystem. During Season 6 of the Optimism Collective, I had worn many hats, jumping at every opportunity that came my way because that's what you do when you're passionate about something.

But I noticed I was just doing what was expected rather than excelling. I realized that data-driven decisions were becoming the backbone of the Collective, so I decided to take a step back. I reduced my workload to the minimum and created mental space to learn a new skill. In this fast-moving ecosystem, staying static means you can't compete with the smart, forward-thinking people joining every day. If you're feeling similar pressure, I want to share my reflections from this journey. Hopefully, I can save you some time.

My initial plan was to dedicate the first six months of 2025 to studying data analysis. I found a Data Analytics Bootcamp and thought, "Perfect! In six months, I'll be ready." I definitely underestimated what I was getting into. By month six, I realized this was just the warm-up, with still a long way to go. So I've modified my timeline accordingly.

I've also shifted my priorities over time. Initially, I followed the bootcamp's schedule religiously. Now, I'm following advice from more experienced data scientists and analysts who've guided me toward a more practical approach.

After a couple of months, I discovered that four-hour Zoom classes were torture for me (and probably for most people). My attention span simply couldn't last that long. So I researched alternatives and found a platform with bite-sized videos and integrated practice environments. This worked perfectly because I learn by doing.

I also noticed that without deadlines, it's easy to procrastinate. To force myself to focus, I started going to a coworking space for the same number of hours I used to work when I had a full schedule. Fewer distractions, quiet environment. Perfect for learning.

Earlier this year, I joined Kernel Block X and loved it. Everyone was on their own learning path, which made me feel less alone. However, impostor syndrome hit hard sometimes. I pivoted my craft idea several times, and when I finally found something both challenging and achievable (a dashboard to measure TVL growth of Season 7 grantees), it took much longer than expected. I got really frustrated.

Then my mentor reminded me of something important: "Who's putting that pressure on you?" The answer was myself. Accountability is great, but don't let people's expectations (or the imaginary expectations you think they have) overwhelm you. Here's a liberating truth: most people don't think about you as much as you think they do. You're not the center of the universe, and accepting this fact has allowed me to live more freely. Be accountable and do what you say you'll do, but be patient with yourself.

A few years ago, I visited Valle de Cocora in Colombia and randomly met a couple who shared wisdom that changed my perspective forever. I was struggling during the hike, watching other people pass me, and getting desperate. They told me something like this:

"Walk at your own pace. People who run get tired quickly, and you'll see them resting along the way. But if you listen to your body and go at your own speed, you'll get further. The most beautiful views we've seen in our lives have been at the end of the most challenging paths."

Since that day, I've approached life like that mountain. I go at my own pace, stay consistent, and look for the most amazing views. In my learning journey, I don't compare myself with others. I learn in ways that fit me, taking breaks when needed and enjoying the process.

Six months in, this journey has taught me that sustainable growth comes from patience, not pressure. If there's anything I'd share with my past self (or anyone feeling similar pressure), it would be these realizations I've had along the way:

I've learned that it's okay to be bad at something new. Those first awkward weeks of not understanding basic concepts? They're not a sign of failure; they're part of the process.

I've learned that comparing myself to others only steals my joy. Everyone's on their own timeline, with their own background and circumstances. My pace is the right pace for me.

I've learned to always be strategic about my goals. The question "What do you want to achieve?" has become my compass. It keeps me focused on what truly matters rather than getting caught up in what looks impressive to others.

Most importantly, I've learned to embrace flexibility when plans need to change. My six-month timeline became a longer journey, and that's perfectly fine. The goal isn't to stick rigidly to a plan, but to keep moving toward what matters most.

Learning really is a marathon, not a sprint. Just like that mountain in Colombia, the most rewarding destinations require the most challenging climbs. But when you reach those peaks at your own pace, the view is always worth it. This journey continues, and I'm excited to see where it leads.

With love,

Brichis