MASTER WHAT MATTERS

"You don't have to be good at everything, be good at what you are good at".

No one becomes successful overnight; every achievement is the result of continuous effort. The present is a reflection of the choices, actions, and input you’ve given in the past. Life operates on a system of balance—what you sow is what you reap. If your efforts are consistent and your decisions well-timed, the results will reflect that. Success doesn’t demand perfection in every aspect; it requires focus on what matters most.

Many people aspire to be extraordinary at everything without putting in the extra work required in every field. But life isn’t a fictional story where you magically master everything. The real world demands specialization. Trying to excel in too many things at once will only dilute your potential. The secret to excellence lies in narrowing your focus and dedicating yourself to the things that align with your strengths—one step, one goal, one task at a time.

My Journey into Computer Engineering

Four years ago, I decided to pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering in Nepal, even though I had no prior background in computers. My academic journey before this had nothing to do with engineering or computers. I studied account as an optional subject in secondary school, and in high school, I shifted to biology. Computers weren’t a part of my life—so much so that, on the first day of my entrance preparation, I couldn’t even open a Computer. I remember feeling embarrassed as the student sitting beside me showed me how to turn on my computer. Yet, despite that awkward beginning, I chose computer engineering.

In the early days of my first semester, I didn’t have a clue how I would catch up with others. Many of my classmates had been coding for years—they seemed lightyears ahead. I used to attend online classes on my phone, as I wasn’t familiar with the laptop interface, and tried to follow along with Python coding sessions on my computer. I struggled initially, but I refused to let that discourage me.

By the end of the first semester, I had built my first website. It didn’t happen overnight—it took me three months of learning and practicing. Coding became my everyday routine. I poured all my energy and focus into mastering it, sometimes sacrificing sleep. From someone who didn’t know how to switch on a computer to someone who beat almost every student in the batch (except one prodigy who had already developed four apps in high school), my progress was proof that time and dedication can level the playing field.

The Turning Point

Achieving that transformation required more than just motivation; it demanded consistency. I made the conscious choice to prioritize coding over other distractions. While others in my age group enjoyed themselves, slept soundly for eight hours, or pursued hobbies, I stayed up late learning to code. There were moments when I felt exhausted—when all I wanted was to sleep like everyone else—but I stayed committed to my goals. I limited myself to just four hours of sleep most nights, coding daily for more than three months without missing a day. Coding wasn’t just a task anymore; it became a habit and, eventually, a passion.

I didn’t allow temporary setbacks or moments of self-doubt to derail me. When the journey felt overwhelming, I reminded myself why I had started. It wasn’t just about becoming a software engineer—it was about becoming the best version of myself. The discipline I cultivated in those early days laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since then.

The Power of Focus

Today, I am a professional software engineer. But this journey wasn’t an accident or the result of some lucky break—it was the product of relentless effort, sleepless nights, and the decision to stay focused on my path. I didn’t master everything; I focused on mastering what mattered to me. I built skills gradually, focusing on incremental progress instead of perfection.

This experience has taught me that the key to success lies not in trying to do everything but in doing the right things at the right time with full dedication. No one gets anywhere overnight. Life rewards consistency, patience, and the courage to continue even when things get tough.

At the end of the day, we all have the potential to succeed—not by spreading ourselves thin, but by investing our time and energy into the things that align with our goals. We don’t have to be perfect at everything; we only need to be perfect at what truly matters to us.