Programming: The Ups and Downs

I started programming seriously, 8 months ago. Usually about this time is when you conquer a learning curve. But it feels like it has actually gotten harder. But the only thing that has changed is that I've just become more used to the stress and anxiety of it. You can consider this a lot of it my own fault and my motivation to attain the bleeding edge of technology.

Skills needed to be an effective programmer. 1.) Patience 2.) A focused attention span. 3. ) Interest in technology.