how to progress faster than anyone else (in tech)

About this video

• Video Title: how to progress faster than anyone else (in tech)
• Channel: Phillip Choi
• Speakers: Phillip Choi
• Duration: 00:15:24

Overview

This video explains how to accelerate progress in the tech industry by focusing on a single path and building conviction, rather than constantly switching technologies or learning methods. The speaker shares his personal journey and a system ("YTC protocol") to help viewers achieve their career goals in tech, emphasizing the importance of commitment, deep work, and learning from others.

Key takeaways

• The Problem with "Stuckness": Feeling stuck in tech is often due to a habit of switching paths and chasing new advice, books, or courses, rather than committing to one.
• The Power of Commitment: The speaker's breakthrough came when he committed to one technology (Vue.js) and built one full-scale application, which led to his first job and promotions.
• AI and Programming: Programming remains a crucial skill even with the rise of AI, as those who can create software will leverage AI for high-paying jobs.
• Define Your Mountain Top: Identify your career goals (e.g., junior developer, six-figure salary, senior developer, startup founder) as your "mountain top."
• Execution Over Path: No single path guarantees success; your ability to execute, persevere, and stick to a chosen path is what leads to reaching your goals.
• Focus on One Stack: Commit to one technology stack for at least 180 days, building a complete project rather than "stack hopping."
• Leverage Existing Knowledge: Recognize that as an app user, you already understand many core features common to most applications (e.g., profile management, messaging, authentication).
• Embrace the Struggle: It's normal to struggle and feel incompetent for the first few months. Develop strong Googling and documentation-reading skills, and use AI as a teacher, not a crutch.
• The YTC Protocol:
  • You: Understand your motivations ("why") and create personal rules for learning (e.g., stop tutorial hopping, start deep work blocks).
  • Them: Learn from others who are ahead of you, seek code reviews, and find a mentor or program.
  • Checklist: Track your progress daily and weekly by setting specific tasks and journaling your learnings.
• The 100-Day Roadmap: For those seeking rapid progress, commit to solving a real-life problem through code with a specific stack (React, Node.js, MongoDB) for 100 days, dedicating 8-10 hours of focused work daily.