Happy New Year!
Yesterday, I did the Hello 2024 Codeforces Round, which was rated for all Codeforces users. I managed to solve three problems in-contest.
Similar to Goodbye 2023, I solved problems A and B within ten minutes (both problems were simply greedy). However, I was stuck on problem C for an hour: I had a couple of different approaches, but most of them were too overcomplicated.
What changed that allowed me to solve it?
I attribute it to my mindset.
In past tests, whenever I meet a hard problem and struggle with it for a while without getting to a definitive answer, I perceive it as an impediment/obstacle to be overcome. Even though that could be true, I realized that I had a much better chance at solving that problem if I overcame my emotions, calmed down, relaxed for a bit, and logically thought through the problem one more time. Within minutes of my first wrong answer submission, I correctly implemented the correct greedy algorithm (which turned out to be the constructive solution) and passed the pretests.
I would like to quote Art of Problem Solving user v4913 which summarizes this mindset in a great way:
Especially because one’s score is not even purely a function of skill. It’s about half skill, combined with amount of outside pressure. AIME is no longer about math; it’s about controlling one’s emotions and psychologically eliminating the pressure that’s going on inside. (For those who do have to worry about this, ofc.)
v4913
As true as it applies to the AIME, it applies to all other contests and any other test you take in life. When you are faced with challenges, take a deep breath, and most of the time, it isn’t as hard as it seems.