Really struggling with applying python.

What part is that you don't understand? There's many things going on that part of video.

What you think you understand is different from what you actually understand, to fully understand material you need to try out examples in your own term within your local environment. First get familiarize yourself with syntax and mess around with what you've learned until you intuitively know what's happening in your code. This is not hard when your code is simple examples and not a whole application so try it out. And clarify which part that you don't understand maybe I can fill in the missing gap.

Hey, don't get discouraged...even if you can't finish the exercises, as long as you understand the video you're making progress. You'll see the same concepts over and over and over again. After you keep hitting examples from here and all around the web, it'll just start to click.

I love treehouse but I skip the questions because I feel like they don't add value to my thought process. I typically have my own file set-up locally and play with the material in my own way.

Hey Seth, There are no stupid questions. If there is a part of a video or a challenge that is not clear, ask in the Community page. You can also search the Community questions and answers. Some questions regarding challenges have been asked many, many times. No problem. Asking questions also helps identify where the courses might need improvement.

The book Programming Python by Mark Lutz is 1600 pages! It takes time to absorb the material.

If you are complete new to Python, please permit yourself to be confused. Some of the "Pythonic Ways" don't always seem obvious, at first. Not too long from now, you'll likely look back at these early challenges and wonder why it seemed so hard! You'll get it. Code Onward!

When I read your post its like copy, paste from my thoughts. I feel the same way. What I do is of course ask questions. Every time I struggle I ask my stupid question. Also use the help() function. You type first help() in the console, then it prompts you to type in a module or keyword you need help with. Also use www.python.org. At first it will be frustrating to read and understand, but with the time you will get more and more confident. I hope that will help you!

Is there a specific thing that you're hung up on? It's a bit challenging material, but if you can shoot it out here, maybe we can help you flip the switch and get it!