Learning SQL : Make it a Habit

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Pronounced 'seek-will' short for Structured Query Language

Like it or not, SQL has been the backbone of data management for decades with 70% of companies use SQL as their primary tool for accessing and analyzing data (Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2023).

My first encounter with SQL was back in 2020, during the pandemic, in a virtual Enterprise Database Systems class.

We were writing simple queries, such as SELECT * FROM students WHERE grade = 'A'. 

At the time, I thought, “That’s all there is to it? How hard can this be?”

By the middle of 2022, I was working with massive, real-world datasets that demanded writing complex queries spanning hundreds of lines of code. Suddenly, SQL wasn’t so simple anymore. 

The depth required in professional settings can be overwhelming, but it’s also rewarding.

Let me be honest: SQL isn’t my favorite language. But as I’ve learned, you don’t have to love something to be good at it.  (I once disliked Physics, but I still managed to score a top grade in CAPE.)

What I’ve come to appreciate about SQL is its ability to uncover meaningful insights. If you’re naturally curious and tend to ask a lot of questions, SQL empowers you to answer them with data.

Like any skill, mastering SQL comes down to practice. Making SQL a habit—even for just 15 minutes a day—can pay off exponentially. You don’t need to wait for a big project to sharpen your skills; small, consistent efforts build expertise over time.

Here’s how you can integrate SQL into your daily routine:

Start with Bite-Sized Challenges

Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial offer beginner-friendly exercises that break down core concepts into manageable pieces.


Solve Problems that Interest You

Personal projects make learning fun and engaging. Create a database for tracking your expenses, building a reading list, or analyzing datasets that intrigue you from Kaggle.


Join a SQL Challenge or Community

Participate in a daily or weekly SQL challenge like “365 Days of SQL” or connect with others through online communities like Reddit’s r/SQL or LinkedIn groups.

Track Your Progress

Use a learning journal or habit tracker to log completed tasks. Celebrate milestones—such as practicing every day for a week—with small rewards to stay motivated.

Use Gamification

Platforms like DataCamp or Codewars turn SQL practice into a game, offering points and badges as you complete exercises. Gamification can make practice feel less like work and more like play.


SQL may not be everyone’s favorite tool, but its importance in the modern data landscape is undeniable. By making SQL a habit, you’ll not only build your proficiency but also position yourself for success in any data-driven career.

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