If you're worried about being "slow", don't introspect, use metrics. First, define "slow". Everything else follows, so this is important. "x" many key strokes p

If you're worried about being "slow", don't introspect, use metrics. First, define "slow". Everything else follows, so this is important. "x" many key strokes per hour? "x" solutions per hour? Since this part is so important, compare your definition to other's definitions. Then measure. Both yourself, and others with the same definition. Don't measure against others that are using a different definition, you'll be measuring different things. Then, break the problem down into it's constituent parts. One possible breakdown: domain specific software engineering knowledge, technical coding ability, raw mental processing speed, decision making strategies and execution, mental focus, engagement. Then, go back, define each of those, then measure, then start to hack the ish out of them. Deliberate study and practice can make up for a substantial lack of innate ability. Also, consider that your hearts just not in it or that this particular line of work doesn't play to your natural strengths. Supposing you're decidedly committed, realize someone will always be better than you, and worse than you. Find a place in your team where you best contribute to the overall teams needs rather than measuring your performance using a single dimensional metric, and be ready to be flexible should that need to change in the future. Maybe your slow, but maybe the fast person is fast in 9 out of 10 things, and super-slow in 1 thing, which you happen to be medium at. Well, the team is better off if you take care of that 1 thing. Everyone wins. Finally, your health. This should be priority one. "Keep your shop, and your shop will keep you." You, are your shop. Take care of your shop. Regular and sufficient sleep cycles. Regular exercise. Regular social interaction. Regular mental stimulation. Daily mindfulness meditation. Not because you love yourself and you deserve it, but because this is how you keep your shop, the shop that pays your bills. Regarding pills, adderall actually fits the bill. But, the problem with pills is they are one dimension solutions. Adderall also reduces your ability to think creatively. Prozac increases brain plasticity. Armodafinil is an understated but highly effective smart pill. Guanfacine strengthens executive functions via actions in the prefrontal cortex. Selegiline is another legitimate smart pill, that you need to be super careful administering. Protein and omega fatty acids are super important, on an everyday basis. Intermittent caloric restriction is intellectually beneficial. Basically, define, break it down, measure, repeat. Always take the whole picture into consideration and always play the long game.