Expectation: Programming is about finding a way, and I will be able to do that faster. Reality: You will be able to think of multiple ways or approaches easily

Expectation: Programming is about finding a way, and I will be able to do that faster. Reality: You will be able to think of multiple ways or approaches easily, and narrow down the space based on various experience, often ending up with something different and better than you would've done as a junior.