I'm in a dilemma of whether I should be focusing more on computational problems (HMMT, PUMAC, SMT, late AIME, etc.) or olympiad problems. I posted some time ago that I will be focusing on olympiads to trivialize AIME problems but I'm not so sure now.

First of all, I feel like I'm not good enough to come up with solutions for easier olympiad (Canada, old BMO, etc) problems and repeatedly catch myself glancing at the solution impatiently after awhile.

So I decide to work on computational problems, but then I read on many aopsers' blogs/posts about how you should be working a level up. I can get around a 9-10 on a recent practice AIME, but I don't even know if this is good enough to move on to olympiads as I'm likely to do worse on the real AIME due to test pressure.

One other problem I've been having is that I'm very inconsistent whenever I take computational tests, and doing olympiad problems isn't helping.

My problem with olympiad problems intensifies especially when I try combo problems. I just feel like because there isn't much theory involved, (as opposed to geo where u can p much just mem when to use different techniques) the solutions often lack motivation. Ppl say the motivation comes with practice but I feel like trying problems for a long time and then reading the solution doesn't give you much "practice". Also, I feel like the combo problems on Aime are bashy anyways I'm curious about how people overcame this and how to become better at harder combo in general.

Any advice? I'm planning on doing 60% computational 40% olympiads until after AMSP and WOOT starts and then I'll do almost only oly until around January.

Also oops wasted so much time this week How do u stay productive?????