[bradcomp]

I think aptitude is overrated compared to overall drive / obsession. You should pursue programming if it's something you want to pursue.

Do you like solving problems? How stoked are you when you figure out the cause of your bug? Would you pursue it even if it wasn't lucrative?

Project Euler has some good puzzles, they are somewhat math related but cover a lot of interesting concepts and can be fun to work through.

[ksml]

Project Euler does have a lot of good puzzles, but as parent comment says, they're more math related. If you don't like them (FWIW I never managed to get into them) you shouldn't necessarily think that programming isn't for you, as it can also be about building neat software that people use. As others have said here, you should try to get a feel for if you enjoy programming and what sorts of things you enjoy programming, because there is a lot you can do with it. If you don't like the math side, try building a simple app or web page and see if that interests you

[canicode]

I'm definitely not obsessed with programming. I can force myself to practice regularly, though. All it takes is discipline.

I wouldn't pursue it if it wasn't lucrative; that'd be irrational. But I'm not interested in money alone. I also want time, and the ability to create things that generate some sort of business value. Does an investment banker like what they do on a day-to-day basis? Plugging stuff into Excel? No, that's mind-numbing. But they get their satisfaction from seeing a deal that they participated in featured on WSJ.

I also want a hard skill. Being an "idea guy," doesn't cut it.