Redefining Mathematics

If you have known me, or followed this space for a while, you would have known I talk about things I’m passionate about here and that includes mathematics.

I grew up as a person who easily understood math and wanted to teach other people all about it. I found out that while some subjects required me paying extra attention to excel at them, it was definitely not math. I taught younger people secondary math and I used to joke around saying if I taught anyone who finds the subject challenging, their brains would open up and understand it. Over time, in relating with younger ones and people in general, one thing I have realized is the beliefs people have about themselves that has limited them. This applies to this topic or subject –  mathematics. Over the next few weeks, I would be talking about some math myths that has limited people or young ones from loving and embracing the subject.

Math Myth 1: “I’m Not a Math Person”

Have you ever said this before? Or heard a friend say it? It sounds harmless, but it’s one of the biggest reasons students give up on math too early. Let’s be clear on this – math is a foundational subject and will forever be. The earlier you embrace it, the better. 

Here’s what I have realized. We are all unique individuals. That means that there are some subjects or things that come naturally to you. For instance, math came naturally to me but not biology or chemistry. I really preferred physical sciences to biological sciences. I loved anything that required me to calculate. But I quickly realized that the faster I embraced those subjects, the better for me. So what did I do? I paid more attention to those subjects. By practicing it. By reading it more carefully.  It’s just like playing football, drawing, or learning a new language. The more you practice, the better you get. Besides, even though I had a naturally affinity for math, whenever I did not study or practice, I did not perform so great.

You have to practice, and be willing to keep trying when things get tough. So the first key to demystifying this is “Embracing your uniqueness”. But don’t stop there. Seek to learn what you don’t know or find difficult.

And the next time your brain says, “I’m not a math person,” stop, switch it up and say “I will grow in math if I practice.”

Takeaway: Don’t let this myth decide what you’re capable of.

Affirmation: I can do whatever I set my mind to do. I can understand mathematics because I am brilliant!