Self improvement
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Copy each sentence of a text word for word until you can rewrite the paragraph in your own words.
This approach helped one person make math feel like a second language.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Adopt a mindset that views math problems as fun puzzles to solve rather than abstract tasks.
This approach can make you enjoy doing practice problems.
one person who lived it
Treat mathematics as a set of rules to memorize and follow rather than an innate talent.
Once you know the rules, you can perform the tasks successfully.
one person who lived it
If you have aptitude for it, pursue a trade career instead of a four-year degree.
Trades are in demand, respectable, allow you to see the results of your labor, and can pay better than some degrees.
one person who lived it
Start learning math from a concept you already understand and build up from there rather than skipping ahead.
Math knowledge builds like bricks in a wall; skipping steps causes people to fall behind.
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Practice math problems every day as much as possible.
It makes it impossible not to learn.
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- Practice math repeatedly using online resources.1
Take the GED practice test first to identify weak areas, then study only those topics.
One person passed on the first try with no prior study using this method.
one person who lived it
Do not let pride or embarrassment about being older prevent you from finishing high school; the long-term regret of not finishing is worse.
Pride is useless, and failing to finish leads to lifelong embarrassment.
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Ask questions and stay curious when learning math.
You’re worth it.
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Break down large multiplications into smaller, manageable parts.
It feels much more straightforward.
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Teach math concepts to classmates or others to reinforce your own understanding.
You generally learn better when teaching it to others, and it helps pinpoint your weak spots.
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Start at a technical college and transfer to a university after completing core classes.
One person used this path to eventually graduate with a Master's degree.
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Search for Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs if you lack basic math or reading skills.
Tests at adult education programs can determine if you need ABE before studying for the GED.
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Recognize that having a high school diploma signals to employers that you will show up, which is what many jobs value most.
Jobs requiring a HS diploma care most about reliability.
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Enroll in local community college classes to re-enter education affordably.
One person reported this got them back into school, eventually leading to a university teaching position.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Focus on word problems to apply math practically.
Actually applying math solidifies it in your mind.
one person who lived it
One approach that helped: break complex topics down into digestible pieces, as this can make the process feel fun.
it makes the task feel fun
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When riding as a passenger, actively observe the road and surroundings as if you were driving to help visualize concepts for the written driver's license test.
It helps visually connect real-world scenarios to test material.
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Convince yourself that learning math is possible to create a positive self-fulfilling mindset.
It improves your outlook and motivation.
one person who lived it
Improve your handwriting to ensure numbers are clearly distinguishable from one another.
Poor handwriting can make it difficult to tell some numbers apart.
one person who lived it
Be aware that a GED may not provide the same level of preparation or social experiences as high school, potentially impacting future earning ability.
One person reported the GED did not prepare them for anything and they struggled to make a living.
one person who lived it
Create a study schedule using a planner, specifying times, locations, and meal planning.
Planning meals around study time ensures you start well-fed; deciding when and where to study helps project your time.
one person who lived it
Try using spaced repetition as a study method.
One person believes it is effective.
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Use library workbooks with answer keys to practice and self-check your understanding.
Answer keys allow you to verify whether your answers are correct or incorrect.
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Read 'The Compound Effect' by Darren Hardy.
One person reported this book helped them dramatically recently.
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Start by memorizing multiplication tables to get speed, then progress to algebraic formulas and quantitative math practice.
Starting small but consistent helps build speed.
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Develop social skills by seeking new experiences and challenges, such as learning a new sport or meeting people different from yourself.
Social skills develop through new experiences, challenges, and failures.
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Specialize in cybersecurity or information assurance if you are interested in IT.
The field is large and currently has a very low unemployment rate.
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Assist other students in adult education classes without judgment to build confidence and help others.
As a professional who succeeded without basic credentials, you can gain confidence by helping others.
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Navigate office politics actively because they are real and matter in professional settings.
Office politics is real and matters.
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Do extra practice exercises beyond what is assigned, repeating problems over and over.
Repeating problems strengthens your ability to recall information after leaving class.
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Find any available job, such as waiting tables, to gain financial security while continuing to search for better opportunities.
It provides immediate financial security.
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Acknowledge that you are chemical processes; this is a powerful tool for understanding learning mechanisms, though it may make some uncomfortable.
- it makes many uncomfortable
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