Think like a mathematician

Recently i got a hilarious message. It goes like this.

Power of mathematics: One day a box wasn’t opening. A lawyer came and applied all the laws but it dint open. A chemist came next and applied all reactions but it dint open. A physicist came and applied all the forces but it dint open. Then a mathematician came and said: “LET US ASSUME THAT THE BOX IS OPEN. What next??".

Lol! If anyone has studied engineering mathematics, they will understand the humour in the joke. Mathematics has never been my cup of tea. And ever since i was taught the subject by my “awesome” staff, dread and aversion increased. It was amazing the way we almost mugged up the steps in a moronic way without understanding the logic behind it.

We would be given an extremely complex problem and while we are breaking our heads as to how to proceed with the sum, sir would go to the board and coolly write these magical words, “let us assume that..... “. After that, it would simplify everything. Even though we were totally perplexed about why those assumptions are made and based on what logic we assume certain things. When we questioned our sir, he’ll simply say, “we assume this to solve the problem”. Wow! It used to get on the nerves of me and my friends when we faced these moments in our math class.

But as i observed this way approach, it was interesting that the step of assuming a certain relation led us to finding an easy solution that ultimately fits the requirements. That’s pretty neat.

A realisation stuck upon me. What if we applied this quirky method of approach in our lives? All of us would have faced these really tough problematic situations where we have absolutely no idea how to straighten up the mess. The big problem is that we are never convinced that we actually have the capabilities to face our problems and deal with it. And many of us shy away until the situation heights up to an emergency and we somehow do it in an adrenalin rush or something similar. 

Next time when we face situations like that, let us think like a mathematician. Tell yourself, “let me assume that I have what it takes to deal with this problem and I can overcome it easily with a smile :-) . now what next?? “. When you do so, all these positive affirmations will affect your mindset and your attitude towards the issue. Once you are convinced that you have it in you, your approach will be more inclined to finding the solution and much less time will be spent on self doubt. And once your mind is clear, you are open to finding out new creative ways of approach!

So friends, everyday look within yourself and take the mathematical approach whenever you find yourelf clueless.

Step 1: assume that the problem is a piece of cake and that you have it in you to eat that cake!! ;-)

Step 2: once you apply step 1 correctly, everything else will fall into place and a solution will reveal itself to you.

Step 3: put the solution into practice and be happy and SMILE!! :-):-)

Easy right???

Of course when you still reach a dead end, dismiss it as a “mathematical error” and move on!!

Hats off to all the wonderful mathematicians for giving me this insight.

(Ps: to my extreme anti-math friends, don’t bash me up after reading this!! :-) :-) )