I was terrible at math. I detested the subject and my approach and attitude towards it was made worse by the fact that the teacher who taught us looked down upon anyone who was weak in it.
As much as I tried, I never made peace with the subject all through my studying days.
One of the first things we learn in math is addition and subtraction and even if complex math goes over our head, we can’t feign ignorance about the basics.
But addition and subtraction aren’t just used in math. The term ‘it doesn’t add up’ isn’t always used in regard to numbers.
On days when you get a good night’s sleep, get some exercise and eat reasonably healthy, you feel better. All your efforts have added up to you feeling better about yourself.
Sharing meals, conversation and gadget free time, all add up to a happier atmosphere at home.
Civility, decency, respect and good leadership, all add to a happier office. A toxic atmosphere, intimidation and negativity, all seldom add up to an engaged and happy work force.
Success or catastrophe is rarely because of one massive mistake or miscalculation.
When a team wins, the post-match show will focus on all the things that the team did right which added up to victory. At the same time, the losing team’s failures are analysed threadbare. It’s only when processes are dissected that we can hone in on the problem area and rectify it.
In other words, either things add up to a better outcome or they don’t.
We can apply this to all aspects of life.
Is the next thing that I am going to do add or take away from my ultimate goal?
You may hate math with all your heart.
But understanding how things add up and what needs to be subtracted to ensure more happiness and success is a skill you really can’t do without.
