I had to change my Mindset about Finding Solutions to Problems again
There is more than one solution to a problem
My years of schooling and working as a math teacher have hampered my creativity, making me not think outside the box. I've always followed a set process to achieve something. In mathematics, there are rules to follow. If we deviate from those rules, the process breaks down. Mathematics is a language with a specific set of rules. But what if there is a problem where we need a new set of rules to address the problem? The solution requires creativity.
To achieve a degree, you complete a task, course, and course of study in school. There is no creativity in that because if I complete A, B, C, and D, I receive an acknowledgment, such as a degree. Writing online and creating content are different. It feels like being a painter with a blank canvas. My experiences dictate what I write online. Medium and Substack have allowed me to write and follow my dream of writing and earning money.
In mathematics, there is a correct answer and a wrong answer. The rules of mathematics assure that there is one solution: 2 + 2 = 4. Mathematics is a tool used to solve real-life problems. My job as a teacher is to teach the rules of mathematics so students learn the language of mathematics itself. How a student uses math to solve real-world problems is something they will figure out in their chosen occupation or future endeavors.
I had to reset my mindset that many solutions to real-life problems exist. Solving real-life problems requires someone to see a situation in more ways than one.
Conclusion
Making mistakes and starting over is part of the process. High school and college taught me to look for the correct answer based on a set of rules, such as mathematics; if the answer to a question was wrong, points got deducted. If it was correct, I received an A letter grade.
Writing online and earning money from it differs from how we did things in school. Every mistake made is a learning process. We learn from our mistakes. I need to retrain my mind so that mistakes are part of my learning process. It's okay if I don't have the answer. If I don't get it on the first try, I can do it over again until I figure it out.
I'm relearning how to learn again. Writing and earning money from writing have taught me to embrace and learn from my mistakes.
I had to learn how to learn again.