The Basics of Mindset Math

I used to say that I was numerically-challenged but I no longer say that because, although it is true, it is also negative. You see, I’m trying to eliminate the negative self-talk that limits me.

Now, when I look at numbers or hear someone talk about numbers and feel my cranial cavity filling up with fog, I smile and tell myself that what I have is a wonderful opportunity to learn more.

With that more positive mindset, I have ventured beyond the basic two plus two equals four and can even add, subtract, multiply and (sometimes) divide two or three numbers at a time. I will soon be ready to tackle e=mc².

But I’m having trouble getting my head around the proposition that two negatives make a positive. As I was thinking about negatives and trying to be more positive, this idea wriggled its way into my brain and taunted me: “Nyah!nyah!nyah! Two negatives make a positive!” Uh-uh, my n-c (see above) brain responded with a notable lack of certainty.

Finally, I consulted a higher authority (Google) and it referred me to a site called MathIsFun (Yeah, right!) at http://www.mathisfun.com. This is what I learned:

When You Multiply …

two positives you get a positive:

3 × 2 = 6

a positive and a negative
you get a negative:

(-3) × 2 = -6

a negative and a positive
you get a negative:

3 × (-2) = -6

two negatives you get a positive:

(-3) × (-2) = 6

So, a negative times a positive gives a negative …
but multiplying two negatives gives a positive!

Well, okay. That may be true in regular mathematics, but it is NOT true in mindset math. What, you may ask, is mindset math?

Mindset math is the set of calculations you use to build a grid over the swamp of your life so that whatever happens, you don’t fall into despair.

Mindset math dictates that when something negative happens, you skip the pity party and look around for something positive to counterbalance the negative.

For instance, when mathematical aptitude was passed out, I must have been in the restroom. I am simply n-c. Boo hoo! I’ll never be able to earn my living as a CPA!

The equation looks like this:
N-C(-)+H20(tears or sweat from worry, also a -) does not =CPA

If being a CPA is a plus (?) being n-c + the stress of worrying about it don’t add up to it. See?

But consider this equation:
N-C(-)+pretty good at writing(+)=don’t have to be a CPA(+)

The basics of mindset math are simple, once you get past that silly notion that two negatives make a positive:

If you find yourself thinking a negative thought, ignore it. Maybe it’ll go away.
If it doesn’t just wander off on its own, become proactive; think of something positive.
Once you have the positive thought in your mind, celebrate it and express gratitude for it.
Repeat the operation as often as necessary. That way, you multiply the positive.

And, yes, (+)x(+)=a happier you.