ZOD: Learning Calculus in my 30's

Aug 26, 2024

The Big Idea

It’s never too late to learn something new.

I finally have more time to dedicate to learning things in my free time… so I’m learning calculus!

Now, don’t freak out if you’re not a “math person” (I wasn’t for a long time).

You do NOT need advanced math in data science, unless you’re a top level data scientist… and even then you’ll hear mixed feedback.

No, I’m learning calculus because at some point I want to pursue a PhD, and three semesters is required.

But the reason I bring it up, is because I was never good at math in my younger years.

I barely passed, and even dropped Trigonometry when I found out I didn’t need it to graduate…

So me learning now is a testament to the power of growth mindset.

If you’re learning to code, learning stats, or learning anything at all, believe in yourself.

I know it sounds cliche, but it’s all that’s required.

Believe you can learn it, and remind yourself the journey is supposed to be hard!

I was a perpetual slacker for most of my life, and just got it together in the last few years.

If I can do it, you can too.

I’m using a few different resources right now.

And I’m reading a plethora of books as always.

“Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.”

– Gertrude Stein

Gertrude Stein wrote the above quote around 1946… I wonder what she would think of the world of information overload we’re in now?

Too much information is always a problem. We’ve gotta be careful what we consume.

Learn how to beat procrastination in less than 1 minute.

Pretty much the same no matter what coding job you have 😆

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

– Josh