Why You're Not Ready (And That's Perfect)

Embracing imperfection and starting before you feel prepared

I used to hate math.

Actually, hate is too weak a word, I was terrified of it. Every time I saw numbers and equations, my brain would shut down like an old computer trying to run a new game. I convinced myself that I was just "not a math person." You know that story we tell ourselves? The one where we decide we're either naturally good at something or we're not, and that's just how it is forever.

But a few years ago, I started gaining interest in artificial intelligence development. I was fascinated by the idea of creating systems that could learn and think.

The problem? Every AI program I looked into required advanced mathematics.

I remember staring at the admission requirements for the AI program I wanted to join. The math prerequisites looked like a mountain I'd never be able to climb.

But then I thought about something Marcus Aurelius once wrote:

"You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

The only thing stopping me wasn't my actual …