Previously, I thought certain math topics were "hard" (e.g. category theory) while others were supposed to be "easy" (e.g. Calc I). I beat myself up for struggling with the "easy" topics and believe this precluded me from ever tackling "hard" topics.
I was thirty-something years old when I finally realized math has a well-documented maturity model, just like emotional maturity or financial maturity. This realization inspired me to go back and take a few math classes that I had previously labeled as "too hard," with the mindset that I was progressing my math maturity.
My point is that choosing an "age-appropriate" (in terms of math maturity, not actual calendar age) textbook is important. I also find it extremely helpful to chat with people who are more mathematically mature than I am, in the same way it's helpful to seek advice from an older sibling.
Previously, I thought certain math topics were "hard" (e.g. category theory) while others were supposed to be "easy" (e.g. Calc I). I beat myself up for struggling with the "easy" topics and believe this precluded me from ever tackling "hard" topics.
I was thirty-something years old when I finally realized math has a well-documented maturity model, just like emotional maturity or financial maturity. This realization inspired me to go back and take a few math classes that I had previously labeled as "too hard," with the mindset that I was progressing my math maturity.
My point is that choosing an "age-appropriate" (in terms of math maturity, not actual calendar age) textbook is important. I also find it extremely helpful to chat with people who are more mathematically mature than I am, in the same way it's helpful to seek advice from an older sibling.