You Can't Do Simple Maths Under Pressure

The Pressure to Perform

The pressure to perform is something that we all face at some point in our lives. Whether it’s in school, at work, or in our personal lives, we all have moments where we feel like we’re being put on the spot and expected to deliver. Unfortunately, this pressure can have a negative impact on our ability to do even the simplest of tasks.

The Problem with Simple Maths

One task that many people struggle with under pressure is simple maths. While we may be able to do basic addition and subtraction without a second thought in normal circumstances, when we’re under pressure, our brains can freeze up and we may find ourselves struggling to come up with even the most basic calculations.

Why Does This Happen?

There are a number of reasons why we may struggle with simple maths under pressure. One is that when we’re under stress, our brains release cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with our ability to think clearly. This can make it harder for us to concentrate and remember even the most basic of mathematical equations.

Lack of Practice

Another reason why we may struggle with simple maths under pressure is simply because we don’t practice it enough. Many of us rely on calculators or other tools to do even the simplest of calculations, which means that when we’re put on the spot, we don’t have the skills we need to do the maths in our heads.

How to Overcome This Problem

Fortunately, there are a number of strategies you can use to overcome your inability to do simple maths under pressure. One is to practice doing simple calculations in your head on a regular basis, so that when you’re put on the spot, you have the skills you need to do the maths quickly and accurately.

Take Your Time

Another strategy is to take your time when you’re doing maths under pressure. Don’t rush through the calculations, but instead take a deep breath and give yourself a few seconds to think through the problem before you start trying to solve it.

Break It Down

Breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts can also be helpful. For example, if you’re trying to calculate a percentage, you might start by figuring out what 10% of the number is, and then work your way up to the final answer.

Use Visualization

Visualization is another powerful tool when it comes to doing maths under pressure. By visualizing the problem in your mind, you can often come up with a solution more quickly and accurately than if you were trying to do the maths in your head alone.

Conclusion

While it’s true that many people struggle with simple maths under pressure, it’s important to remember that this is a skill that can be developed with practice and patience. By taking the time to work on your maths skills and using strategies like visualization and breaking down problems into smaller parts, you can improve your ability to perform under pressure and overcome even the most challenging maths problems.