The point here is that if you have "math phobia" or "math block", it isn’t a permanent state of mind.

As a perfectly normal, healthy human being, you can do math and enjoy it as much as anyone.

You can make this change yourself, anytime you want. You just need to ignore disliking attitude and actually try manipulating a few numbers from time to time.

Start with something easy, like adding small numbers in your head, or on paper if you prefer.

Next time you get some change in shop, check it’s correct. Or better still, reckon up change you expect while you are waiting to pay.

Avoid perfectionism, especially in early stages. Realize there are two ways of working with numbers: approximate and exact. Often, an approximate answer is all you need.

For example, when you pick up a grocery item priced at $3.98, just call it "four dollars". The next thing you pick up in shop is priced at $7.95, so call that "eight dollars". Add them together and you now expect to pay "nearly twelve dollars".

Try it and you’ll see how easy it is.

The cure for math phobia is to allow a few numbers back into your life. Don’t make a big thing of them, just do whatever you feel comfortable with.

To summarize:

1. Recognize you have an aversion to math, whether it’s full-blown math phobia or just a few math blocks here and there.

2. Make a conscious decision to do something about it.

3. Give yourself a regular math workout, however small to start with.

You’ll find it all gets easier, and you’ll soon enjoy math once again.