Thank God for Algebra

Do you remember Junior High School? They don't even call it Junior High anymore... But I remember it well. I struggled in Mr. Tout's math class. I hated it but was able to understand it and maintain decent grades. His class was a precursor to Algebra and what was to come in High School. At the time, I didn't think it was in my best interest to dive in so deeply and gain a real thorough understanding of it. A couple years later, I was singing a different tune and certainly 25 years later when I changed careers and went back to school, I wished I had retained what little I had understood.

Algebra? Who needs it? My children struggle with it, my friend's children struggle with it and I can remember, all too well, the pain. And through my academic pain, I can appreciate the work ethic it developed within me, the ability to conquer something that was difficult, that seemed bigger than I. And while I rarely use Algebra today (notice the respect it commands as I capitalize it), I have learned to remember it with the earthy dignity of pencil shavings and non-erasable frustrations.

When I went back to school to get my business degree, I had the unfortunate necessity to conquer multiple financial management classes. It was purely and simply hateful. Seriously. And, today I am required to pound out a budget and stick to it. Conquering hate: endless endeavor.

Work requires us to produce. If you are are not producing, are you worthy of that paycheck? Are you happy with the result or lack of result? My core needs deem it necessary that I bring value to the company where I hang my hat, the CEO that signs my check. If I lack, if I walk instead of run, if I am found wanting, if I fail, than I am not worthy of reward.

Recognizing your own value is not as difficult as remembering the quadratic equation. Maybe sometimes, it is. Acting on that worth is a must. Most folks need more than your word. Prove it.

by rayannethorn

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