"It is completely okay not to be good at something, but it is never okay to then not do anything about it. The first step to improving is recognising that there is something to improve. Once you've done that, then we can formulate a plan."
Those are the exact words I say to a lot of my students in their first lesson.
If there was one subject where the majority of people use the phrases "I was never good at <subject>" or "I'm not a <subject> person", it would be mathematics. The most unfortunate thing for me is that there exists an unwarranted pride in being 'bad' at mathematics. No one goes around saying how proud they are that they don't understand Shakespeare, but so many people (but not all people) will often chuckle or laugh following a statement about how they either dislike, or are not good at maths.
I couldn't imagine a world where everyone is so proud to be ignorant, so why do we do it with maths? It's such a misconception that mathematics is only for 'smart people'. Mathematics is a language. It is the language we use to describe exactly the world around us.
Like any skill, mathematics takes time to learn, and every person will be at a different level. Some will understand mathematical concepts in a matter of seconds, and some will take weeks.
And that is okay. But, to then say the phrase "I'm just not a maths person" as an excuse for not being willing to improve, is not. That is laziness and what personally frustrates me.
@Tatlidil, I share your frustration but you should have better articulated your point. It did sound like that people's ability in maths, rather than their effort, is what's shitting you.
... and sometimes a person can only improve a finite amount when it comes to something they struggle to comprehend.
Have to say that I very much disagree with this statement. I don't believe that one's intellectual ability has a defined ceiling, but rather, it's the person's responsibility to build higher. The only difference is how quickly they can build, and what they are building.