The journey from fear to fluency in algebra is a path many have walked. Here is your map.

Step 1: Acknowledge the Fear. Your anxiety is real, but it's based on past experiences, not your actual ability.

Step 2: Go Back to the Beginning. Be humble. Re-learn the rules of integers and fractions until they are second nature.

Step 3: Change Your Goal. Your goal is not to 'get the right answer.' Your new goal is to 'understand the process.'

Step 4: Find Your Tools. Use Khan Academy, Desmos, and other resources. You are not alone in this fight.

Step 5: Practice Every Day. Even just 20 minutes a day builds momentum and keeps the concepts fresh.

Step 6: Celebrate Small Wins. Every correctly solved problem is a victory. Acknowledge it.

Fluency comes when you can look at a problem and instantly know the first three steps to take.

This doesn't happen overnight. It happens through consistent, focused practice.

Fear is the mind-killer. The only way to conquer it is with the confidence that comes from competence.