You can do this: How to build confidence with numbers

The power of mindset

The way we think about our abilities, especially in maths, can have a big impact on how we learn. Many adults have internalised the idea that they're "just not a numbers person." But research shows that everyone can improve with the right support, practice, and mindset.

A growth mindset means believing that skills can be developed over time. It focuses on effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes, rather than expecting instant success.

Shifting your thinking

Try replacing unhelpful thoughts with more encouraging ones:

• "I’m not good at this" becomes "I’m learning how to do this."
• "I always get it wrong" becomes "Mistakes help me understand more."
• "I hate maths" becomes "I’ve had tough experiences with maths, but I can try a different way."

These small shifts can reduce anxiety and help you stay motivated.

Celebrate progress

Confidence builds with practice and success, even small breakthroughs. Notice your progress and give yourself credit for:

• attempting something new;
• sticking with a tricky problem;
• learning from a mistake;
• helping someone else understand something.

Reflecting on these moments helps you see yourself as capable and growing.

Explore different ways of learning

Everyone learns differently. You might prefer:

• visual tools like diagrams, number lines, or videos;
• hands-on learning like measuring objects or using building blocks as counters;
• talking it through with others or explaining your thinking aloud;
• tech-based approaches using apps or digital tools.

Experiment to find what works best for you. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to learn.

Normalise numeracy

You use numeracy skills more often than you might think. From checking your change, to estimating journey times or cooking dinner, numbers are everywhere. Recognising where and how you use these skills can help you feel more confident.

Here are some tips to keep practising through your normal day-to-day activities:

• Start where you are: Build on what you already do (e.g. tracking spending or reading recipes).
• Make it relevant: Choose activities that matter to you (e.g. planning a holiday, managing a budget).
• Use technology: Try apps, calculators, or spreadsheets to support learning.
• Play games: Logic puzzles, board games, and brain training apps can be fun and educational.

Photo by Maria Lin Kim on Unsplash / Licence

Improving numeracy is like building a muscle; regular, small amounts of practice are more effective than occasional, prolonged sessions. Try 10–15 minutes a day using real-life situations.

Examples

• Use a recipe to cook something new, budgeting for ingredients needed, and calculating cooking times.
• Work out how long it will take to get somewhere, and when you’ll need to leave to arrive by a certain time.
• Look for graphs and visual data in the news and interpret the information to support an opinion or decision.

Reflection

Think about your strengths and weaknesses in relation to numeracy.

If someone were to ask you about your weaknesses, how would you normally respond? What language would you use?

Write down your typical responses. Does your language reflect a growth mindset? If not, have a go at positively reframing each one and practise saying them aloud.

Check your understanding

Psychologist Carol Dweck coined the term growth mindset to describe a way of thinking that helps people learn and improve over time.

Which one of the following options best describes a growth mindset?

1. Believing that skills and understanding can improve with effort, practice, and the right support.
2. Believing that some people are naturally good at things like maths, and others just aren’t.
3. Believing that people only succeed when they never make mistakes.

Toggle answer