You don't have to be a mathematician to code.

There, I said it. While there are a lot of mathematical concepts involved in algorithmic thinking, I think we need to stop looking at the "Math Inclination" requirement as a bar set at a professional mathematician level and start looking at its most basic definition. What we are practicing is applied mathematics which is simply a fancy term for the abstract science of number, quantity, and space, (AKA logic) to every day scenarios. In our case, coding is in essence a set of logical instructions to complete a task. These are things you practice subconsciously while doing minute daily tasks, when you make a list, when you plan out leaving your house, and any other daily task you provide yourself. Even walking has a process, one foot, then the other foot, then the other, when you turn, your foot also turns. Certain conditions either add or remove certain actions to your daily functions, such as scheduled appointments or meetings, or maybe the sudden need to run because you're being chased by some tentacle monster, if applicable (lol).

One of my favorite exercises for people I teach programming is to start thinking in our native language as a programmer. After all, if you get the concept, translation gets easier. I start by having them write out an instructional paper on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and pretend they are writing it for an alien who is trying to learn how to be a human. I have had some pretty funny responses because I'll often recreate and follow these steps exactly. What you end up with is jars on top of bread loafs, peanut butter and jelly on the outside of the bread instead of the inside, and the reason I do this is to show them how important it is to be very detailed about their instructions.

If you have a good sense of how to create and break processes down, you can learn how to code. I am a self-taught software engineer with a strong front-end skillset. This is due to the years I spent doing front-end work, however, I had little to no training for back end programming until the past year. In the last year, I have learned that maybe we overthink things because our brains are used to processing these tasks at such a rapid rate that it is odd to slow down and break down every action and move you are creating. Just stop. Slow down. Breathe. Walk. Think. You'll get there.

If you are considering coding as a possible career path for whatever reason, maybe you are just starting out, or maybe you want to change your already existing career, you absolutely can do it if you think you can train yourself. Answer these questions:

1. Are you a self starter?
2. Do you enjoy learning?
3. Do you think you can successfully teach an alien how to make a peanut butter sandwich?
4. Can you sit at a computer for 8 hours?

If you answered yes to these 4 questions, then give it a shot. There are so many free resources online to get you started. You'll have to google the rest of your way there. It's kind of a requirement. ;)