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srfriggen said:Do you guys have any advice on how to be successful in this field? (It's the only thing I am passionate about, so there is a lot of stress to make it work, you know? If not this, then what?, you know?)
Everyone who studies math has hit roadblocks many many times. Sometimes it just takes some time to digest a new idea before you get the "ah ha!" moment. It's completely normal and it doesn't mean that you're no good at it or anything like that.
Someone else had a great quote the other day, unfortunately I don't remember who so I can't attribute it, but it was something like "even if you're exceptionally good at math it just means you have an SUV so you can get stuck in more exotic places than the rest of us."
If possible, it's often useful to just take a break from whatever problem you're banging your head against, and do something completely unrelated instead. Then come back to the problem with a clear mind. Sometimes what seemed inscrutable before suddenly seems obvious. Even if not, at least you will be rested and less stressed, and therefore better positioned to make some progress.