🎓 The 3 A’s of Education: Academics, Arts, and Athletics
Why All Three Matter
When you’re in school, it’s easy to think education is just about academics — math, science, history, and all those classes that lead to tests and grades. But here’s the truth: a complete education has three A’s — Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
That balance is the gift of childhood. School is the only time in your life where all three exist under one roof. Once you graduate, your life narrows. You’ll chase the things you love — and that’s great — but you won’t have the same chance to sample everything again. That’s why it’s so important to lean into all three while you can.
Why Focus on the One You Like Least?
It sounds backwards, right? Shouldn’t you spend the most time on what you already love?
Here’s the challenge: focus on the A you like the least.
Why? Because once you’re an adult, you’ll naturally follow your strengths. If you’re a natural artist, you’ll still be sketching or playing guitar when you’re 30. If you’re athletic, you’ll find ways to stay active. If academics is your thing, you’ll keep learning and maybe even turn it into your career.
But what you won’t do later is force yourself into the uncomfortable. That’s why childhood is the perfect time to stretch yourself. If you hate math, lean into it now — it’ll make you stronger. If you’ve never picked up an instrument, try it. If you’re scared of sports, join a team anyway.
My Story: From Failure to Growth
When I was in 4th grade, I started learning the trumpet. I wasn’t very good at first, but that experience stuck with me — it showed me discipline and gave me an appreciation for music. Later in life, I switched to guitar, and I’ve played in front of 10,000 people.
I also tried out for basketball and got cut from the team. That stung. But I didn’t quit. I kept working, kept learning, and eventually became a varsity starter.
Those two experiences — one in the arts, one in athletics — taught me something I never would’ve learned if I’d just stuck to what came easy: you grow the most when you push into the things that don’t come naturally.
The Gift of Perspective
Even if you don’t stick with the “A” you dislike, you’ll gain something priceless: perspective.
If you’re an athlete who tried painting, you’ll understand and appreciate artists more.
If you’re a math whiz who picked up the drums, you’ll be able to connect with musicians.
If you’re a musician who worked through geometry, you’ll better respect the discipline it takes to solve problems.
Life is richer when you can connect with people outside your lane. And those early experiences will help you build bridges to people from every background and path.
How to Start
Here’s how to make it work:
Academics: Don’t run from tough subjects. Memorize your multiplication tables. Read that history chapter. Take pride in knowing facts that sharpen your thinking.
Arts: Pick up an instrument. Try drawing, painting, or writing poetry. Even if you’re not “good,” the process changes you.
Athletics: Join a sport, go for a run, or just play outside. Movement teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
And remember: it doesn’t have to be for hours every day. Promise yourself just to try — five minutes with a guitar, one short workout, or a little extra study. Some days will turn into hours. Others won’t. That’s okay. What matters is consistency.
✨ Your Challenge
This week, pick the A you avoid the most. Spend some time with it. Try something new, push yourself into the uncomfortable, and see what happens.
Even if you never master it, you’ll walk away with perspective, respect, and maybe — just maybe — a new passion.
👉 And if academics is the one you’re avoiding, Infinity is here to help. Visit TheMathInstitute.com for tools, tutoring, and resources that make learning math clear, simple, and even fun.