from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditOffice e-mail takes time. Stop making these 5 e-mail mistakes and you could save up to 15 work days a year!
Steps
- Avoid using confusing subject lines. People find confusing subject lines frustrating because they're having to open emails that they wouldn't necessarily open if time had been taken to write a clear and descriptive subject line. Heading an e-mail something like "What's going on?!" or "Can You Do This?" etc., encourages opening but tells nothing and if the content is trivial, repetitive or simply targeted at getting a person's attention for a minor issue, you won't be in the good books.
- Quit replying to just say thank you. It might surprise you but it is estimated that 90% of e-mail users don't want an e-mail that says "thanks". This takes additional energy to open the e-mail and read it just to read what you already know. A new trend is to include a line that says NTN - No Thanks Needed.
- Get out of the habit of prioritizing your messages. There is nothing more irritating and presumptuous than assuming your e-mail request is higher in the queue than anybody else's, especially in a work context. Give the receiver the credit for working out themselves how to prioritize your message. Granted, there are certain instances when receipt required is needed for record keeping purposes or proof of receipt and there are other times when things are urgent (in which case, still consider if using the phone or making an internet voice call might be faster and more direct). But to mark every email as "Urgent! Receipt Required!!" or to call it "High Priority" or "Receipt Required" is not necessary and can be annoying and confusing to the receiver.
- Reply to the critical person only. Using "Reply All", all the time creates returns in abundance and leaves messages languishing in the in-boxes of many people. Consider the consequences of receiving an email, hitting reply all and it goes out to twenty people and then those twenty people hit reply to all... It can compound very quickly into hundreds of thousands of emails. Once you hit reply all, everyone feels compelled to hit reply all as a means of keeping everyone in the loop because nobody knows who is meant to read it and who is not!
- Learn to let go of writing long e-mails. You may feel you have a lot to say but truth is that e-mail communication creates a false sense of "listening". It's easy to keep writing away but the truth is - it isn't so easy to read all those gems of wisdom. Often just being clear and very concise and direct with the person is the best way to answer an email. If you need to go into greater depth, try a meeting, phone call or video conference. Or just break down the issues into small bites and raise them over time. Don't give the history of time if somebody just wants to know the time.
Tips
- Remember that breaking these rules can rebound on you negatively when people see an e-mail from you landing in their in-box. Tactics include avoiding opening your e-mails, having your e-mails sent directly to a folder marked "Deal with Later", or worst of all, automatically deleting anything from your address!
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Sources and Citations
- VideoJug A video of avoiding common e-mail mistakes. Original source of this article. Share with permission and appreciation.
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Avoid the Top Five Email Mistakes. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditProblem solving is one of the most essential skills in life. Regardless of who you are or what you do, you will face obstacles. How you deal with such challenges will often be a determining factor in how successful you are at life. While problems come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, this article can give you a rough idea of how to solve one in a general sense.
Steps
- Approach the issue with clarity. This is the first and most important component to problem solving. While action and energy can often assist you in overcoming challenges, this effort is a waste if misguided or misplaced. The first step is always to approach any issue in a clear and logical manner, even if under time constraints or pressure.
- Understand the issue. Once you're appropriately focused, you need to run through the problem. What are the components of the issue? What aspects are vital to a solution and which are extraneous? Once you've broken down a problem into its vital aspects, sort through any cause and effect relationships or patterns and cycles at work. Basically, you want have a good grasp of what is going on.
- Plan a strategy. After you have a good grasp of the problem, begin to plan out a solution. In most cases this is a simple relationship of cause and effect. In dealing with a problem, you desire to achieve a particular result. Consider what steps must be taken to achieve said result, given the parameters posed by the problem.
- Execute your strategy. Once you've outlined logical steps toward your desired result, execute! If you are dealing with an issue such that conditions change upon execution, don't be afraid to reevaluate your strategy. Is something going vastly awry? Approach any new developments in the same logical manner that your approached the original problem. This is important. You must make a critical decision as to whether or not your plan warrants alteration. Remember, changes in parameters of the issue do not necessarily mean the steps you've outlined will fail! In addition, it is sometimes necessary to execute your original plan fully to gain more insight into the problem. Unless this is a one shot deal, trial-and-error are often an excellent approach.
- Evaluate the results. Upon seeing your plan through, consider the result. Optimally, you successfully tackled the dilemma. However, if the results you expect were not achieved, consider your approach. Was there an error in planing or execution? Did new parameters present themselves? Reevaluate in light of these discovers and approach the problem again. Sometimes you can repeat your original plan if the error was in execution. However, if the parameters have changed then a new strategy is often necessary.
- Continue to evaluate and execute. Several attempts may be necessary to solve the issue. Each time, however, keep in mind logic, clarity, and focus. These are the elements that ultimately lead to resolution. Even if you are checked by failure, clear thinking usually leads to a successful resolution.
Tips
- Always try to remain calm and logical when approaching a problem, resolution ultimately lies in this approach.
- Keep in mind the role others can play in problem solving. Although this article does not deal with group problem solving, team work often plays a vital role in such issues. The threat of personal tension in such situations merely underscores the importance of promoting clarity and logic within the group.
- Consider problem solving books related specifically to your issue. Polya's book "How to Solve It", is an example of an excellent book for general problem solving.
- Attitude is the key. The more problems you solve greater is your experience with problem solving. You can apply a solution from one area to another only by gaining experience. Be open to new problems.
- Be brave.
Warnings
- Naturally, common sense (which is derived from logic) is vital to solving any problem. Do not follow any procedure that results in endangerment, unless such hazards are unavoidable.
- Don't turn away to your Problems. It will come back sooner or later and it will be more difficult to solve.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Solve a Problem. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditHaven't you always wanted to be nice to people? To have them be nice back? Being nice is not difficult, but it needs some polishing for others to realize your effort. A smile on your face makes others smile also. A kind word to someone, or holding a door open to the person who is about to enter, is really easy to do, and in the long run will make you happy also.
Steps
- Many books say that a smile to everybody you meet will urge the other person to smile back. A smile a day is the essential movement to niceness, and even if the girl is your worst enemy ever, muster a little smile and mutter a 'hi'. But don't do this in the morning if someone looks like they're half asleep, just nod to them unless they offer a response of their own.
- Greet everybody you know, not only with that smile, but also a 'hello'. If you have the time, try to introduce yourself to everybody you meet and don't know yet. Chances are that one of the hundreds you get to know will become your best friend into your old age!
- Get a conversation started. Talk about small stuff that you know the person would be interested in. If you don't know the other person well enought to know about their preferences, try to talk about things happening around you. (The meeting you've both been to an hour ago, the new guy in Math class, the fantastic new shoes your colleague has been wearing, etc.)
- Try to compliment your new pal. But be careful, though, not to flatter them too much. Too much flattery can give the impression that you are sucking up to them, and especially if this new friend is a superior, they will think of you as a lapdog or butt-kisser.
- Make arrangements to meet or talk almost every week. Remember to exchange contact methods. Get her email, grab his address, ask for their phone number. Don't leave without getting their personal info if you really like him/her! (However, if they balk at supplying contact information, do not harass them trying to get it. Be nice, smile, and offer to run into them again some day.)
- Get them something nice once in a while. And for holidays or birthdays, buy something really special that you know s/he will really appreciate. It doesn't need to be something super expensive. A box of chocolates, a new notebook, if you really mean it, your friend will get the message and be nicer to you too.
- Be polite to others. Help when needed, even to people you have never met before. That person might be lonely, and you may be the only one they have talked to that day. Imagine how happy they will be...and you will be happy also, knowing you have been nice to someone.
- Don't curse. It projects an ugly image of you.
- Be nice to "everyone", even those who have been nasty to you. Who knows? They might start being nice to you, too! And if they don't, at least you are being decent.
- Do not hesitate to offer help. Especially to those who have a their arms full, children they are attending to, difficulty walking, or carrying heavy articles, etc. One day, you might be like them, and need help also.
- Offer to help clean up after a party or a get-together. The host might be tired, and welcome your help.
Tips
- Be nice to others, and they will be nice to you!
- Not only will they be nice to you, be nicer than ever and you might even get a lifelong friend!
Warnings
- Don't be too friendly with people your personal instinct mistrusts. Chances are s/he isn't that trustworthy.
- Please don't make yourself too available, people will take advantage of you. Have your own standards and set boundaries, this way your integrity will remain intact and people will not be able to walk over you.
- Don't let anyone suck up to you, that will only make the person think you are treating them better than everyone else.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be Nice to People. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditSince launching Google in 1998 the search engine has rapidly grown to be the default search engine for the Internet, due to the innovative search algorithm that ranks pages in relation to other pages on the Web. If you have heard people say "Google it", using the trademark as a verb, then you know just how ubiquitous Google is becoming. Here's how to do a basic Google search.
Steps
- Open your Web browser. Do this by double clicking on the icon on your desktop, or in one of your control menus.
- Type www.google.cominto the address bar on top of the page. You'll see a page with "Google" in big, colorful letters on the top.
- Type your search in the rectangle that appears right under the word "Google". The blinking input cursor will already be in the search box, so just start typing.
- Select the type of search you want. You can search for Web pages, newsgroups, images, news, books, videos or you can choose Advanced Search for more complex searches.
- Click "Search", "I'm feeling Lucky" or press Return on your keyboard.
- Search produces regular Google results, while "I'm Feeling Lucky" takes you directly to the first search result. Pressing Enter or Return gives you the default search.
- Find the pages you are looking for, or modify your search for better results.
- Take it a step further by learning Google search syntax.
Tips
- If you are having trouble finding what you are searching for, try putting your search string in quotation marks which makes Google find the whole string as a single "word" rather than searching for each word individually.
- You can set preferences for your Google searches by using the Preferences link next to the Google search box.
- You can place a minus sign in front a word that you want to omit from your search results.
- Place a + sign next to any word you want to be sure is included in your results page. This is only really needed if you want to include stopwords like and or the.
- When you add double quotes ( " ) around a phrase, Google will only show you the results that have those words in that order. For example, searching "I really like wikiHow" will only yield results in which the phrase "I really like wikiHow" is used.
- Many web browsers have a built in search box where you can search Google and other search engines. In that case you can type your search directly into that box and not actually load the site.
- Consider opening a Google account for access to Google's full suite of search and Internet tools.
- you may want to select the type of search before typing the search term
Warnings
- In your search results you may see sponsored links. These links may not be relevant to the term you searched for.
- Certain links may put your computer at risk. Be vigilant in visiting or downloading from any website you find through Google.
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Sources and Citations
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Search Google. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit"You cannot rest from travel- you have drunk life to the lees. All times you have enjoyed greatly, suffered greatly, both with those who loved you, and alone... How dull it is to pause, to make an end, to rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!" If this excerpt from the poem Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson epitomizes you, you can take inspiration from this article.
Steps
- Whenever you feel like doing something, but do not have the time... take a notepad and write it down! Save this notepad away... this will be "100 things to do after I retire" list. Many times we forget to record our desires, and so end up forgetting them. Don't let it happen to you!
- Pursue your passions: Paint sunsets, sculpt , sing, learn Tai-chi,buy a telescope and explore the skies.
- Read books on your interests, expore hitherto unexplored genres like Science Fiction or Romantic. Read on different topics like Gardening or Politics.
- Travel to those oft-desired places , which you used to dream about. Have you tasted the chocolate of Switzerland, drunk the wine of Burgundy, and undulated at the nature-based health resorts in India? Have you fished at Florida?
- Experience Nature: Walk leafy paths , watch the moon, feel the wind on your face. Meditate on the sun-soaked grass.
- If you follow a religion: Devote your time to it, proselytize others and spread your religion.
- Have fun with you little ones: Your grandchildren will be your afterlife to you after retirement- you'll live through them. It is worth taking out some of your valuable time for playing with them, watching them grow, helping them learn.
- Take proper health care: Some of your time may be spent at the cardiologist or the podiatrist, depending on how healthy you are. Look after yourself.
- Join special groups meant for your age group: You'll find many people there passing through similar experiences. If you have problems they will provide you with support, and guidance.
- Subscribe to a magazine for the elderly: Such magazine exist and are targeted at you. Take advantage of them.
- Clear up the slate: It is best to resolve any misunderstandings, or resentmens that might exist in others. You don't want to die being misunderstood.
- Write an autobiography: With your long years of experience, you will surely have a lot to share which will be immensely helpful to others. Even if you feel you have nothing to share, just start writing one, and you'll be surprised at how freely the words will flow.
Tips
- Do not worry if you find yourself empty. Use these times to meditate and think about your life. If thinking about life depresses you, then think about someone whose life inspires, fills you with pride. If you do not have someone like this in your personal life, find it in famous folk's biographies.
- You do not have to retire from active work completely. Many old people are still more active than some indolent youths. George Bernard Shaw, for example, was a prolific writer till he died, at 94.
- If you are from India, find 5 children who cannot afford to goto school and teach them the basics of Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.
Warnings
- If by any chance you find yourself depressed due to a lack of activity call someone who loves or sympathizes with you over, or contact one of the many help centers for the elderly.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Stay Busy During Retirement. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditWhether you are a host or a guest, there are many social situations that will call for interaction, even when you are stumped for some way to get it going. For example, you might want to help a friend's new "significant other" feel comfortable. Or, you might see a stranger across a crowded room, and realize that this is your only chance to impress Mr. or Ms. Wonderful. Then, you realize that you're not sure what to say.
Steps
- Start with a "hello," and simply tell the new person your name then ask them theirs. Offer your hand to shake, upon his or her responding to you. (If you go to other countries, greet the person in tune with the particular culture, e.g. in India greet by saying 'namaskar' with folded hands). If you already know the person, skip this step and proceed to step 2.
- Look around. See if there is anything worth pointing out. Sure, talking about the weather is a cliche, but if there's something unusual about it--bam!--you've got a great topic of conversation.
- Offer a compliment. Don't lie and say you love someone's hair when you think it's revolting, but if you like his or her shoes, or a handbag, say so. A sincere compliment is a wonderful way to get someone to warm up to you. But be careful not to say something so personal that you scare the person off or make him or her feel uncomfortable. It is best not to compliment a person's looks or body.
- Ask questions! Most people love to talk about themselves --- get them going. "What classes are you taking this year?" "Have you seen (Insert-Something-Here)? What did you think of it?" Again, keep the questions light and not invasive. Do not ask too many questions if he or she is not responsive to them.
- Jump on any conversation-starters he or she might offer; take something he or she has said and run with it. Agree, disagree, ask a question about it, or offer an opinion, just don't let it go by without notice.
- Look your newfound friend in the eye, it engenders trust (but don't stare). Also, use the person's name a time or two during the conversation; it will help you remember the name, and will draw the person's attention to what you are talking about.
Tips
- Just relax. Chances are that whatever small-talk you're making isn't going to stick out in anyone's mind a few months from now. Just say whatever comes into your head, so long as it's not offensive or really weird. (Unless, of course, the person you're attempting to converse with is into weird stuff.)
- Remember, if you think of something in your head while you're talking, it's probably related.
- It will help if you watch some TV, listen to radio shows, and/or read a lot -- newspapers, magazines, and/or books. You need to have some idea of what is going on in the world. If you are shy, it will be helpful to have thought about a topic or two that you could talk about.
- Follow the lead that your listener is expressing. If he or she appears interested, then continue. If he or she is looking at a clock or watch, or worse, looking for an escape strategy, then you have been going on for too long.
- Interesting and funny quotes or facts can lighten things up, and make way for things to talk about.
- If talking over the phone, keep the person involved in the conversation at all costs. If you can't come up with a good topic, try the "questions" game. Just keep asking them questions; random questions work just fine as long as they are appropriate. This technique can save a phone conversation. The questions should be open ended questions that do not require a yes or no answer. For example "How do you know the hosts?" This way you can ask questions about what they just said or follow up with how you know the hosts (for example) instead of acting as if the conversation is an interrogation.
- Half of an effective conversation is the way you non-verbally communicate, and not necessarily what you say. Practice better non-verbal skills that are friendly and confident.
- Read newspapers and magazines to increase your knowledge so you can have more interesting things to talk about
Warnings
- Don't be overly invasive with questions.
- Don't use tons of fillers like "umm" or "soo". It might make the person you're talking to feel awkward or obligated to say something. Instead talk slowly and pause. This will create a little tension and make your partner more invested in your conversation.
- Don't desperately ask personal questions.
- Keep eye-contact
- Don't ever comment negatively on the person or someone's looks... you never know if they have a personal attachment to it or if they are friends with the person you are criticizing
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Start a Conversation When You Have Nothing to Talk About. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditThere are many business ventures that can be found on the internet. All it takes is some searching, imagination, and thinking about what type of service you can offer by reaching out to others, by way of the internet.
Steps
- Side Note: In this article, we attempt to highlight you some possible common ways to make money online. If you are a beginner, you can find very good assistance and a startup knowledge.
- Sell information. There are many forms of information that you can sell on the internet, such as eBooks (digital books), digital reports, newsletters, or software. Virtually any product that is informative in nature can be sold on the internet as an information product. Here are some reasons why information products are a good choice to use to sell online:#* Information products are easy to create and quick to market. This type of method does not take years to develop, nor does it require intense design meetings, nor is it expensive to manufacture. You can create information products in as little as a couple of hours and not long after they are posted, they are generating a source of revenue. All you need to begin this venture is a great topic and a computer.
- You do not have to stock or count inventory. This frees up space in your home or garage because you do not have to buy any products to sell to others. The product that you are selling is digital and the only space that it will be taking up is on your computer.
- Startup costs are minimal because when you create an information product the only investment you are making is the time it takes you to create the product. In addition, if you choose to become an affiliate marketer for someone else who wants to place his or her information product on your web page your investment is nothing.
- Sales and delivery is automatic and is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and you never have to close your doors. There are programs that allow you to completely automate everything from sales and deliveries to anything else that is needed to operate a successful information product business.
- It gives your customers immediate access or delivery of the product. For your customer there is no waiting for what they are looking for, especially if you have your business set up to automatically handle every aspect of the transaction.
- Save costs because shipping and handling are non-existent for this type of business venture. The only type of shipping that is required on your part is to click your mouse and send the customer the information that they are looking for.
- Earn an affiliate income.
- There are a variety of different types of compensation plans that online programs use. With some you just get paid once for the sale. Others will pay you a recurring monthly income for making the sale. And other online programs will even pay you when the members you refer also refer other members. These are called multi-level compensation plans.
- Choosing a program with a multi-level compensation plan can be very profitable especially if it is a forced matrix plan. A forced matrix compensation plan only allows so many on your first level, generally 2 to 5. If you refer more than 2 to 5 then they would spill over to help your first level members. Can you see how you could work as a team with this type of compensation plan? Every member is working as a team for mutual profits. These programs are sometimes called pyramid schemes, so be sure to research the program carefully.
- Make sure you get credit for the people that you refer otherwise it would be a wasted effort. This article is too short to go into static versus dynamic affiliate sites or cookie referral tracking systems. If the sponsor’s name shows on the affiliate site you may want to take note of it before you join then verify that he or she is your sponsor when you log in. If your sponsor received credit for you joining then you should too. A good sponsor should contact you after you have joined from their affiliate site offering help. If they don’t you may want to contact them.
- Earn money with Google Adsense.
- Take free online surveys.: Make easy cash by getting paid to complete offers and participate in online surveys on sites like GetPaidTo.com
- Start an Internet-based home business. Some suggestions:
Tips
- Use a buddy system. Find a friend in your local area that also wants to make money online and have them join your chosen programs from your affiliate sites. This way you can help each other learn about the program and advertise it, especially if the program has a forced matrix compensation plan. Plus you would already have started building your team. And if the program allows multiple accounts you could join from each other’s affiliate sites with your profits, doubling and tripling your income as your team grows.
Warnings
- You will need to be diligent to make much money.
- Stick with one actionable program at a time. Do not overextend your budget by purchasing too many products at once to make money online.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Money Online. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditThere are different views on how to get rid of anger. Here are a few steps to help take off the edge.
Steps
- Scream into a pillow.
- Draw a picture of the person you are mad at and rip it into pieces.
- Dance, play or listen to music.
- Kick your soccer ball into a tree or shed. Pretend it's the person you are really mad at.
- Write in your diary, or try some reading.
- Throw something hard, like ice cubes, at a wall that cannot be damaged by them, like tiles in the shower or a brick wall outside
- Count to ten, then take deep breaths. You can repeat this, if you have to.
- Better yet, take deep breaths, and count them to ten. Then do it again.
- Consider the good points about the person who makes you mad.
- Breathe.
- Go do some kind of physical activity.
- Throw a fit (without anyone else around). Scream and stomp and throw yourself on the floor if you want. Bite a pillow, punch a pillow, throw it against the wall.
- Listen to some soothing music, or a favorite song.
- Talk to a friend.
- Leave a phone message saying what you think on your own answering machine, then delete it.
- Watch TV.
- Have a good cry.
- Sleep.
- Lie down.
- Talk to them calmly and tell them how you feel.
- Draw a funny picture about the person you're angry at!
- Write a story that uses the emotions you are experiencing.
- Get a punching bag and beat it whenever you feel you need to.
- Think of something completely different.
- Exercise and think about what you are mad at and why you are mad at it.
- Listen to "heavy" music so that you release all of your anger into that song, then listen to a soothing song to calm you back down.
- Think of some things that you did which were funny, like throwing yourself on the floor, watch a comedy show/film etc. Laughter gets rid of a lot of Anger!
- Take a nice hot shower/bath, its soothing
- Leave the room
- Don't think about the person you are angry with.
- Surround yourself in good mates,good books, good films and good music to make you feel better.
Tips
- Make sure that when you talk to them, your body language shows that you are calm enough to talk it out.
- Make sure that when you kick the soccer ball, you are outside and not near any breakables or plants (just so you don't get into any more trouble, which will stress you out some more).
- Beat something up i.e. pillow, punching bag, anything thats not living!
- Consider the reason you're angry, and try focusing that rage into doing something about it. Try fixing the source of your anger.
- For anger in general, try reading texts like the Tao Te Ching of Taoism or the Dharmapada of Buddhism. These include interesting and logical suggestions about the roots of anger and how to prevent it.
- Try looking into calming activities like Tai Chi, Yoga, or meditation.
Warnings
- Hitting or punching a tree can result in bodily injury.
- Try not to spaz out at all to avoid this mess.
- Try not to punch your bed or jump on a pillow.
- Catharsis (letting your anger out through shouting, hitting things) has been demonstrated in scientific research to be a poor means of coping with anger
- If you get mad all the time see a doctor.
- Don't drink or do anything stupid and self-abusive.
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Sources and Citations
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Get Rid of Anger. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditKeeping a diary or journal is a great way to express your emotions on paper and treasure experiences. Twenty years from now, you'll wonder what you were doing years ago. A diary will remind you of the good - and bad - times you had in your past. However, to make sure it is a complete document, you've got to stick with it.
Steps
- Pick out a nice journal or notebook that reflects your personality. For example, if you like music, you may want a journal that is decorated with music-related things. Just find something appealing to you. You can also decorate it yourself with stickers or drawings.
- Write in some basic information about yourself on the first page. You could include your name, your age, your occupation or school grade, and a few of your hobbies and favorite things. Sometimes people include a "reward if found" note, just in case it gets lost.
- Start your first entry by labeling the top with the weekday and date, the time, and possibly the place you're writing. Write your entry as if you were talking to your best friend, or even to yourself.
- Try to take your diary wherever you go, and do your best to write an entry at least once a day. You can write your frustrations and celebrations, but also write everyday things about your schedule, your friends, and the things you like to do. People forget things they think they will always remember, and these everyday things will be very meaningful to you later.
- Start again if you have a break from writing. If you do skip a day, days, or even weeks, don't worry about it. Just start in again from the current day. Obsessively trying to catch up with all your past events is the quickest way to lose interest a diary. If you're still remembering something weeks later that you didn't write about, it will come up again in your mind later and you can write about it then.
- Personalize your diary. Some of the ways people make diaries their own are by:
- adding scraps, like movie ticket stubs, receipts, flower petals, etc.
- gluing in photographs
- making sketches and drawings
- writing poems
- choosing a quotation or a goal of the day
- Read your old entries every so often and see what you think now in comparison to then. But do this when you are in an accepting mood of yourself! It does not help to be mean and judge your former self and then throw away your diary in disgust. Be nice to yourself and treat your old diaries like letters from your former self to your present self. More importantly, see how much you have grown and learned from your experiences. At the end of the day, that is the true beauty of a diary, as a barometer of your own personal and emotional growth as you strive to better yourself every day.
Tips
- For inspiration, read other diary books, such as The Diary of Anne Frank, Harriet the Spy, Dear dumb Diary and Alice, I Think by Susan Juby, or the "Georgia Nicholson" series. But don't compare your writing or yourself to others; we are each unique and our lives and styles will naturally be different.
- For guys it's ok to have a diary! Many men keep diaries. Celebrity men even keep diaries. One of the most notable was Kurt Cobain, Even though he had expressed his wishes of them never being seen they were. So guys its ok! Express your feelings and love and your personality
- If you want to make it even more interesting, once you read your journal many years from now, write your entries humorously. It'll definitely make you laugh later.
- It's always fun to write a letter to yourself. Write one of your own on the last page of your journal, and once you fill up all the pages, you can read the letter.
- You can also keep a journal on your PC (Doogie Howser style) and/or publish it for all to see in a blog, if you dare! You can keep it anonymous and publish under an alias if you prefer.
- If you have nothing to write, write lists. It can be anything- a to-do list, a favorites list, a shopping list, a travel list etc.
- Consider decorating the outside of your journal with stickers, drawings, etc.
- Be honest in your diary. If you can't say what you really feel, what's the point?
- Find a good hiding place so that you can write what you really feel without worrying about who will read it
- Whenever you have a thought that will not leave your head, write a note to yourself to explore it later in greater detail in your diary.
Warnings
- Make sure you know where your journal is at all times, especially if there is important information in it! If it has some ultra-top secret information, get a lock or get a diary with a lock and then hide it. Be careful not to drop it somewhere and forget about it.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Keep a Diary and Stick to It. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditDo you think that creative people are born, not made? Creativity is a skill that can be learned. You may be interested in diving deeper into artistic pursuits, or you may just want to re-experience the wonder you felt as a child. Creativity isn't just about drawing pictures or writing books. It's about finding solutions and seeing opportunities too! Here are some things you can do to get your creative juices flowing!
Steps
- Write a list of basic questions, such as 'What is your name?', 'Where are you from?', What did you do last Thursday?' Creative people lamps.
- Try to come up with at least 10 questions. The more you ask, the better! Whatever question comes to mind, write it down, even if it seems foolish.
- Answer the questions with song lyrics. (Name) 'Well, they call me Baby Driver'(From)'Up on Cripple Creek',(Thursday) 'Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry.' Try not to use the same song too often.
- Try giving answers that don't directly answer the question, like the 'Baby Driver' answer isn't actually a name. (The first time you try this, you might give straight answers to all the questions.)
- Using a tree leaf as your base, see how many things you can turn it into. (You can draw the parts, or just imagine them.) Examples: you might add hands, feet, and a face to a maple leaf, you might use it to fan a mouse, or tuck it in your pocket as a handkerchief.
- Play word association games. It helps to have someone willing to play along, but if no one will, you can do this alone. If you're doing it solo: Is he leaping up or falling down?
- Write down your beginning word.
- Spend 10 minutes or so just saying the next word that comes to mind.
- Write down your final word.
- Compare the beginning word to the final word. They should be pretty diverse. This loosens up your mind to allow free association of ideas.
- Repeat with limts. If you did the word association without any limits on words — including bad words — try to do it again with limits on that or in other ways and notice what other associations you come up with.
- Imagine what the world you know must look like to a soaring eagle or a pit-pattering mouse. How would you feel if you were 3 inches high and a 6 foot tall creature came along?!
- Imagine you are 5 times as tall as you actually are. What might happen? How big would your feet be? Where would you get shoes? How many regular size peanut butter & jelly sandwiches would satisfy your hunger?
- Buy modeling clay and just play with it.
- Mold it into animal shapes. Squish it up and try again!
- Press things into the clay to make impressions. Overlap different things to make new designs (see warnings).
- See how long you can talk (and make sense!) without using a common word, like 'and','but', 'the' or 'that'. Pretty funky Froggy, huh?
- Write the alphabet as pictures. Turn A into a ski chalet, B into a bunny, C into a frog.
- Draw several random lines on a piece of paper (they can be straight or curvy) and see if you can create a picture with them. Try the same things with random shapes or figures.
- Draw a picture and see if you can change it or make it something different.
- Look at a painting and try to think of as many words as you can to describe it. Remember, a picture is worth 1000 words.
- Read Exercise an Open Mind.
Tips
- While all these actions may seem a bit ridiculous, if you try them several times, you'll start reaching for more unusual ways to do them (creativity!). Many of the results will be totally silly, but some will be nearly brilliant. One stroke of brilliance is all it takes!
- If you are shy, try doing these exercises when you are alone. It's a bit more fun with other people, but if you are uncomfortable at the idea of being laughed at(because sometimes the results are hilarious!), do them alone. Once you see how much they can enhance your creativity, you'll probably be more willing to share them.
- Doing new things such as the ones listed, or even just picking a gross-sounding ice cream flavor forces new neurological paths in your brain, making you more creative, open-minded, and flexible. Try to make unappealing decisions. Routine is the enemy of creativity.
- Remember that creativity is a spontanious and passive process. Dont try TOO hard to be creative, or you will only get an idea block.
Warnings
- Modeling clay - Don't press fragile items or things that shed into the clay. Also be aware that some clay may stick to your objects, so impressing Great Grandma's Fabergé Egg probably isn't wise. Modeling clay sometimes transfers colors from itself to the object or vice versa. Careful, you dont want to pull the paint off something.
Things You'll Need
- Pen or pencil
- Paper
- Modeling clay (the kind that doesn't dry out!)
- A variety of household objects to press into the clay
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be Creative. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditAre you an engaging speaker who has had many interesting, rewarding experiences? Motivate yourself to motivate others and get paid for doing so.
Steps
- Evaluate your special "message". Consider what it is that you have to say that would be of value to others--have you experienced great adversity, or received some special education? In order to succeed as a motivational speaker, you must have something special to deliver.
- Carve out your niche. Motivational speaking is, in many ways, a product that must be sold. Why should someone pay to hear you impart your message? Be able to articulate your unique experiences and explain exactly how you can inspire others.
- Create an outline of your presentation. This will be used not only to provide a framework for your talk but also as a marketing piece for potential clients. Furthermore, many people are visual learners and can gain more from a visual representation than a spoken one.
- Contact large, not-for-profit corporations and professional groups and make it clear you are available. While there is nothing wrong with directly asking for a gig, announcing your availability will let them feel privileged to work with you.
- Contact speakers' bureaus and notify them of your availability. Some speakers' bureaus charge you to list your services, others charge nothing. Most bureaus take a percentage for acting as your agent. Search for "speakers' bureaus" on the Internet.
- Be willing to work for free to get your name out. Once others hear your interesting story or experience, they may want to hire you. Inform everyone you know that you are looking for organizations who want a good motivational speaker. Volunteer to speak at service clubs in your area.
- Write and publish articles or books if possible, in order to establish yourself as an authority in your subject. You do not need to publish a book people will find in the local bookstore. Post to websites like wikiHow and submit to on-line magazines and blogs.
- Draw up a written agreement, or contract, for all engagements. The written agreement should contain, among other matters, how the fees will be paid (e.g., cash, check, over time), how long you are expected to speak, whether you will be reimbursed for travel expenses, and the time and date. This will help to avoid any disputes at a later time.
Tips
- Join a local Toastmasters Club. You will learn and practice everything you need to know when presenting a Motivational Speech, as well as any other type of speech.
- Dress consistent with the perception you wish to convey. If you want to convey professionalism and success, business attire is probably best. Some motivational speakers use clothing to make a point in their presentation.
- Speak clearly and repeat your main messages at least three times.
- Keep it fun and lively. Audience participation is a great way for adults to learn, and you can do this in any number of ways. For example, one speaker handed out raisins and slowly took the audience through the life of that raisin and all that had to happen for that raisin to be in their hands. This kind of activity makes the audience feel part of the speech and facilitates learning. Remember that any activities must be relevant to the topic you are speaking on.
Warnings
- If you forget what to say or begin to get nervous in front of a large crowd, stop, take a deep breath, and speak from the heart. Your audience will be happy to hear your honest experiences.
- One of the best ways to overcome nervousness is to focus on how you can serve your audience instead of worrying about what they are thinking about you.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become a Motivational Speaker. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditThinking about becoming the next Ernest Hemingway? Or Stephen King? It takes a great deal of practice, planning, experience of the world and talent.
Steps
- Write down ideas for your writing, subtitles, or even topic. (It's best to do all of this unless you're given a topic!)
- Narrow down your list to important facts and details so you have your set planned.
- Write an outline.
- By now you should have basically your whole story planned. If not: make an additional outline, edit your work, add some brainstorm ideas, or make an idea web.
- You're now ready to start your "sloppy copy," otherwise known as your first draft! Begin by writing down an essay-looking model from which to work.
- Revise your work with another color.
- Edit! Look in the dictionary to check your spelling and look in the thesaurus to vary your word choices and make your written voice more interesting.
- Read your new draft aloud to anyone and accept any feedback. Doing this aloud will just let you know whether it needs some work. If you got ahead of yourself and forgot letters or punctuation, you will immediately realize it. Add any changes in a third color.
- Do your second draft. Do not skip lines. Write in "essay form."
- If you are happy with the essay now, you can turn it in for credit/publishing, after editing for spelling and grammar. If you're not, do steps 6, 7, and 8 again.
Tips
- Make a mnemonic device to help you remember things you often forget.
- Similes and metaphors are fun to use!
- Read books, newspapers, and magazines to help you find interesting facts you could use in your writing.
- The info sources are for finding info about a "knowledge essay".
- Teachers admire people who work hard instead of racing to finish the essay at the last minute.
- If you are going to use a computer, write out your story or essay by hand first, then type it on a computer. Writing by hand prepares you for essay tests. It also encourages very different ways of thinking; computers can tend to make work look more "finished" or "official" than it really is.
- Use complete words and sentences. An essay or story is not a chatroom.
- Good writers read a lot. Read all the time: magazines, novels, the paper, anything. Reading a wide range of material increases your vocabulary and gives you a sense of what you're trying to achieve.
- Just have fun while writing. Writing shouldn't be torture, it is a skill.
Warnings
- Be careful to stay on topic. If you are writing about something important, you may find that your main message becomes buried under trivial stuff. This makes editing particularly important. Depending on your topic and form of writing, you may find it helpful to include subtitles. Subtitles may keep you focused and may help readers skip material that they do not necessarily need to read. If you have a habit of going off topic, look at each paragraph. Does the paragraph contain just one main idea? You may have information that is irrelevant or belongs somewhere else in the paper. Also be sure to use transition words. Adverbs such as “however,” “therefore,” and “finally” can make your writing easier to follow and more pleasing to the ear.
- Be sure that your writing is well organized! Poorly organized writing may not read well and may even confuse your readers. As you go from paragraph to paragraph, check for cohesion. Try to put your paragraphs into some kind of logical order. Oftentimes, you will do well to save the best for last. In a persuasive essay, try to save your best argument for last. In a feature article, save the most interesting information for the end (or the beginning).
- Writing takes patience.
- Use synonyms with care. There is no quicker way to sound ignorant than to use a word as the wrong part of speech or in the wrong context. Always look up words in the dictionary and make sure you understand their meaning before using them. Also consider connotations of words and know the importance of good word choice.
- Do not plagiarize! Realize that your references are very important in essays. They even lend credibility to your research. If you are writing something for a writing class, you may want to ask your teacher how to cite your references because there are many different styles. Be careful how you use words and phrases from the original text. You may need to use quotation marks around certain words that you borrow from the original, depending on how common the words are.
Things You'll Need
- A dictionary
- A thesaurus
- Lots of paper - legal pads (long-sized & yellow color) work well
- Pens (in various colors)
- An encyclopedia
- Info sources
- A writer's guide (optional)
- A writing workbook for practice (optional)
- A computer (for the final draft)
- Reading material (optional)
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Improve Your Writing Skills. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditAndy Warhol's 1968 quote that "In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes" is looking increasingly prophetic as the Internet age advances. Here is how you too can become a web celebrity.
Steps
- Learn the ins and outs of your computer. Get a couple of books, go online, and practice HTML. One day you're going to be able to change channels from ABC to CBS to MySpace. Learn the basics so that when TV and the Internet truly become one, you'll be ready.
- Publicize your IM screen names, URLs, and Net addresses everywhere and often, and reply to everyone. Treat the Web like your house: When people knock, be there to answer. Most comedians work an hour a night and play the rest of the day. Don't let that be you.
- Build a website site with personality if you want to build a fan base. People need to feel that you - and not an anonymous webmaster - are there. Make sure to update every single day, and remember: If it's not interesting, users will click to the next page and move on.
- Update your site with new audio and video clips as often as you can. For example, visitors to danecook.com can get video, streaming audio, even images for their Sony PSP. If you want to offer rich content, you're going to have to spend a lot of time and a little bit of money, but it's worth it.
Tips
- Think about something that interests you, and search for it in an online search engine. You can find a message board or online community where you can converse with others about the topic.
- Make intelligent and thoughtful posts, and not only will others respect you, but they may like you and hold your name (or user name) in high regard. Many people may come to call you popular.
- Don't get into pointless arguments. Whether you are right or wrong, getting into an argument is both irritating and disturbing on the internet. No one enjoys reading how right you are compared with the other person, or what his mom looks like. Be friendly.
- Be wary of people you might meet on the internet, and avoid sharing too much personal information.
- Make a video about yourself or your talent, then post it on websites such as YouTube, MySpace, and DropYourTalent.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become Famous on the Internet. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditOf the many methods and means for learning, to begin it is essential for one to learn to think for oneself, without simply repeating what others have said. Making one own's decisions rationally and with sincerity comes only from thinking things out. Looking at both sides of the picture, to determine what is wrong or right...for you! Consider that what might be correct for someone else, might not be so for you. So give deep thought prior to making decisions so that you do not end up regretting the one you made.
Steps
- Read. Find out what the great minds have thought about things. This means the classics, which are easily found in book stores or libraries. Classic novels are a much more entertaining way of learning how others think than dry text books, on anything from ethics to philosophy. Classics are usually more than just about the upper classes (which many of them are). Rather, they should discuss ideas that concern that which is considered as universal to the human condition.
- Consider agnosticism. An agnostic neither believe nor disbelieves. To believe one thing is to exclude all other opinions to include one's own. The problem with this mindset is that it excludes opposing ideas and opinions. If one suffers from mandated faith, then one can no longer share in another's opinions. To believe nothing, means anything from one's own existence—from the Big Bang, to Evolution, to the latest theories on what to eat—should be subject to questioning. This means that every statement is a question. "I believe there is no such as free will" is end of discussion. However if the subject is open, there is room for much if not endless speculation, since the universe is an open system. Question that statement.
- Ask questions. To be interested in learning how to think one should be inquisitive. Ask questions and try to answer to them. It is only by asking questions that one creates context, for which to take interest and notice things that may relate. It is only by attempting to answer questions simply and clearly, that one can measure his or her own understanding of things. Understanding is the gateway to compassion and doing away with vices such as confusion, false ideas and misplaced blame.
- Propose alternative theories to today's accepted ideas and understandings. The correctness or rightness doesn't matter, so much as the creation of new ideas, speculation, theories and concepts. What is important is the testing for validity. Every new idea as theory or concept should be tentative, subject to testing for its validity. If nothing is created, then there is nothing to test. Theories can be correct when self-contained by their own internal logic. One can believe anything they want, so long as it is not contradicted by one's own sense of wrong. However, most original thinking in the interest of truth should be tested by discussion, observation, argument, and personal experience. Bad ideas can lead to good ones, as they can take one in a direction one might not otherwise have gone. Untested ideas can be sheltered until they are strong enough to stand the test.
- Simplify, reduce, and categorize. Ideas can come a mile a minute at a rate in which the mind cannot know what to do with them. One can write them down but then they tend to get lost in a maze of paper and writing may not be fast enough or convenient. One might create categories in the mind as repositories for ideas as associations. Categories can be questions one is working on, general subjects like history, theory of relativity, ancient man, red light shift, concept of how, love and hate, or ego. Associate ideas from books and movies to present circumstance and vice versa. Simplify the mish-mash within the categories, by attempting to reduce the many ideas to commonalities, for instance as Marx did reduce many if most of the many motives of mankind to economics. You should not drive yourself nuts with intellectual constancy. Rather ask questions make statements, make observations write them down or categorize and forget about them. Free association is healthier for the mind. The idea is come back to the problems one has set for oneself and to remember to come back circular fashion, freeing the mind to free association, day dream or whatever. The mind works on problems subconsciously. Come back and see what new may be there.
- Analyze your surroundings. This is another means to help you think for yourself. This essentially means examining why someone thinks and believes that which they do, the origin of that thinking, and the possibility of motives that may or may not lie behind them. This involves taking common assumptions that you may have heard or been taught, and questioning it. This might be common knowledge or even actual experience. Examine it. Ask yourself, "Why is that true? Why do I believe that? Is it valid if I have not proved it myself?"
Tips
- Immerse yourself in artistic/creative outlets. Write a song or poem. Draw a picture. Build or cook something from scratch. Valuing your own creativity is a key step on the road to independent thought.
- Avoid one sided systems such as political parties. Associating yourself with groups that do not actively question their goals and objectives, or consider opposing views, will in the long run close your mind, rather than open it. You should be able to adapt yourself to any perspective—not limit yourself to a single one. Belonging to a stagnant thinking group may invoke in people of average intelligence—a "group mentality".
- If you don't agree with a particular "law", or "rule", then DO NOT FOLLOW IT! The consequences are probably worth the peace of mind that you get knowing that you stood up for yourself. Keep in mind that YOU only get ONE life. If you spend your life following orders, you'll follow them right to your grave.
Warnings
- As one learns to think independently, one may change one's values and become intellectually and emotionally at variance with one's family, friends and community.
- Being too independent may cause one to be labeled as "socially maladjusted" or "crazy".
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Think for Yourself. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditThis can be very easy, but may still take time. That's okay... more to discover!
Steps
- Think of places that inspire you in many different ways. If listening to music, watching chic flicks, reading books, watching the news or going out to watch the stars sounds inviting then find a time to to all that you like.
- Inform yourself on the going-ons of the world. Observe your and other people's daily routines. Write in a diary. Make lists if you like. Lists of good characteristics, of what you see in people, of good and bad moments, of your favorite foods, everything. Mental lists are just as good in this case as real ones if you would rather not write it down.
- Allow yourself to expand. Study and learn things about people, places and ideas from biographies, mysteries, fact books, personality quizzes, and conversations with older and wiser people.
- Consider participating in some leisurely activities... if you are younger, perhaps karate, sports, a religious group, community service, etc. Really anything you haven't tried that is legal and poses little risk is a good idea. Getting out and about will help you get the big picture.
- Sometimes taking REALLY good care of yourself helps. Bubble baths, manicures, styled hair, etc. can be great.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Develop Insight Into Your Own Life. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditThere are so many ways to be creative; it's just a matter of finding the one that fits you best. Soon, you'll be expressing yourself in ways you could never imagine!
Steps
- Pick a form of creativity:
- Music. You could play an instrument, sing a song, or write a tune.
- Dancing. Try the tango, belly dancing, fox trot, cha cha, ballet, tap dancing, hip hop, pop, ballroom, etc. You can even make up your own!
- Writing. You can try writing songs, poetry, novels, or children's books.
- General Art. Drawing, sketching, painting, oil painting, abstract arts, etc. Manga is becoming more popular, as well as comic strips.
- Photography. Use you're imagination when looking at things you see every day.
- Fashion. Sewing, adding things on clothes like buttons, ribbons, patches, rinestones, cutting t-shirts, ripping pants, tye dye, etc. You design it!
- Cooking. Make your own recipes, using what you like!
- Crafts. Make whatever comes to mind. Anything goes!
- Wood working. Making things out of wood can be really fun.
- Look for inspiration in your everyday life; things are happening all around you, and can make you even more creative.
- Try to find others to share your creativity with. You'll feel happier when you do.
Tips
- Basically being creative means making it your own!
- Join a class, rent an instructional video, or do whatever else will help you get to be as good as you can be.
- For composing, you can find writing tips online. Carry around pen and paper wherever you go to write down inspiring ideas.
- For art in general, make sure you have the right tools; classes, and books are available.
- For fashion, go to thrift stores and find things if you plan on cutting stuff up so you won't waste, say, $50 on jeans or something.
- For cooking, present food well. Using decorations, and pretty plates and cups help.
- The most creative ideas come when your mind is loose and feeling good. Don't bog yourself down by trying too hard to think in a way that you believe is creative. Just take any idea that interests you and follow it naturally without looking back. You'll be surprised at where it takes you!
Things You'll Need
- Inspiration! Keep your eyes and ears open to the world around you, and appreciate the efforts of others.
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Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become Creative. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
