| How to Bookkeep Posted: 11 Sep 2016 07:00 PM PDT Bookkeeping, like accounting, is one of the necessary evils of running a business. Despite what many may think, those two terms refer to different processes. Bookkeeping, as it will be discussed here, refers to simply collecting records of expenses and revenues, and then posting those transactions to a general ledger. Accounting is the process that follows bookkeeping, and involves converting the information in the ledger into useful business metrics and reports.[1] Luckily, bookkeeping is the simpler of the two, and can be learned by following the simple steps below. EditEstablishing a System - Decide what type of system to use. The most important part of bookkeeping is being consistent. You don't want to lose receipts, forget to record transactions, or record the same transaction twice, as this could cause a misrepresentation of your business's financial health. The simplest way to avoid these errors in by establishing a consistent system for both recording transactions in journals and entering them into the ledger.
- This system can be as complicated as a wired-in cash register that feeds into accounting software or as simple as a box full of receipts and notes. This will depend on the amount of transactions your company does on a daily or weekly basis.[2]
- Use accounting software. The simplest way to ensure that your transactions are recorded reliably is to invest in an accounting program like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Expensify. These will take a lot of the guesswork out of recording different types of transactions and present your information clearly. Many of these programs are available for free or on as a free trial for a limited time.[3]
- Use a spreadsheet. For a more manual system, try setting up a spreadsheet to record transactions. This can be done either manually, with physical transaction journals, or on the computer with a spreadsheet program. The formatting of these journals is up to you, but it should include the following, at minimum:
- Supplier's/buyer's name
- Account number
- Expense/revenue type (e.g. office supplies, raw materials)
- Date the invoice was received/created
- Amount owed/paid[4]
- Be consistent. For any system you use, be sure to enter your transaction data on a regular basis and in the same way each time. This is to be sure that transactions are not overlooked and that you have the most up to date picture of your business's financial health. In addition, it is a good idea to establish a regular schedule for transferring information from the journals to the ledger, perhaps on a weekly or monthly basis.[5]
EditRecording Transactions Properly - Use the same accounting method for all entries. The two types of accounting are the cash and accrual accounting methods. In essence, the cash method records transactions when actual cash changes hands, like when a customer pays for an item or when you pay for an expense. The accrual method, however, accounts for transactions when that transaction occurs, for example when expenses are incurred or when a customers buys an item (but not necessarily when money changes hands for the transaction). Which method you choose will depend on your own goals and business strategies.[6]
- Compare the two accounting methods. The cash method of accounting is more commonly used in small businesses because it gives an accurate representation of the cash balance of the company.[7] As the business grows, however, it may become less important to know the exact cash balance of the company and focus instead on its current health. This is where the accrual method comes in. By tracking expenses when they occur and revenues when they are earned, rather than paid for, the accrual method negates the effects of payment delays in determining the financial health of the company.
- Decide on which method to use. Legally, a company may choose either accounting method as long that company has less than $5 million in revenue each year or, if it sells products to the public, has less than $1 million in gross receipts (all revenues). Any company with revenues over those levels is required, by law, to use the accrual method.[8]
- Use double-entry bookkeeping. Many small businesses make the mistake of using single-entry bookkeeping. That is, they only record transactions as movements of money to or from a single account. However, every business transaction takes place in at least two accounts, and must be recorded as such for accuracy. This is called double-entry bookkeeping. This allows you to see exactly where your money is coming from and where it's going.
- For example, a purchase of inventory using cash would be recorded as an increase in inventory and a decrease in the cash account. Alternately, a sale of that inventory to a customer paying in credit would be recorded as a decrease in inventory and an increase in accounts receivable.
- In the world of accounting, these would be recorded using the official terms, as debits and credits to various accounts.As a bookkeeper, though, it is most important that you use a consistent system that makes sense to you.[9]
- Record transactions in journals. At first, transactions need only be entered into daily or weekly journals, depending on your transaction volume. These entries will include information on the transaction, including the buyer/seller, amount, date, and type of transaction. Later, this information will be categorized and added to the ledger. However, for now it is only important to record the information for later use. Entries should be made according the company's chosen accounting method (cash or accrual).
- The introduction of accounting software has made the two-step process of journals and ledgers almost obsolete. The software will automatically update the ledger, making the process one of simply inputting transactions as they occur. However, some businesses still choose to use the journal-ledger method.[10]
EditPosting Transactions to a Ledger - Separate transactions into accounts. The best way to track your transactions is to separate them into different accounts within the ledger. By starting out with set accounts and adding or subtracting from them with each transaction, you gain a clearer picture of where money is coming in and going. These accounts can be as generic as sales or as specific certain types of inventory. For example, it may be reasonable for an auto garage to reserve an entire account for oil inventory. Accounts will vary between businesses, but at minimum should cover the following:
- Cash
- Accounts Receivable (money due from customers paying on credit).
- Accounts Payable (money you owe to suppliers).
- Sales (the revenue you make from primary operations).
- Inventory
- Cost of sales (supplies you buy for production or your business).
- Payroll Expenses (wages).
- Owners' Equity (the amount that owners have put into the business).
- Retained Earnings (profits reinvested in the company).[11]
- Post transactions regularly. How often you post transaction to the ledger from the journals will depend on your transaction volume. It can be daily, weekly, or even monthly. However, this should be done consistently to ensure that you are not suddenly overwhelmed with work at the end of an accounting period. Again, accounting software will help you stay up-to-date on these processes.[12]
- Analyze your ledger accounts. Ledger accounts are mainly useful for quantifying the financial health of the company. While true financial reports are best left to professional accountants, anyone can compare ledger accounts to create simple comparisons or reports. For example, compare sales to expenses to get a general idea of how your company has fared recently. Obviously, if sales are higher than expenses, you are making a profit. For more complex reports, turn to an accountant or accounting program.[13]
- Be sure to pay your suppliers a few days in advance of the payment deadline, whether it is 30 days or a longer time period. This will give you some leeway if you forget to pay on that day and put you on good terms with suppliers.[14]
- If bookkeeping begins taking up too much of your time as your business grows, it may be a good idea to hire help. Hiring an educated accountant will allow you to gain a more complete and accurate picture of your business's financial health.[15]
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| How to Become a Registered Nurse Posted: 11 Sep 2016 01:00 PM PDT Registered nurses provide medical care, education, and emotional support to patients.[1] Employment for nurses is expected to increase by 19% from 2010 to 2022, which is a faster growth rate than most other occupations.[2] This is a rewarding field that will make a real difference in your community and has a wide array of options for advancement. EditUnderstanding Nursing - Understand the profession. According to the American Nurses Association, nursing today is designed for the protection, promotion and optimization of health and the prevention of illness and injury. Nurses are advocates in the care of individuals, families and communities.[3] The standardized education of today's registered nurses, in contrast to the past, reflects the high expectations communities and physicians have on the men and women who fill these roles. In recent years, the employment of nurses has grown and will continue to grow in part because of the aging of the baby boomer population and the associated growing rate of chronic conditions like diabetes.
- The nursing profession is not just for women; there are over a hundred thousand registered male nurses working in the US.
- People with chronic diseases, such as heart and lung disease, are living longer than ever, which equates to sicker patients living longer and requiring skilled medical services.
- Determine if the roles and responsibilities of nursing interest you. The foundation of all nursing practice is based in human anatomy and physiology. The chief mission of the nursing field is to protect, promote and optimize health. Key responsibilities for nurses include (but are not limited to):[4]
- Triaging and assessing injury levels in emergency situations.
- Performing physical examinations and taking medical and family histories.
- Providing counseling and education about health promotion and injury protection.
- Administering medication and providing wound care.
- Coordinating care and collaborating with other professionals including doctors, therapists and dietitians.
- Directing and supervising care and providing education to patients and family, which enables patients to be discharged sooner.
- Know the skills and qualities involved in nursing. Beyond having a breadth of knowledge in medicine (and being someone who does not get squeamish easily!), a nurse must also be skilled in other areas. In this sense, nursing is like any other profession in that there are specific individual qualities that make the job easier and a more natural fit for some people. It's important to determine whether your personality and abilities can accommodate the various responsibilities and tasks that come with being a nurse. Key qualities include:[5]
 - Interpersonal and communication skills: Being a nurse requires working with people every day—doctors, other nurses, technicians, patients, caregivers, and others. To communicate information clearly and do their jobs effectively, nurses need strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to break down complex information into something that is accessible for ordinary people (i.e., non-specialists).
- Compassion: Caring and empathy are valuable when taking care of individuals who are sick or injured. Remember that patients may be scared or in pain and need to be comforted, reassured, and motivated to fight through their illnesses.
- Critical thinking: Registered nurses must be able to assess changes in the health status of their patients and make a quick referrals.
- Detail-oriented and organized: Nurses often work with multiple patients and healthcare professional at a time and so they need to be able to keep track of what has been done and what needs to be done. In addition, attention to detail is key; medication needs to be given on time and emergency protocols must be followed to the letter.
- Stamina: Nurses are often required to perform physical tasks, such as lifting patients, and also work long shifts of between eight and 12 hours, which may include night shifts.
EditObtaining the Correct Education and Credentials - Get a high school diploma. Admission into a school of nursing requires a high school diploma or, alternately, passing the General Education Development (GED) test.[6] If you want to be a nurse, pay attention to your performance, skill, and interest in courses like biology, physiology, and chemistry throughout high school. The knowledge from these courses will be important in your post-secondary education.
- A good foundational knowledge and understanding of how the human body works is necessary in the field of nursing and begins already in high school.
- Don't get discouraged if these subjects don't come easily to you. Consider hiring a private tutor to help you in your math and science courses in order to improve and develop effective study and learning strategies.
- Undertake post-secondary education in nursing. There are three ways to become a registered nurse. Whatever path you choose, the coursework involved will include physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, and anatomy.[7]
 - Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). This level of education is like a bachelor's program in all other fields. It is awarded by a college or university and usually takes four years to complete. Classes will include community health, pharmacology, health assessment, microbiology, chemistry, human development and clinical practice. In addition, bachelor's programs usually include more training in social sciences than other nursing programs. You may take courses in sociology, communications, leadership, and critical thinking.[8][9]
- Associate's degree in nursing (ADN). This is the most common way to obtain a registered nursing license and involves a two-year program at a community or junior college. Many students transition to BSN programs after having completed an ADN and holding an entry-level nursing position. In these cases, nurses are able get further education using an employer's tuition assistance program; they're also able to work and earn an income while getting the next level of education.[10]
- Diploma from an accredited nursing program. You can also be eligible for licensure by completing a vocational nursing program. These accredited programs are often associated with a hospital and vary in length, though they are typically up to three years long. In this program, classroom learning, clinical practice, and on-the-job training are combined. This education path is on the decline since hospitals have placed a limit on the number of diploma graduates they can hire due to recommendations by the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education.[11][12]
- Make sure your school is accredited. The national accreditation agency for nursing schools is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This agency ensures the quality and integrity of bachelor, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. Accreditation is voluntary but ensures that colleges and schools providing nursing education are operating at the same professional level and educating future nurses in a manner which ensures that they can provide effective and standardized care.[13]
- Get licensed. Registered nurses must have a nursing license. Take the National Council Licensure Examination — Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) once you have graduated from your accredited program and thus have completed the appropriate education requirements. This test is the nationally recognized licensing exam for registered nurses.[14]
- Prerequisites to and fees for the exam may differ between states. Check with the requirements for your state, or for the state you plan on practicing in.
- Note the following requirements in order to sit the licensure examination:
- Application for the examination must include a U.S. social security number.
- Individuals must be accompanied by a recent passport-style photograph.
- Application must identify the school from which the applicant graduated. Transcripts must be forwarded to prove that the individual met all educational requirements.
- Find a job as a nurse. There are more than two million nurses in the United States, making the position the largest in the healthcare field. There are a variety of settings in which a nurse can work, including hospitals, physician's offices, elderly care homes, prisons, college campuses and schools.
- Newly certified nurses should consider working in a specialty unit, as the patients in these facilities are more homogeneous. Examples of specialty units include orthopedic and pediatrics units.[15][16]
- Nurses with a bachelor's degree have better employment prospects than those who do not; they are recognized as having capabilities from their curriculum that prepare them for management, case management and leadership roles.
EditGrowing in the Field - Decide what specialty interests you. There are a variety of fields for nurses to practice, including pediatrics, adults, OB/GYN, geriatrics, community health, occupational health, rehabilitation, surgery, neonatal, intensive care, and emergency. You will likely have already started thinking about this during your RN educational training. Each RN program gives their nursing students clinical rotations through which they gain experience in these various areas of the hospital and community.
- Nursing students may have a full semester in a particular clinical rotation, such as pediatrics, adult or community health. They will also experience several hours in an intensive care unit, emergency room and neonatal unit. Not all schools will give nurses rotations through a physical rehabilitation unit for patients following strokes or spinal cord injuries. Most schools will expect that nurses get experience with geriatric care while caring for adults.
- Once you know what field of nursing you'd like to work in, you can apply for jobs in that field.
- Stay up-to-date with your practice. Even after completing the required education and certification, nurses should continue to read medical journals, be aware of the policies of the healthcare organization they work for, and take additional courses in medicine. Scientific and medical knowledge and technologies are constantly changing and evolving and so staying up-to-date is key to providing effective healthcare.
- Consider becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The term advanced practice registered nurse is an umbrella term used for nurses who have achieved at least a master's degree in nursing (MSN). The academic program to become an advanced practice nurse is one to two academic years, depending upon the specialty, school, and your previous work experience. There are four main advanced practice settings in which nurses can practice under this APRN umbrella:[17][18]
- Clinical Nurse Specialist. These nurses typically work in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. They handle a wide variety of physical and mental health problems and may work within the fields of research, education and administration.
- Nurse Practitioner. These advanced practice nurses may work in clinics, and nursing homes, hospitals or private offices. They see a wide range of primary and preventative health patients. In most states, nurse practitioners can prescribe medication, diagnose illness, and treat minor injuries.
- Certified Nurse Midwife. These nurses provide gynecological and low risk obstetrics care in hospitals, homes and birthing centers.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. This is the oldest of the advanced practice nursing specialists. Each year certified registered nurse anesthetists provide more than 65% of the anesthetics given to patients in hospitals and outpatient settings.
- Be aware of other career paths. Some nurses move into management positions, which are increasingly requiring a graduate degree in nursing. Other nurses move into the business aspects of healthcare, while still others opt to work outside the healthcare setting directly by becoming instructors in colleges and universities.[19]
- All in all, the nursing field is varied and offers a huge number of opportunities for individuals interested in health and wellness.
- Do your research. Only attend schools with an accredited nursing program in order to obtain your degree and take the required examination for licensing.
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| How to Get Rid of a Thigh Cramp Posted: 11 Sep 2016 07:00 AM PDT Muscle cramping, especially if it occurs in the thigh muscles, can be an excruciating condition. Uncomfortable and involuntary muscle contractions are not only painful, but can also disrupt daily activities such as sleep. Muscle cramps are usually not a serious medical condition and can generally be treated with home remedies such as stretching, massage, diet, and exercise. EditStretching Out Thigh Cramps - Figure out which muscle of your thigh is cramping. Before you can treat a thigh cramp with stretching, it's important to identify which muscle on your thigh is cramping. The thigh has different muscles that can cramp. Identifying which of the major thigh muscles is cramping will help you stretch most effectively. This should typically be done by a healthcare professional, specifically a doctor, physical therapist or personal trainer.
- The hamstring runs along the back of the thigh and affects hip and knee movement. The top of the hamstring connects under the gluteus maximus behind the hipbone and ends at the knee.[1]
- The quadriceps (often called "the quads") runs along the front of the thigh and is the major extensor of the knee. The quadriceps is the strongest and leanest muscle of the body.[2]
- Stretch out your hamstring. If you have a cramp on the back of your thigh, stretch out your hamstring. There are different ways to stretch the hamstring that may help alleviate the cramp.
- Using a towel or belt, lay flat on the ground and raise the affected leg. Wrap the belt or towel around the ball of your foot, grab the ends of the towel or belt, and gently pull your leg back. You can use one hand to massage the hamstring as you pull back your leg or wait until you're finished stretching.[3]
- If you cannot lay down, you can do this same stretch with a belt or towel while seated. Sitting with your legs outstretched and simply bending forward will have the same effect.[4]
- Don't strain against the tension of a tight, cramped muscle. Instead, pull very gently. Only increase the stretch as the tension in your leg releases.
- Consider walking around in between stretching to help relax your hamstring.
- Stretch out your quads. If you have a cramp on the front of your thigh, stretch out your quad. There is one very effective stretch for the quad that may help alleviate the cramp.
- To stretch a cramping quad, stand up and bend the affected leg up towards your gluteus maximus (butt). If you can, grab your foot and pull it towards your butt for a deeper stretch.[5]
- Make sure to keep your knee in line with your thigh so that you do not injure the muscles and tendons of your knee.
- You can use one hand to massage the hamstring as you pull your leg toward your butt or wait until you're finished stretching.[6]
- Don't strain against the tension of a tight, cramped muscle. Instead, pull very gently. Only increase the stretch as the tension in your leg releases.
- Walk around in between stretching to help relax your quad.
- Do some gentle exercises. Gentle exercises can help stretch out a cramping thigh muscle. General movement will naturally stretch the muscles and also help relax you, but you can also consider other exercises such as yoga.
- Only exercise if you are able to and don't push yourself. This may only be possible after some light stretching.
- Gentle walking is the best exercise to help stretch out your thigh muscles. Take long strides to make sure that you're using the entire muscle.[7]
- Try doing gentle yoga, which will also help stretch out the muscle. Restorative and yin yoga are specifically practiced to help stretch out and repair muscles.[8]
EditUsing Other Home Remedies - Massage your thigh or get a professional massage. Massage is one of the most effective ways to get rid of a cramp because it increases circulation to the tissues of the muscle. Combined with stretching, massage can quickly alleviate the pain of a muscle cramp while simultaneously relaxing you.[9]
- Massage your thigh where the muscle is cramping. Press the area gently with your hands and apply more pressure if it doesn't hurt.
- A foam roller is another effective way to massage your thighs. These circular pieces of foam allow you to roll out the affected muscle by applying pressure.
- You can also get a professional massage to help with thigh cramps. Professional massage is so important as these professionals understand which muscles are affected, but also which muscle are going to have secondary inflammation due to the first injury or cramp. Swedish, neuromuscular, and myofascial release are the most effective types of massage for cramps. Tell the masseuse that you are having problems with cramps so they don't over-manipulate your muscles.[10]
- Use heat to relax your muscles and take the edge off of the pain. Using heat on a muscle cramp can be an extremely effective way to relax the muscle contraction and alleviate pain. It may also help you relax, which will minimize tight muscles. From heating pads to warm baths, there are many different types of heat treatments to help get rid of thigh cramps.[11]
- Taking a warm shower or bath will relax you and help with the pain of a muscle cramp. The heat from the water will also help promote blood flow to the submerged area.[12]
- Using Epsom salts in a warm bath may also help relieve cramps.[13]
- Fill hot water bottle or get a heating pad and place it on the area of your thigh that it cramping.
- Over the counter heat rubs may also help alleviate muscle cramps and relax the affected area.
- Watch your diet. There are some studies have shown that low levels of nutrients such as potassium and calcium may stimulate muscle cramps. Be sure to eat enough of these nutrients in your diet, which may minimize how often you experience muscle cramps.[14]
- Try bananas and oranges to get potassium.[15]
- Eat brown rice, almonds, and avocados for magnesium.[16]
- Calcium is found in yogurt, milk and other dairy products, as well as in vegetables such as spinach.[17]
- Muscle cramps can be a sign of mineral deficiency. A multi-mineral supplement can be highly beneficial.
- Hydrate. There are no definitive studies connecting dehydration and leg cramps, but there is some evidence that not drinking sufficient water may contribute to cramping thigh muscles. Making sure that you drink enough water over the course of the day may help you avoid leg cramps.[18]
- Drinking water is enough to keep you hydrated. You may prefer something with flavor, so try sports drinks or juices in conjunction with water throughout the day.
- Sleep on your side and don't use constrictive bedding. Having a tightly made bed and sleeping in certain positions, such as on your stomach, can exacerbate the tendency for muscle cramps. By loosening your covers and sleeping on your side, you may avoid thigh cramps.
- A flat sheet can constrict the ability of your feet and legs to move, so you might want to remove it from your bed.[19]
- Sleep on one of your sides with your knees slightly bent for optimal conditions to help minimize thigh cramps.[20]
- Sleeping in positions where your toes are pointing downward may exacerbate cramps.[21]
- Consider pain relievers or muscle relaxants. If other methods don't help your thigh cramp or you have pain that won't go away, try an over the counter pain reliever or prescription muscle relaxant. If you have protracted pain or cramping, though, consult your doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition.
- Take an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) to reduce any inflammation that may be in the muscle.
- Talk to your doctor about taking muscle relaxants such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) to help relieve muscle tightness and cramping.[22]
- Do not take quinine. Some alternative medicine sources suggest taking quinine for muscle cramps. This treatment is dangerous and can cause serious health conditions including cardiac arrhythmia, nausea, headaches, and tinnitus, so avoid it if you can.[23]
EditUnderstanding the Causes of Thigh Cramps - Figure out the cause of thigh cramps. There are many different causes of thigh cramps, including poor blood circulation and muscle fatigue. Figuring out the cause of your cramp may help you treat it quickly.
- Poor blood circulation in the legs, overexertion of muscles, insufficient stretching before or after exercise, muscle fatigue, dehydration, a magnesium or potassium deficiency, or a pinched nerve can cause thigh cramps.[24]
- You can treat most thigh cramps with home remedies. For some people, thigh cramps are due to mineral deficiency. Taking a high-quality mineral supplement could be beneficial.
- Learn what medical conditions can cause thigh cramps. Not all thigh cramps are attributable to simple factors such as over exercise or sitting improperly. Certain medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease or diabetes can make you more likely to get muscle cramps. If home remedies do not alleviate your thigh cramps, see your doctor to make sure you don't have an underlying condition.
- Pregnancy can cause thigh cramping.[25]
- Alcoholism may make your thigh muscles spasm.[26]
- Dehydration can cause thigh cramping.[27]
- Parkinson's disease could also cause thigh cramps.[28]
- Endocrine disorders such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause thigh cramps.[29]
- Neuromuscular disorders such as neuropathy might make your thigh muscles cramp.[30]
- Be aware of medications that can cause thigh cramps. Just as certain medical conditions can cause thigh cramps, some medications will make you more prone to these muscle spasms. Knowing what medications can cause cramps can help you or your doctor identify their cause and decide upon the best treatment options.
- Diuretics such as Lasix can make you more prone to thigh cramping.[31]
- Aricept for Alzheimer's disease may cause thigh cramps.[32]
- Procardia for angina and high blood pressure can cause your thigh muscles to cramp.[33]
- Proventil or Ventolin for asthma can make you more susceptible to thigh cramps.[34]
- Tasmar for Parkinson's disease could cause thigh cramps.[35]
- Statin medications for cholesterol such as Crestor and Lipitor may cause thigh cramping.[36]
- See a doctor about recurring cramps. Frequent cramping may be a sign of injury, a nutrient deficiency, or dehydration, and your doctor may be able to advise you on remedies.
- Ultimately if your thigh cramps during or after a work out, just stretch that muscle then sit down for a bit and massage it.
- Another way you can get rid of a cramp is to stretch by putting on leg forward on your knee and grabbing your foot pulling it towards the back of your knee.
- Try to stand up and walk slowly.
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| How to Show Respect Posted: 11 Sep 2016 01:00 AM PDT Showing other people respect is a critical part of maintaining important personal relationships. Learning to respect people's efforts, abilities, opinions, and quirks will help keep you happy and successful in your interpersonal life. Respecting yourself can help you move forward with the confidence to make a habit of respect and share it with the people around you. EditRespecting Efforts - Show gratitude. Thank people for their assistance and their support on a regular basis. It's important to remember all the people who've helped you on your journey. Show respect by saying thanks. Even if there's not an obvious occasion for thanks, showing it regularly will mean a lot to people. Send letters, calls, emails and texts to people you've lost touch with. It doesn't need to take more than a few minutes to express yourself. Remember to thank your:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Co-workers
- Classmates
- Friends
- Teachers
- Neighbors
- Compliment the achievements of others. When others are successful, draw attention to it and celebrate their ability and their achievement. Learn to recognize when other people put forth extra effort and achieve something and praise them for it with sincerity. Take them aside and do it in private, so your compliments will seem genuine.
- Instead of making your first reaction, "Why didn't that happen to me?" try saying "That's so great for them!" Keeping a positive attitude will focus attention away from yourself and spread goodwill.
- If someone you respect seems to be having a rough time, or seems to have less to compliment than others, make an extra effort to compliment their effort, their attitude, or other positive attributes.
- Be sincere. While it's important to thank people and praise others, most people don't usually respect brown-nosing. Be genuine in your thanks and in showing your respect to other people's effort. Speak from the heart.
- Even something as simple as "It's always good to see you" can mean a lot and show lots of respect. It doesn't need to be complicated.
- Do what you say you'll do. If you commit to an event or make plans with someone, come through on your end of the deal. Being reliable shows respect for people's time, and shows that you're making a special effort to be there for them. Respect other people's efforts by being on time, being prepared, and being enthusiastic.
- Always come to work, school, or sports practice ready to go. Have your materials in order and complete all the necessary work ahead of time. You'll show respect for others by not wasting their time.
- It can seem like telling someone "No" will be disrespectful, but you've also got to learn to be consistent and realistic with your abilities. It's hard to respect flakiness.
- Offer your assistance. Go out of your way to help people when it seems like they need it, especially if it isn't required of you. Volunteer to help your friend move, or stay late to help clean up after school events. Go above and beyond. Even helping your little brother with his homework or helping your dad clean the yard without being asked shows a tremendous amount of respect.
- If it seems like one of your friends or neighbors is feeling down or going through a rough patch, give them the encouragement that they might need. Learning to say, "You've got this" can make all the difference in the world for someone who might be struggling.
- Respect the abilities of others. Offering too much help can sometimes be disrespectful. Sometimes, it's also smart to take a step back and let other people prove themselves and take care of manageable situations or problems on their own.
- Try to recognize when someone is capable of doing something on his or her own and mind your own business to show that person the respect he or she deserves. There's a big difference between offering to help someone emotionally when he or she is going through a bad break-up and insisting on helping someone make cereal.
EditRespecting Opinions - Be a good listener. Practice active listening to show people that you have respect for their opinions and ideas. Watch and be quiet when someone else is talking and spend time thinking actively about what they're saying.
- Too often, we wait to talk instead of really listening to other people's ideas. Even if you think you disagree, try to consider the point of view and empathize with it before responding. You're showing respect to the person by hearing them out and letting them make their own case. You might be surprised.
- Ask lots of questions. To show respect for other peoples' opinions, question them. Ask open-ended, leading questions that show you're fully engaged with their ideas and that you're listening closely. Questioning doesn't mean that you're trying to poke holes in their story, or that you don't believe them. Ask for more when it seems like they might have more to give.
- Instead of asking for more details, ask about how someone feels about a particular topic. If someone's telling a story, ask "How'd you feel afterwards?" Even if you think you know, let them tell you. Let them make their own case.
- Learn to spread the wealth. If it seems like someone isn't talking much in a group conversation, ask them a specific question to open the door for communication. You don't need to draw attention to it by saying something like, "You're awfully quiet, Steve" just say, "Steve, what did you think of the Super Bowl?"
- Learn about the perspectives of others. Learning to empathize with other people who have very different experiences and perspectives than your own will help you learn to show respect. Be proud of your own opinions and perspectives, but don't assume everyone feels the same way and avoid putting them in an awkward position. Temper your attitudes and learn where people are coming from before you share your opinions so you can know how to respond.
- While it might seem easy to make a casual comment about how "dumb" football is in a mixed group, you can never know if someone's recently-deceased grandfather made a living as a ref and loved the sport dearly.
- Pick your battles. Sometimes it shows respect to speak up and voice your opinion, as a way of respecting the intelligence of others. On the other hand, sometimes it's better to hold back on your opinions and avoid unnecessary arguments that raise tempers. Showing respect
- Try softening your arguments the first time you bring something up. If you think college football is a vicious and disgusting money trench, package that message in a respectful way and voice it, even if others will disagree: "It worries me that so much money is funneled into student athletes at the expense of other more important things. What do you think?" Show respect for their opinion by sharing your own and listening to their argument.
- Perhaps there's little use in arguing with your great uncle about gay marriage for the umpteenth time. Will it be worth it to bring it up at the dinner table?
- Respectfully disagree. When you have to dissent, do it calmly and by treating your conversation with tact. Respect the perspective of the other person. Don't insult their opinion or ideas, even if you disagree with them.
- Try to acknowledge common ground before adding your disagreement. Straight with praise and then move to your addition to the conversation. Even something as simple as "That's a good point. I think I'm seeing it a little differently though..." does the trick in lightening your disagreement.
- Be specific with your critique, avoiding simple or insulting language like "You're wrong" or "That's dumb."
EditRespecting Yourself - Take care of yourself. To show respect for yourself, Try to give yourself the same consideration that you give everyone else. Don't short-change your own ideas and wants at the expense of others. You're worth it.
- Know when to ask for help. Have respect for your own abilities and skills, but learn to recognize when you're out of your element. Don't make it harder on yourself than you need to.
- Treat yourself to well-deserved trips and gifts every now and again. Spend time with your friends and do fun things in your free time.
- Avoid self-destructive behaviors. Drinking to excess on a regular basis or habitually self-deprecating yourself will tear you down in mind and body. Try to work actively to build yourself up and surround yourself with encouraging, enlightening, helpful people.
- Are your friends the kind of people you want to be around? Do they ever criticize you or Try to keep you down? Consider moving on.
- Stay healthy. Make regular visits to the doctor to make sure you're healthy and fit. Take care of health problems as soon as they arise and don't put off "bad news." Avoiding the doctor's office because you don't like it isn't showing respect for yourself and your own well-being.
- Exercise regularly and eat well. Start developing easy routines, even walking a few miles a day or doing some light stretches to get in touch with your body and maintain it. Cut out junk foods and eat a variety of nourishing foods.
- Stand up for yourself. When you want something, go out and get it. Don't let your fear about stepping on toes get in the way of making things happen that will better your life and achieve something positive for yourself. If you've got an opinion, share it. If you want to change jobs, start a band, or take up acting in your 40s, do it. Make a decision and follow through.
- Be ambitious. We all get caught in ruts, many of them of our own making. Develop plans for yourself and specific steps for carrying them out. Plot an upward trajectory for yourself to keep yourself moving forward in life and staying satisfied. Show respect for yourself by being the best version of yourself you can be.
- Consider making a five-year plan to get where you want to go. If you're a student, what are your college plans? Your after college plans? How might you realistically achieve those goals?
- If you're in the working world, are you happy in your job? Are you doing what you love? What would it take to get paid for your passion? How long would it take to make it happen? Is it possible? Answer these questions honestly and specifically to develop a plan of success.
EditRespecting "Enemies" - Don't judge people before you get to know them. Give people the benefit of the doubt, even people of whom you might have a bad first impression. Everyone is fighting a big fight. Assume they have good reasons for being the way they are, doing what they do, and believing what they believe.fgh
- Decide to like people. It's too easy to come up with reasons to dislike someone, to disrespect someone, or to dismiss them. Instead, look for the spark and the warmth in people. Decide to like them, and it'll be much easier to show respect.
- Translate a person's quirks into strengths to help change your attitude. Instead of thinking, "That person is mouthy and egotistical" say "That person really speaks her mind. I like that spark."
- If you can't say anything nice...well, you know. Keep a lid on it sometimes. Learn to distinguish between confrontations that need to happen and silly arguments. You'll keep yourself sane and earn the respect of others by learning to keep quiet. Don't get dragged into the muck.
- Worry about your own backyard. Don't get mixed up in other peoples' business and create unnecessary enemies. Busybodies make quick enemies, usually because there's not enough going on to keep them occupied. Stay busy and keep your life full of interesting and engaging activities so you don't have the time and energy to worry about what your neighbors are doing, or how your classmates are doing on their homework.
- Take up new hobbies and spend less time on Facebook. Getting your stalk on is a good time filler, but it can breed resentments and jealousies where none need be.
- Reach out. Giving people you don't like the cold shoulder may be the easiest way to avoid confrontations, but it can also be cruel and rude, especially in school or at work where everyone likes to feel included. You don't have to be best friends, but respect people by including them.
- Aim for at least one friendly attempt with people you don't especially like. "How are you today?" will at least show that you're trying. You might even change the way you feel.
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