If you return twice as if to make a new paragraph, LaTeX will treat that as a new paragraph and ignore any formatting code used for the previous paragraph. We will see how this comes in handy later.

Summary: In LaTeX you write your document in the same manner that would would in Word, except you have to use commands like: The return key also plays a key role in designing LaTeX documents.


Create headings that are direct and straight to the point. The reader should know exactly what your report includes.  Your headings might include: Introduction, Completed Tasks, Goals for Next Quarter, Obstacles and Solutions, and Conclusion. Tailor your headings to fit the information in your report. For a progress report, your audience will likely be your supervisor, team, or clients. A work report doesn't need to include big words and creative sentences. You just need to get your point across to the reader. Express your ideas in the simplest words possible, getting right to the point. You would write, "Revenues are up 50% for the fourth quarter," rather than, "Revenues sky-rocketed by 50% to generate stellar fourth quarter earnings." Writing more than necessary wastes both your time and the time of your readers. Cut the fluff and get straight to your point.  Keep in mind that some work reports may be long, as they may cover a lot of information. However, your writing should still be concise. It's okay to write, "Sales increased over the last quarter after the sales staff implemented cold calling," rather than, "We saw an exponential increase in revenues over the past selling quarter as our talented, dedicated sales people began cold calling potential clients to ask them to purchase more products." Stick to the facts and let the reader draw conclusions based on an objective view of the subject. While you may be making recommendations for how to proceed on an issue, don't try to evoke the reader's emotions to persuade them. Allow the reader to form their own ideas and judgement based on an objective view of the facts. Rather than writing, "Disengaged staff members are low in morale, making the office feel like a soulless machine," you could write, "Staff members whose productivity numbers rated lower than others reported feeling disengaged." It may be appropriate to use "I" in a progress report, if you're writing about a project that you are working on alone. Otherwise, don't use the word "I" or any slang words in your work report. However, it's okay to use "you" when you're directing a sentence toward your intended reader. Keep your language professional throughout your report. Grammar and spelling errors will undermine the professionalism of your work report. It's essential that you read over the report to make sure you don't have typos, poor phrasing, or incorrectly used words. It's best to proofread your report at least twice.  If you can, have someone else proofread your report for you, as it's difficult to spot all of your own mistakes. If time allows, set aside your report for at least 24 hours before you proofread it.

Summary: Use clear headings to help your audience navigate the report. Use simple, direct language to convey your ideas. Use concise writing to keep your report as brief as possible. Express your ideas using objective and non-emotional language. Avoid using slang, as well as the word "I" in most reports. Proofread your report to ensure it doesn't contain errors.


You can’t be effective at work if you don’t allow yourself time to take a break. Allow yourself moments to break from work every couple of hours. Eat a snack, go on a walk, or meditate to recharge your brain to be more effective. If you force yourself to stop working when work is over, you will be more effective when you are actually at work. Set a firm cut off time for when work is over and stick to it. Plan something interesting after work to encourage yourself to stop working. Have a routine after work to wind yourself down, such as taking a walk or keeping a journal. The key to staying stress free is to feel in control. Keep your days planned to help you feel in control. Make sure you have a clear idea of what is expected from you at work to help avoid stress. Do stress reducing activities after work (such as reading, listening to music, doing yoga, or doing a creative hobby).

Summary: Take breaks. Stop working at a set time. Relieve stress.


It is important to understand that you are not alone in your struggle. For some people, a caring friend or family member can provide all the support you need to get you through the feeling that you deserve nothing. Recent studies have found that people whose friends gave them compliments before completing a task performed better than people who did not receive compliments. “Fishing” for compliments is okay! Your friends and family can help remind you that you deserve the best life has to offer. It’s possible that some element of your health is causing you to feel low self-worth. Your doctor can help you make decisions about taking supplements or developing an exercise regimen, or they can refer you to a specialist. You are not the only person who feels as if they deserve nothing.  Seek out a support group online or in your local community.  Try  http://online.supportgroups.com/ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/find-support-groups Some of the many signs that you may want to seek professional therapy include  having emotions that are frequently overwhelming, living through a severe trauma, having frequent stomach or headaches, or other unexplained illnesses, and strained relationships. If the feeling that you deserve nothing persists for a long time, you may be clinically depressed. Depression is different from sadness; it involves long term feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Some signs that you might be depressed and should seek counseling include  losing interest in things and people you used to enjoy, long term lethargy, a drastic change in appetite and sleep, inability to concentrate, a drastic change in mood (especially increased irritability), an inability to concentrate, long term negative thoughts that won’t stop, increased substance abuse, aches and pains that you can’t explain, self-loathing, or the feeling that you are completely worthless.
Summary: Get support from friends and family. Ask for compliments from people you respect. Talk to your general practitioner. Find a support group. Consider a therapist. Recognize depression.