If you think you've found Mr. Perfect, check in with your feelings. How does it feel to talk to him? Exciting and tingling feelings are good, as they're signs of attraction. Equally important is that you leave the conversations feeling good about yourself—like you are a good person who deserves to be happy.  Do you feel capable around him? Strong? These are excellent signs. If he makes you feel nervous and unworthy, these are bad signs. You might find there are things you really like about your partner that you hadn't put on your list. For instance, he might be really open with his emotions, or he might have a way of always being down for fun. It's great if you meet someone who becomes the "new perfect"—not the guy you wanted, but the guy you really need. "Perfect" doesn't mean flawless. It means perfect for you, for your own imperfect life. Find a boyfriend who shares your values, who has the qualities you most admire, who makes you feel good, who supports your goals, and who treats you well. That's perfect.

Summary: Notice how he makes you feel. Take note of his qualities that you hadn't expected. Settle for someone who makes you happy.


Process time measures how long it takes to complete the steps of creating a product or service. Other time metrics measure time spent adding value to a project, or how long it takes to respond to a customer’s request. Metric calculations may include the percent on time delivery. Reducing process time is a proven strategy for better business. Doing so allows for greater production and delivers the product or service sooner. Consider furniture manufacturing. All things being equal, customers would rather receive their new couch or dining room set sooner rather than later. If you can reduce process time, you improve your chances for repeat orders and new business. Cost metrics assess the total cost of the production process. They also measure operational costs relative to production levels. Cost per transaction measures the cost to produce one unit. Cost savings measures reduction in costs per transaction. Labor savings measures a reduction in labor hours needed to produce the product or service. Cost reduction strategies become important to businesses when revenue starts to decline.  For example, when Bank of America experienced a downturn in lending and trading revenue in 2011, they decided to reduce their workforce in order to continue delivering revenues to shareholders. Bank managers and consultants decided to use cost metrics to identify jobs to eliminate that could save the most money without compromising the organization. Quality metrics measure customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction data can be gathered from surveys, registered complaints and other feedback. Quality metrics also assess whether the process creates value for the customer. They also look at the frequency of errors and the need for reworks. The defect rate looks at the percentage of mistakes. The percent complete and accurate rate measures how often no mistakes are made.  The healthcare industry relies heavily on quality metrics. Quality improvement must be data-driven. Analysts look at financial and clinical data to identify variations in how health care is delivered by providers. They break down the process and find areas of waste or redundancy in order to create a process that delivers a high-quality clinical outcome. The cost reduction is not valuable unless it increases or maintains the current level of quality provided.  The key in quality improvement is to increase efficiency without compromising effectiveness. Efficiency refers to the amount of resources necessary to deliver a product or service. Effectiveness refers to how well the objectives of the product or service have been achieved. Output metrics measure the quantity of products or services produced in a given time period. The production goal should align with customer demand.  Output metrics also look at backlogs and excess inventory. These should be minimal. Finally, works in progress is measured. This determines the number of products or services in the pipeline. One strategy for increasing output in manufacturing is standardized work. For example, in the automobile industry, auto makers have a standard method for assembling cars.  Manufacturers can standardize production processes with the goal of increasing output. Metrics can help to analyze how well a process improves the output for the manufacturer. If more products are produced in a given time with the new standardized process, then it is a success. This metric measures how many steps are in the production process. It also looks at how often the process is slowed by changing hands or requiring supervisory approval. The total number of process steps is calculated, along with the number of value-added process steps. These are the steps that make the product or service more valuable. Loop backs, or the number of times a product is sent back to correct errors, is also measured. Companies aim to reduce the complexity in their processes, organization, products and information systems in order to stimulate growth, reduce costs and increase returns.  Measuring process complexity helps managers to identify where products or services fully meet customer needs at the lowest cost. It helps to reveal hidden costs in overly complicated processes. It allows companies to identify which products are most profitable, what customers really value and where process bottlenecks are getting in the way of efficiency.

Summary: Measure time. Measure costs. Measure quality. Measure output. Measure process complexity.


The most important step in starting a collection is selecting what you want to collect. To do this, consider your interests. Do you like history? Maybe you would like collecting old stamps or coins. Do you enjoy reading? Perhaps you would prefer to collect books. Are you a big traveler? Maybe maps are more your speed. Whatever you pick, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about.  Other ideas of things you can collect include autographs, watches, wines, art, hats, figurines, cups, shot glasses, key-chains and postcards. If you like spending time outside, try making your collection nature-based. Consider collecting seashells, rocks or pebbles, fresh flowers, acorns or leaves. If you have inherited a small collection from a friend or family member, consider expanding on that. Once you’ve made your initial choice, it’s time to narrow it down. Saying you’re going to collect books is too vague for a collection; instead, consider collecting used books or children’s books or first edition copies of books. If you’re collecting sports cards, only collect cards for a certain sport or team. The more focused your collection, the more challenging and fun it will be to hunt down your pieces. If you’re collecting rocks, try collecting the rocks by different rock classifications. If that’s too specific, you can collect based on factors like location, color, texture or shape. Before you buy the first piece for your collection, you need to know what you’re looking for. Spend some time online learning about the history of your collection. Talk to people in online forums about what pieces they have or are looking to buy. The more you know about your collection, the easier it will be to track down specific items.  Find out what the most sought after pieces in your collection are and always keep an eye out for them.  Decide if you’re collecting for investment or enjoyment. If you’re looking to make money off your collection, you’ll need to do far more research than if you’re just collecting items that make you happy.

Summary: Decide what you want to collect. Focus your collection. Research your collection.


In order to get points off your license or avoid license suspension, you’ll need to complete the course in the required time period. Your ticket may state the time limit, or you can call your local court or visit their website. Time requirements will vary. They may be as short as 30 days, or as long as three months. Online traffic school is a convenient alternative to traditional traffic school because can complete the course at your own pace! You may want to tackle the course in a few days, or spread it out over a week. Of course, it's important that you to stick to the time limit laid out by the court.  It may help to write out a schedule. If you’re doing an eight hour course, you could plan to do two hours every evening for four days. Most traffic schools allow you to log in and out as many times as you want and take the course from any computer with internet access. Don’t worry--they’ll save your progress. This is usually an easy process. The online traffic school will need to collect personal information like your name, address, and phone number. You should also have your ticket and driver’s license handy to enter information about your violation. Some schools allow you to begin the course with minimal information and without making payment, but all of this will be required from you at some point before you complete the course. Find a place where you can focus for the entirety of each session you’ve planned. Your room might work well. If you can’t focus at your house, head to the library.
Summary: Check the time requirement for course completion. Plan out your timing. Register for your course. Find a quiet place to take the course.