INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The first, and most basic Taoist principle, is that people and nature are not separate. Everything in the universe is part of the same system. As a Taoist, you can focus on oneness by being more selfless - pay less attention to your own needs and instead focus on others. For example, you can do something like serving in a soup kitchen. This is one way to remember that people with less than you are still connected to you. Just because everything in the universe is part of the same system doesn't mean there aren't distinctions. Taoists believe that there are two basic distinctions - described as yin and yang - in all of nature. Dark and light are part of the same system because they can't exist without one another, but they are also distinct. The principle of dynamic balance can be helpful if you're struggling in life. Remind yourself that according to this principle, happiness could not exist without sadness. The principle of cyclical growth is related to dynamic balance. Opposites balance each other out, but they don't usually occur at the same time. Instead, they move through cycles. So winter and summer balance one another, but winter is followed by summer and summer is followed by winter. Cyclical growth can help you understand where your life is going. If you're experiencing grief after the death of a loved one, remind yourself that happiness will eventually come. It might be a while, but grief will eventually give way to happiness. Taoists believe that because seeming opposites actually balance each other and cycle together, you can make one opposite from the other. A bamboo stick is a good example of this concept: In wind, bamboo bends, but doesn't break. By bending to the wind, the bamboo stick survives it, instead of staying straight and breaking in half. For example, if you're dealing with a difficult time, accept that it will be difficult and accept your grief or sadness. By doing so, you won't wear yourself out trying to be strong.

SUMMARY: Focus on oneness. See the dynamic balance in everything. Look for cyclical growth. Perform harmonious action.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you truly love being a server, it shows. You will become infectious with your good attitude and earn larger tips. People are proven to tip higher when they feel a social connection with their server, as if they could be friends. The best way to cultivate this attitude is to enjoy your work and interactions with others. A big, open-lipped smile can increase tips up to 140%. Take some time to get presentable before arriving to work. A dirty waiter or waitress is unpleasant to look at and reflects poorly on you and the restaurant. Wash your apron and uniform, and make an effort to wear nice clothes when at work. While attractiveness hasn't been proven to increase tips for male waiters, effort and cleanliness definitely does.  Women should wear a little basic make-up to earn more tips, as a French study showed that 50% more men left tips to waitresses wearing make-up than those wearing none. Unfortunately, more attractive women have been proven to get higher tips than less, but you should exploit this fact for your own benefit as well.  The same study found that adding a bit of personality to your outfit, like a flower or button, increased tips by roughly 15%. For women, this is particularly noticeable when wearing something in your hair. In order to build connections with customers, and thus increase your tips, be sure to let the table know your name. When you arrive, say hello and let them know your name before launching into the specials. Waitstaff who introduced themselves earned roughly $2 more per bill. If the table offers you their names, be sure to remember them and use them. The best way to do this is when you get the check. When returning a credit or debit card, be sure to thank the name on the card when handing over the check -- it's been shown to increase tips. When people feel treated or gifted upon, they generally try to "pay back" the person being generous to them. Even writing a simple "Thank You" on the back of a check was shown to increase tips, and simple smiley faces and pictures help as well. Being kind and generous during the meal can create the same effect. If someone spills something, or an order doesn't come out perfectly, you should offer to rectify the situation for them as best you can. This is especially crucial when it is busy or the restaurant is filling up. While you should always be kind and courteous, you want people to eat, pay, and move on so that you can get a new table, and thus a new tip. To do this, come collect the dishes once everyone has finished eating, and ask about further courses (like dessert) instead of waiting for them to ask you.

SUMMARY:
Fall in love with your job. Look good and smell nice. Introduce yourself. Give the customers a little something extra, like a mint or simple drawing. Learn to turn tables over.