INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You probably know your body and physical skills fairly well, but it is always good to have an outside perspective. Coaches can help you set reachable goals, stay focused on achieving them, and find ways to help you improve if you fall short. There are a variety of coaches that can work with conditioning, technique, and any other aspect of your athleticism and skill level. Another great advantage of coaches is their work on planning your exercises and drills. With a coach, you only need to be concerned with showing up to your session on time, while your coach will have the equipment and schedule ready for you to work on. In order to improve your athleticism, you should focus on improving your particular weaknesses. Practicing with the team is important, but you’ll also want to make sure you set aside time to improve your skills. Mixing up your routine is also a good way to improve your overall performance and decrease the risk of injury. Talk to your coach or trainer about ways to work on your specific weaknesses and develop all facets of your game. When you are practicing, whether by yourself or with a team, your coach or trainer has a time set aside to work with you. Maximize your time by making sure you are there when it is time to begin. That usually means that if your practice starts at a certain time, say 9:00 am, you should be dressed and ready to go then, not just arriving. It can be easy to let your mind wander when you are doing drills and exercises. It is important, though, that you stay focused on what you are doing. Once you have finished a workout or practice session, take some time to give your body a physical cooldown period. Some low-intensity movements and stretches are good to help restore your muscles and process metabolic waste. It’s also a good way to relax mentally after an intense practice or game.

SUMMARY: Work with a coach. Create an individual program. Show up on time. Keep focused when you practice. Cool down after exercising.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: " The word "nerd" was started on in 1954, by a young doctor by the name of Seuss, in a line that read, "A merkle, a nerd, and a seersucker too!" If you don't wish to defile nerddom by calling someone a nerd, you can also call them a "seersucker."  The general connotation is of an irritating, unattractive person who may be brilliant, but chooses to focus on non-social pursuits.  Another definition of "nerd" is a four-letter word with a six-figure income.

SUMMARY: Uncover the origins of the word "nerd.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Even the prettiest girl can lose friends if she is mean, manipulative, or uncaring. At the same time, the plainest girl can find many friends if she is kind, fair, and thoughtful. This section will give you a few tips on how to let your inner beauty shine through. A scowl or frown can make anyone look unpleasant and intimidating. A friendly smile, however, can make any face look brighter and approachable. Make sure to say "please," when asking for something, and "thank you," when you get it. Also, if you need to get past someone, say "excuse me." If you notice your friend or classmate looking sad, ask them what's wrong or if they'd like to talk about it. If they do start to talk, listen to them attentively. Even if their problems are not ones you may be able to connect with, they will recognize that you care. They will see this as a beautiful quality about you. You can also show that you care by volunteering at homes for the elderly, soup kitchens, or animal shelters. The more positive and supportive you are, the better you will feel about yourself. You may even stop focusing on your flaws (such as that annoying pimple that keeps popping up) and start seeing the good things about yourself. Here are some ways you can be more positive:  If something doesn't turn out the way you liked, try to find something good about the situation. You can also consider what you can do to improve the situation next time. Oftentimes, the lesson you take away will be more valuable than a favorable outcome. By focusing on the benefits, you can strengthen your perspective. In unforeseeable circumstances, see if you can adapt to the situation and make the most out of it. For instance, if it rains on the day of the picnic you spent all week planning, see if you can bring it inside. You could even set up a movie or bring out a few board games to play with your friends. If your friend is really excited about something, try to share their excitement. You can also ask them questions about it to show that you are interested. If your friend is really good at something, try to encourage her/him. For example, if your friend is good at drawing, tell her/him that their drawing is really good and that you really like their style. Putting someone down will never make you feel better about yourself or accomplish anything worthwhile. In reality, the more you make fun of others, the worse you will feel about yourself. Sometimes, the bullying might even come back to you. You could really hurt someone, and make them feel really bad about themselves. Instead, ask yourself what it is that would make you consider bullying or participating in it -- are there internal issues you may need to work through? Are you trying to feel accepted by the bully? Is the person being bullied or their actions symbolic of something or someone that you dislike? Perhaps they reflect a quality about yourself that you neglect or wish could be better. Even if you don't get good grades or score the most goals on your team, people will notice if you try hard. They will appreciate your efforts and look up to you. Developing your intelligence will also open many doors (such as opportunities) for you. Try to do well in school. Find a subject that you really like or are passionate about, and try to do the best you can in it. You might even get people asking you for help in that subject. Even if there is a subject that is not your strength, give it attention. You may be noticed for your diligence and/or find people that want to help you or work together. If you like to draw, then consider taking some art classes. If you like to sing and dance, consider trying out for the school play. Building an arsenal of skills will help you cultivate who you are as a person. Look around the familiar and see if you notice anything new or different today - was there something you weren't aware of before? Try to explore different places, cultures, topics, and look for similarities and differences. Being curious and building your knowledge is not only a fun thing to do, but you will find a treasure trove of intrigue that will connect you with others in ways you would never imagine possible.  Read more. Read the news (both domestic and worldwide) and see what you can learn. Read literature, poetry, or non-fiction, and take a dive into someone else's life or ideas. Listen to what other people have to say. Listen to the radio, podcasts, and listen more closely to the people around you. Every person has knowledge that they can offer that can help you grow. Ask questions. "Why" is one of the best questions and can often help you find the heart of the issue in many cases. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because questions (when asked correctly) can also make another person feel important. Furthermore, it will make you look and feel confident, but also help you gain knowledge. Don't brag about the things you are good at, but don't try to hide your talents either. When you walk, try to keep your chin up, your back straight, and your shoulders tilted back. This will help you look and feel more confident. Many people find confidence attractive, but moreover, confidence will encourage you to nurture your personal growth into becoming the person you want to be.

SUMMARY:
Know that beauty also comes from the inside. Smile often. Be polite. Show that you care for others. Try to be more positive and supportive. Don't be a bully and don't encourage bullying. Work and study hard. Don't forget about your hobbies and talents. Learn about the world around you. Try to be confident but don't be arrogant.