INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Feeling overwhelmed by huge projects can cause us to simply delay starting them. Breaking down projects into smaller goals can help you stop procrastinating and get started on your work. For example, if you need to repaint your bedroom, all the sanding, taping, trim work, priming and painting can be very overwhelming. However, if you make a goal to sand and clean the walls one day, tape everything off and prime the walls the next day, and finally paint on the third day, your major project will become more manageable, and you’ll be more likely to get started on it. There are apps and browser extensions that will block your social media or any other sites that you deem “time wasters.” Check out one of these to maximize your productivity and cut down on distractions that help you procrastinate.  Some good examples of apps and browser extensions designed to help you stay on track are StayFocusd for Google Chrome or Timeful and Pocket for Apple and Android products. Although this may seem counterproductive, breaks can help you reset and refocus. Get a snack or a cup of coffee and reflect on what you still need to do. Avoid beating yourself up for not having done more up to this point, and use your break as a refresher. Stand up, stretch, and use positive thinking to tell yourself that even though you haven't accomplished as much as you wanted up to this point, you will once you go back to work. Sometimes a short break and a personal pep talk can help you refocus and stave off procrastination. Even if your project is something you really dislike, you can help yourself get to work on it if you promise yourself something enjoyable upon its completion. You might tell yourself that you can binge watch your favorite show on Netflix or go out for a drink or some ice cream once you’ve completed your goal or task. Having something to look forward to can help jumpstart you and help you fight procrastination. If you have a friend or colleague who struggles with procrastination, too, then you might benefit from using each other as accountability partners. You can set up a friendly competition to see who can get further on their work, or you can simply use each other as support. Being accountable to someone will help you stop procrastinating.  For example, if you catch your accountability partner checking Facebook during your designated work time, then you can gently remind them that they need to be working, and they can do the same for you. Be sure to be polite when you catch the other not working. Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and telling yourself that for that time, you have to work as hard as you can on a project. Regardless of how large the project is, you must work on it nonstop and give it your best for 10 minutes. This is an effective jumpstart strategy that fights procrastination because the short time allotment is manageable and you can immediately see the results of your burst of hard work.

SUMMARY: Break tasks down into manageable sizes. Try using productivity apps. Take mental health breaks. Reward yourself for completing tasks. Have an accountability partner. Set a timer to keep you on track.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Get separate food and water bowls, a new bed, collar and leash, and a dog crate. Your new dog should not eat or drink from an established dog's bowls. Likewise, it should not sleep in an established dog's bed. Puppy pads are moisture absorbent mats that can be placed on the floor or in a dog crate. They are used when the dog has accidents during its housetraining. Puppy pads can be helpful to have around even if the new dog is not a puppy. Your new dog will need an outdoor place to relieve himself. If you have a dog already, this can be the same location that he uses. Find a spot in your yard or at a nearby grassy area. Plan to use this place regularly so that your dog will expect to relieve himself at this location when he goes outside.

SUMMARY: Gather new supplies for the new dog. Buy puppy pads. Choose a toilet area for the new dog.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Put the dish of buttered pecans into the microwave and heat them at full power for 1 minute. You'll probably start to smell the nuts and they'll begin to turn a little darker. Wear oven mitts to take the pecans out of the microwave since the dish will be hot. Transfer the nuts to a rimmed baking sheet or plate and let them cool completely. Put the cooled pecans into an airtight container and store them for up to 1 week.

SUMMARY: Microwave the nuts for 1 minute. Cool the pecans before you use them.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The school or agency that requires such a letter may have certain demands of the affidavit. For example, the letter must disclose certain information, such as your name, address, and length of residency at the present address.  Some will require that a landlord sign the letter. Some letters will require the submission of other supporting documentation. Certain agencies will ask that you attach a copy of your present lease agreement or the contract to purchase the property. More commonly, a current utility bill made out to your name would also do. Most organizations will demand that the affidavit be notarized before submission. Locate the appropriate documents you will need to submit along with your letter of residency. A few examples of supporting documents include:  Lease or purchase agreements for the current residence. Utility bills for your current residence. Old tax and payroll forms that include your address information. If the agency requires the signature of your landlord on the letter, or a letter from your landlord, contact the landlord as soon as possible. If the document must be notarized, then you and the landlord both must sign in front of the notary. Not all notaries require an appointment, but you should contact local notaries beforehand to make sure that your documents can be notarized in a timely manner.

SUMMARY:
Understand the requirements of the letter. Collect and copy supporting documents. Discuss the affidavit with your landlord. Make an appointment with a notary.