Q: Observe your rose shoots and you’ll probably see sets of 3 or 5 leaves. The correct way to deadhead a rose is to cut just above a leaf set that has 5 or more leaves. The 5-leaf set (sometimes called a true leaf) should be facing the direction you want your shoot to grow. For example, if you want your rose shoot to grow outward, cut at a 5-leaf set that is pointing outwards as well.  Cutting at the 3-leaf set level can result in a non-flowering shoot called “blind wood”. This means, the shoot can no longer flower or grow anymore roses. However, the blind wood may flower the next season. You do not have to cut your shoot at the first 5-leaf set you see. Sometimes, a leaf set might be facing the wrong direction and you’ll need to cut further down. At the joining point of the leaf set and the shoot, you may see a dark dot just above it. This is called the bud eye and will be the point from which a new stem will grow into a rose. You should make your cut just above the bud eye. If you need to prune or deadhead many rose bushes, you may not have time to look for each and every bud eye. Fortunately, the bud eye is located very close to its leaf set. Just make your cut about ¼ inch (6 mm) above the 5-leaf set. You never want to make your cut straight. The 45-degree cut will help water from your sprinklers or rain to run off of the shoot and avoid bacteria or fungi from growing on the shoot.  There are conflicting opinions on whether gardening shears should be used at a 45-degree angle when pruning roses. Many sources claim the angle at which you cut does not affect how well the plant heals or how many blooms it produces. Consider placing a dot of white glue on the edges of the freshly cut shoot. It can reduce the risk of disease getting into the base of the plant.
A: Identify a 5-leaf set that is facing the correct direction. Notice the bud eye. Make your cut at a 45-degree angle.

Q: Risk-taking behavior allows you to feel a sense of independence, have a new experience, and establish yourself as an individual. While risks can be scary, they allow you to push past your perception of limitations and try something new. Risks can change your self-perception and help you realize you are capable of many things. Some people challenge themselves to run a marathon despite not being physically active. Coming from a place of no fitness to running a marathon is an incredibly large feat, one they may not have thought possible before finishing. Happier people take risks. Happiness allows you to become more open to possibilities, and more trusting and generous. When you feel happy, you are more willing to believe that the odds are in your favor. Before taking a risk, check in with your own happiness. Go do something you enjoy (like hiking or bike riding) before you make big decisions. Think about your ability to experience a positive outcome. While some people  are more likely to take financial risks (like making investments or gambling), others are more likely to take social risks (like voicing an unpopular opinion in a work meeting). Recognize that risks can occur in many areas and affect life in many different ways. There is no “better” risk. Recognize that risk can include social risk, financial risk, stability risks, changing appearance, and so on. The kind of risks you take are up to you. When your social network is filled with people who enjoy taking risks, it increases your likelihood to engage in risks as well. The actions of one person tend to spread throughout the social network, leading to influencing other people as well. This can cause harm when the risk is alcohol or drugs, but can be of benefit when the risk can be positive, such as trying new sports like paragliding or snow shoeing. If you are fearful of backpacking, have friends that enjoy hiking and backpacking. Listen to them tell stories of enjoyment. Chances are, you’ll start to feel more comfortable about backpacking and maybe even give it a shot. When faced with a decision, realize that any road you take involves some risk. Even if that decision is to stay within your comfort zone or venture outside of it, there are risks associated with either outcome. When you stay within your comfort zone, you risk not experiencing happiness in different ways, not exploring more facets of who you are, and not growing in new ways.  When faced with a decision, acknowledge the risks inherent to each outcome. If your choice is to stay home for the weekend or go camping for the first time, you may risk regret, missing out on meeting new people or having new experiences, or feeling sad or guilty by choosing to stay home.
A: Recognize the benefits of taking chances. Check your happiness. Take different kinds of risks. Have risk-taking friends. Remember that not taking risks is also a risk.

Q: This is your starting point. If you have several issues that need to be addressed, you will need several strategies. Strategy is a custom process, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Choose the scope of what you want to achieve. You have created your ending point, and the strategy will fill out all your actions from start to end. Perhaps you want to ask others with more experience if they think it can be done. For example, if you want to get a promotion in one year, ask a colleague in a higher position how long it took them to get into a management role. If the goal is not a feasible one, try to go for a more feasible solution, such as getting a 5 percent raise or more responsibility. Later, strategize how to get a promotion in two or five years.
A:
Start with an issue you want to address. Strategize one issue at a time. Pick a goal or desired outcome. Decide whether the goal is feasible.