Find the real problem, not just the symptoms that result from the problem. When defining the problem, do not consider things that are extraneous matters, only what the actual problem is. You can consider the other issues later. Become familiar with the problem and understand it fully.  For example, if your room is constantly messy, the problem might not be that you’re a messy person. It might be that you lack containers or places to put your items in an organized way. Try to be as clear and thorough as possible when defining the problem. If it is a personal issue, be honest with yourself as to the causes of the problem. If it is a logistics problem, determine exactly where and when the problem occurs. Determine whether the problem is real or self-created. Do you need to solve this problem or is this about something you want? Putting things in perspective can help you navigate the problem-solving process. Recognize the decisions you need to make and how they will contribute to solving your problem. Making decisions can help you move forward in solving your problems, so start by deciding on what to focus on, what needs to get done, and how you will go about doing it.  For example, you might have several problems to solve and need to decide which ones to tackle first. Solving one problem may ease tension or take stress off of another problem. Once you make a decision, don’t doubt yourself. Be willing to look forward from that point on without wondering what would have happened had you chosen something else. An overly-complicated problem can feel overwhelming and be difficult to solve. If there are multiple problems, break them down into smaller parts and deal with them individually. If you can break the problem down into the smallest terms, this will help you in understanding it and finding a solution.  For example, if you need to turn in many assignments to pass a class, focus on how many you have to do and approach them one by one. Try to combine and solve problems together whenever possible. For example, if you're running out of time to study, try listening to a recorded lecture while walking to class or flip through note cards as you're waiting for dinner. Familiarize yourself with the knowledge and information you already have. Then, seek out what you need. Inform yourself of all possible information, then organize it in a meaningful way. For example, if you’re trying to pass a cumulative test, figure out what you already know and what you need to study for. Review everything you already know, then start learning more information from your notes, textbook, or other resources that may help you. Come up with a Plan B (or more) so you’re not locked into one solution. Once you’ve come up with possible solutions, think about how each one would play out. Consider possible outcomes and how they would affect you and those around you. Create a best-case scenario and a worst-case scenario in your imagination. Pay attention to know these scenarios make you feel. Your resources may include time, money, effort, travel, etc. If solving the problem is a top priority, you may need to allocate more resources toward solving the problem than you otherwise would. Think about what resources you have that you can give toward solving your problem.  For example, if you have a deadline, you may skip cooking dinner or going to the gym so that you can give that time to your project. Cut down on unnecessary tasks whenever possible. For example, you might get your groceries delivered to you to save on shopping time. You can spend that time instead on other tasks.

Summary: Define the problem. Make important decisions first. Simplify the problem. Outline what you know and don't know. Anticipate future outcomes. Allocate your resources.


Place an ice cube in the palm of your hand, the crook of your elbow, or where you want to cut. The numbing cold may provide you with the sensation you are craving. Take an ice pack with you and keep it in an insulated tote so that you can have access to something cold when you need it. Also, consider taking a cup of ice with you wherever you go. Keep it in your desk, car, locker, or any place to which you have easy access. Use a felt-tip pen to create pictures or lines on yourself where you usually cut. You may find that you like the way it feels against your skin. You may also discover that creating beautiful designs on yourself is far more satisfying than making painful cuts. Only use soft-tipped pens or markers to draw on yourself. Using pens that feature sharp points may end up hurting you. Use temporary tattoos if you don't trust yourself to use a pen on your skin. Those who cut are often looking for a way to feel something, even if it is painful. Snapping your skin with a rubber band is a safer way than cutting to feel a strong sensation. Place the rubber band around your wrist, hold it up, and let if fall back sharply. Never snap your wrists until they bleed. Only engage in this act if you trust yourself to not go too far. Ask someone you trust to help you monitor this behavior to ensure that you are not injuring yourself with this technique. Paying attention to the area you typically cut may be all that you need when you feel the desire to self-harm. Wrap these areas in bandages or adhesive tape. Seeing them will serve as a reminder of what is to come if you give into your urge. Draw motivational words or phrases on the bandages to stop yourself from wanting to cut. You could also color them with a red pen or marker to look like blood, which may stop you from wanting to hurt yourself. The saying “beauty hurts” is popular because it is often true: some beauty techniques are downright painful. Engage in them to satisfy the pain you crave, without doing real harm. Use a pair of tweezers to remove any stray hairs from your brow area. You can also buy wax strips to remove unwanted growth on your legs. The sensation you feel from the wax strips can mimic the sting of cutting. This is similar to the effect you get from exercising because of your muscles getting sore.

Summary: Hold an ice cube. Draw on yourself. Snap your skin with a rubber band. Place bandages over where you want to cut. Pluck your eyebrows or wax your legs.


That is, don't save up your favorite jewelry or clothing for special occasions. Enjoy wearing a fancy piece of jewelry in the middle of the week or putting on that cashmere scarf just because it feels good on a Thursday. Besides making you feel good, it will add class to your day-to-day outfits.Similarly, don't save that fancy tie for once-a-year occasions. Pull it out just because you feel like looking extra special today!

Summary: Wear your best any time of day.


A large part of this decision involves your qualifications: coaching professionally requires a high level of experience and expertise, while recreational coaching is a less competitive field. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) oversees volleyball programs at all division levels in colleges and universities. You will need to have years of volleyball playing and coaching experience in order to apply for a job with a college program. The school's athletic director is often responsible for hiring coaches. Many high school teams have men and women's volleyball teams. Whether these positions are paid or volunteer will depend on the school and the budget. Local park and recreation departments and community associations use professional and volunteer coaches for youth programs.  Check out nationally popular programs such as I-9 Sports, Diversity Youth Sports and We Play Sports. Express interest to youth sports leagues that are specific to volleyball, such as the United States Youth Volleyball League or the Youth Volleyball Association. The national leagues can put you in touch with your local chapters. If you are better at coaching than at playing, you can coach an adult single sex or co-ed team. Check with your local community college, recreational center or YMCA for leagues and teams.
Summary: Decide whether you hope to coach professionally (for payment) or recreationally (volunteer). Coach volleyball professionally with a college or university team. Coach at the high school level. Look for opportunities to coach youth leagues. Join an adult recreational league.