Problem: Article: Rather than writing complete sentences, or even complete words, create a form of shorthand to make note-taking easier. This will help you to take note quickly and keep up with the lecture, rather than trying to transcribe everything the professor or speaker says. Make sure that you’ll be able to understand your notes later! It is important to write down key points from the lecture. This does not mean writing everything word for word. It means that you need to focus on the most meaningful information, namely drawing out the points that matter and the points that sum up the gist of each section of the lecture.  Focus on key ideas, definitions, and descriptive phrases to help you remember the subject. For example, if the lecture is based on a specific battle in history, try to write down the date, the major players involved (who was fighting who, and who their leaders were), and the overall outcome of the struggle. In the margin of your notes, write keywords or use signs that will draw you to the points quickly when you are re-reading the lecture notes. This does two things – it immediately creates a quick connection in your mind to the point and it makes it very easy to find the key points when you revise or write using the notes.  If there is a handout for the lecture, try to highlight the important details. Come up with techniques for organizing different types of information. For example, you may underline names and dates, put stars next to definitions, or put boxes around example problems.  This will help you reference quickly and better study for different types of tests. If you can formulate questions aimed at the subject matter as you are listening, this will help to solidify the information in your mind. Whether or not you get to ask these questions of the lecturer, you are learning a key skill that will be useful for the rest of your life. Asking questions enables you to explore the information further and forces you to examine the information you are receiving in a more active manner.
Summary: Develop your shorthand. Jot down main ideas. Take strategic notes. Write questions as you listen.

Problem: Article: Narrow your search by selecting the type of bike that you want, and find a store that specializes in that type. Be prepared to travel a bit to get to the store, and come prepared with your budget constraints. If you need extra time with the salesperson, try to visit on a weekday, when they’re not as busy.  Walk around the sales floor and check out the bikes that you've researched. Tell the salesperson about your abilities and goals, and ask for recommendations. Be wary of a salesperson who steers you toward a significantly different type of bike, particularly if that bike is out of your price range. Remember to take their suggestions into account and ask questions. If a salesperson recommends a different style, feel free to ask them why. Make sure their explanation is reasonable, and not motivated by making a sale. Big box stores, like Walmart and some sporting goods stores, might have some bikes that interest you. If you know what you want and won’t need any assistance selecting your bike, check those stores. Survey your body position, the accessibility of the controls, and your comfort level. Ask yourself if you could maintain that position for a long period of time while biking without getting stiff or uncomfortable.  Notice the distance from the seat to the bottom of the pedal stroke and the angle at which you have to lean to hold the handlebars. The size of the frame is one of the few aspects of the bike that can’t be altered, so take your time to try several different options and find the best fit. The retailer will be able to recommend a few different frames for you to test out. If you’re buying a used bike, this is especially important for ensuring your safety. Squeeze the tires to make sure they’re inflated, and check to make sure the tread and sidewalls look normal for the type of bike that you’re buying. If you’re buying a new bike, ask the salesperson if the tires have anti-flat technology for your safety. Like a car, a bike is usually something you want to try out before you purchase it. Aim for a 15-20 minute test ride on each model that you’re considering. Most shops encourage test driving to ensure that the customer is comfortable on the bike.  Your body should feel comfortable as you ride, with your knees bending slightly at the bottom of the pedal revolution. You should be able to reach the brakes easily, and your upper body shouldn't feel cramped on a flat surface. Make sure that the bicycle handles turn smoothly and that you can sit and stand easily while riding. Although small shops can’t always price match, you can ask about sales and other deals. Many salespeople will be happy to work with you to find a reasonable price for the bike, especially if their original price seems much higher than what you’ve seen elsewhere. One of the best ways to negotiate is by adding free services, such as regular tune-ups, general repairs in case of an accident, or even a discount on gear.  Ask if the salesperson will add some extra perks to your purchase to sweeten the deal!
Summary: Visit reputable bike shops in your area. Sit on the bike to check the fit. Check the quality, tread, and size of the tires. Test drive the bike to see if you like it. Negotiate a reasonable price for the bike.

Problem: Article: Bringing up old problems or other similar situations muddies the water and makes it even harder to safely wade out. Make an effort to only discuss the current problem. If one of you brings up something from the past, the other can say something like, “Let's focus on the problem in front of us first, okay?” After reducing tension and getting perspective, the final knockout punch for ending an argument is finding a solution. To be sure that happens quickly and without rehashing the whole issue, set a timer. Set the timer for 20 or 30 minutes and aim to resolve things by then. Anger can cloud your ability to see the real issue at hand. Often, there are other feelings lurking beneath that anger. Try to name and own what you're really feeling with “I” statements.  For example, anger might provoke you to say harsh things, like “You're so insensitive. You don't care about how your actions affect me.” Reframe that with an “I” statement like, “I feel ignored. I would appreciate it if you considered how the things you do affect me.” All arguments can't end with each person getting their way. Both parties have to be willing to make some concessions for the greater good. This requires flexibility.  Ask yourself whether the issue is really all that important to you. Will it matter in 5 years? If not, you might agree to disagree or concede if the issue is actually important to the other person. For example, if you and your coworker are disagreeing over who will lead a presentation, question whether you really care. If not, let them lead or agree that they will do it this time and you will lead next time.
Summary:
Stick to the issue at hand. Set a timer. Get real about your feelings using “I” statements. Be flexible.