Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Write down a list of attainable goals and look at it often. Replace the word “should” with the word “want. Buy yourself some cool new workout gear. Set up rewards for when you complete a workout or hit a new goal. Find a workout buddy if you like having an accountability partner. Make a playlist that makes you want to move.

Answer: Think about the reasons you want to work out, and a few fitness goals you’d like to achieve. Put the list somewhere you’ll see it often, like on the refrigerator or near your bathroom mirror.  Try to include both short-term and long-term goals on your list. For instance, you might include, “Be able to do 50 sit-ups,” as well as, “Finish a marathon.” Do not make your workout all about appearance. Looking good is as good a reason as any to work out. However, this has shortcomings as goal in and of itself. Losing weight will probably make you happier with your appearance, but your looks are a mixture of your weight, complexion, fashion, facial features, and other things that working out will not solve.  If you’re working out just because you want to look like a supermodel, you’re probably going to get discouraged because your goals are only achievable for a very, very few. Avoid comparing yourself to other unrealistic goals. If you are 45, even if you got down to your high school weight you will not look 17 years old. "Looking good" is a vague goal, so it may be hard to measure. It can get discouraging if you do not feel you look better, even if maybe you do. Or if your appearance is due to a bad hair day rather than your waistline.   Work up to big goals. If you haven't exercised in months, don't list something impossible (like you want to bench press over 200 pounds). You will be quickly discouraged if you set unattainable goals. ” If you tell yourself you “should” do something or you “have to” do something, you’ll find it harder to get started. Instead, look at your list of goals and remind yourself why you want to work out in the first place. For example, if you think, "I should go for a run right now, but I don't want to," try reminding yourself of a goal, like, "I want to feel stronger and more confident, and running today will help me accomplish that." If you only have one pair of gym shorts or yoga pants, it’s easy to skip working out because you haven’t done laundry. Treat yourself to a few new pieces of athletic wear that you really love. You’ll be excited to work out just to have an excuse to wear them!  Quality running, walking or hiking shoes are important to be fitted properly to you, to prevent injuries and make your experience more pleasant. Cheap, ill fitting shoes will lead to issues like shin splints, foot issues, knee and back pain. It is OK to use what you have. Putting down money on athletic gear helps you commit to an activity. But that might not be affordable for you if you do not have the cash handy. Ask for loaner gear if necessary. Usually a gym, team, or organization will be happy to provide a new person with loaner gear to try before committing. For example, an ice hockey rec league may have some extra pads and skates available if asked. Workout gear can be expensive, so don’t try to buy it all at once if you don’t have the extra money. Just buy one or two pieces whenever you can, and keep your eye out for good sales. Try setting your workout gear on a chair or a table so it’s out in the open. That way, it will keep the idea of working out at the forefront of your mind. Think of something that will motivate you when the workout gets tough or you don’t want to get off the couch. Your rewards can be anything that you look forward to, from getting a smoothie or watching your favorite show after your workout to buying a new pair of shoes that you’ve been eyeing. Some people prefer to work out alone, but you might find motivation from having a friend to help keep you on track. The two of you can plan to work out together, or you can just talk at the end of each day and discuss whether you both met your goals.  Talking to a friend can be really helpful for identifying the barriers that keep you from working out. Having to explain the reason you didn’t hit the gym will force you to really think about the underlying cause, whether it be due to self-doubt, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. A group fitness class can be a great way to find a supportive group of people who will motivate you to work out. Music that is between 125-140 beats per minute has been shown to be the most effective for working out. Pick fast-paced music with a strong beat that you can jam out to while you exercise.  Songs at 140 bpm include "Womanizer" by Britney Spears, "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows, and "OMG" by Usher. Start listening to your playlist while you’re getting dressed to get you in the right frame of mind before your workout even starts.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Check with your vet. Use a flea shampoo to kill fleas. Apply a flea and tick prevention medication to your dog’s fur. Treat your house immediately to prevent a recurrence.

Answer: Before using a home treatment, talk to your vet to make sure you get the right product for your dog. Different sized dogs will require different dosages, and young puppies may be too small or young for certain medications. Call or schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure you get the right flea treatment for your dog’s specific needs. Flea shampoo is a fast-acting way to kill fleas on your dog. It’s a first line of defense, though, and will only last for about a week, so take your dog to the vet for a more permanent oral medication as well. Read over the packaging to make sure you apply the correct amount to the correct areas on your dog. Repeat the bath as recommended by the packaging or your vet.  Too much topical flea treatment can be irritating and potentially dangerous for your dog. Be careful about using the right amount for your dog’s size and age. Use your flea comb to brush out your dog after they dry to help remove any residual flea eggs. Applying the flea shampoo correctly should leave very little residue on your dog’s fur, but still be sure to rinse well afterwards. The same medication that you use to keep fleas and ticks off your dog can be used to help kill a flea infestation. This treatment is more gradual, so it is most effective when combined with a fast-acting treatment such as a flea shampoo.  Topical treatments such as Advantage and flea collars can both help manage a flea infestation. Flea collars only target adult fleas. You’ll still need to treat your dog with a medication that targets the eggs and fleas in developmental stages, in case any were left over after the bath. Wash your dog’s bed, blankets, clothes, and cloth toys in the washer, using dog-safe detergent and the “sanitation” setting if your washer has one. Disinfect bowls and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap. To remove fleas on the floor or carpet, place a flea collar inside your vacuum bag and vacuum up your dog’s common areas. Empty the vacuum frequently. Flea-proofing your environment right after an infestation will get rid of any fleas or eggs that happened to fall off and escape.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Cut or trim your hair first. Map out your hair. Clip the exposed sides. Wash up. Lift the first section. Spray the first section. Blow dry the section. Lift and spray the next section. Blow dry the section. Work towards the back. Finish all remaining sections. Touch up the mohawk.

Answer:
If you haven't already shaved the sides of your hair, you're going to need to do this for a real mohawk. You'll need clippers, the right size guard, and some rubber bands or masking tape. Visualize the strip that will be left behind and what will be shaved. Make sure the strip is wide enough to support the finished style, usually about 2-3 inches in width, centered on your head.  If your hair is shorter use tape to mark off where you want the mohawk: put the tape anywhere that you want hair to be left. If your hair is long, try using rubber bands. Use a comb to section off the hair that will make up your mohawk, then rubber band all of it into small ponytails or buns where the clippers can’t reach it. Test the guard size to make sure it's the right length, then adjust if it's too long. Start shaving against the grain, starting with the front and moving to the back of your head. Shaving the front will be easy because you can see it as you shave, but for the back you’ll either need help, or a mirror positioned behind you. No one likes itchy hairs all over, and washing will give you a chance to get rid of any hairs that are still clinging to your scalp. Once you’re done, return to the mirror and check to see that your cuts are straight and everything looks good. Blow dry again, then get ready to style. Pick up a section in the middle of your head with your non-dominant hand. Keep holding the section and don’t move. Spray deep into the roots and throughout the top. Don’t be worried about using too much product: your hair will feel wet and sticky, but you're going to blow dry it soon. The bottom of your hair is going to hold the weight, so you want it to be extra stiff. You’re already holding the hair with your non-dominant hand, so set down the hair spray and pick up the blow dryer with your dominant hand. While keeping your hair held tight, blow dry until you feel the hair becoming stiff. Let go after 30-45 seconds. Move towards the back of your head and pick up the section of hair directly behind of the one standing up. Hold it with your non-dominant hand again, and make sure it lines up with the section in front of it. Hair spray it, again paying special attention to the roots of your hair. Using the same technique as the last section of hair, blow dry the section of hair again. As it firms up, use your free hand to adjust the two sections to meet: you don’t want any gaps in your mohawk. Use the same technique again for the final sections of your mohawk: lifting, spraying and then blow drying. But while you can see the front in the mirror, the back is a little trickier to manage. Position a mirror behind you, or take frequent breaks as you’re styling to check out the hawk from the side. Use the same technique for each section of hair: lift, spray and blow dry. Don’t change your technique for any of the sections, even if your hands get tired from so much lifting. Take a break if you feel your arms getting fatigued. When you’re finished, check the mohawk out from both sides and make any adjustments that you need to. If there are big gaps or open holes in your hair, carefully close the sections together, apply more hairspray, and blow dry again. Repeat for any remaining gaps. Use some gel to solidify and connect the outside edge of your mohawk if you want.