Problem: Article: When you sit down for that test, you shouldn't have a thing to worry about. Bring a handful of pencils, pens, erasers, your calculator, some scratch paper -- anything you could possibly need and then some more. Not only will being over-prepared relax you, but when problems do arise, you'll be ready! Have a pocketful of peppermints while you're at it. Studies have shown that taking a whiff of peppermint increases your concentration abilities, makes you more alert, and gives you a tiny boost that can make all the difference. So if the answer is eluding you, pop a peppermint and then take another crack at it. Since your test is timed, the last thing you want to be is preoccupied by the clock. Instead of that ticking getting louder and louder as you stare at the blank question, just skip it. Tackle all the ones you could do with your eyes closed and your hands tied behind your back and then get to the harder questions. Your mind will be primed with everything it definitely knows, making the rest a bit easier. When you've answered all of the easy ones, go for the ones that have the greatest point value. If you don't answer a question that's worth 10% of your grade, there's little hope for the rest of your test. So if you're in that position, weigh your options. If there's any chance you missed a question, misinterpreted a question, or just filled in the wrong circle, you'll know you've caught it if you check and double-check your answers (provided you have the time, of course). Also, remember to consider the most important of all -- did you write down your name? Avoid the temptation to change your answers. Often your gut instinct is the right one. If you find yourself checking your answers and wanting to change them, only do so if you've had a revelation you had forgotten about. You know the whole "fake it till you make it" mantra? That totally goes for test taking. Thinking positive and being confident can actually help you do better -- if for no other reason than it keeps you relaxed (and being relaxed helps your mind think straight). Walk in there with your head held high so you can walk out the same way. Turns out trusting yourself is a big part of the game. When you trust your memories, they strengthen and become concrete. So be confident in your brain! The more you rely on it, the more it can reward you with the right answers. In case you didn't know, your brain is pretty phenomenal!
Summary: If anything, be over-prepared. If you don't know the answer, skip it for now. Double-check your answers. Keep a positive attitude.

Problem: Article: Hold the ball so two seams are visible in the front and two visible in the back. The four-seam grip is considered by many pitchers as more effective when throwing a curveball than the two-seam grip. It allows the pitcher to throw the ball at any angle, as long as they hold their hand behind the ball and throw it with a snapping motion. Two-seam grips are used to throw fastballs. Rather than breaking down (as in a curveball), two-seam pitches break to the right or left. Place the ball in the palm of your hand and flex your middle and index fingers so they grip the top of the ball. Curve your ring finger so the ball rests against its side. Place your middle finger along the middle seam (on the pinky side) and your thumb on the seam towards the back of the ball. At this point, your thumb should be positioned on the bottom of the ball opposite your middle finger, with these two fingers forming a "C" around the ball.  Your grip should be firm, but not too tight. You want your thumb to be able to flick up behind the ball when it is released. Do not choke the ball. Make sure there is a gap between your thumb and index finger, and small space between thumb and ring finger. When throwing a curveball,  extend your wrist back. When you release, "snap" your thumb and middle finger together while flicking your wrist. At this point, your middle finger should rotate downwards and your thumb should rotate upwards to create the centripetal (circular) force needed to spin the ball towards the plate.  Through a change-up curveball by increasing grip depth. Experiment with slight variations in grip depth and finger (thumb and middle) position. Find a grip that is comfortable and works with your throwing style.
Summary: Use a four-seam grip. Hold up your middle and index finger as if making a peace sign. Position your thumb and middle finger. Separate the tips of your thumb and ring finger. Throw the ball by snapping your thumb and middle finger.

Problem: Article: After your customer has picked out a car and you've come to a compromise on the price, bring the price to your sales manager at an even lower price. For example, if your customer says they can pay $200 a month, tell your manager $150 a month. This will give you more credibility with your customer and at the end of the day the important thing is that you've made a sale and have a pleased customer that may refer you to friends or will give you a high rating on your C.S.I (customer satisfaction index). Often times your customers will bring in a white lie about what they can afford, or what the dealership down the street is planning on offering them for their trade-in. Overcome these objections by being understanding but persistent. Explain to them that your appraisal of their car is accurate and a good deal.  Customers looking for a trade-in often times will value their car through Kelly Blue Book, but that value is only accurate if they can sell their car at full Kelly Blue Book retail. Every month a car loses 2% of its value, and then you have to attach all the expenses to it that make it ready to sell like tires, brakes, the noise in the back, that light that won't turn on, the safety check, and reconditioning. Also, if another customer comes in and wants to offer less for the car than what it is priced at, the dealership will likely take it because they want to make the sale, thus the customer's car is likely to bring in less than what they believe it will. Explaining this to your customers is important so they understand that you aren't gypping them in price. Now that you have discussed pricing and gotten a definite number from your manager, it's time to complete the sale. Sign the paperwork, arrange a collection date, and always stay in contact with the customer to prevent any problems.
Summary: Discuss the price with your manager. Don't let your customer lie to you. Close the sale.

Problem: Article: Until you are 14, you have limited choices for “real” jobs. Agricultural work is one of them. If you live in a rural or semi-rural area, you might have some farms in the area that are in need of some part-time help. In many places, individuals under 14 years of age can be hired to deliver newspapers. You can call or visit the newspaper office in your area to ask if they are hiring people to deliver papers. If your newspaper office isn’t currently hiring, check back periodically. Doing so will demonstrate that you are serious about the job. You can also ask if they keep applications on file for future openings. While you have to be 14 years old in most states to have a part-time job, one exception is working for your family business. If your parents have a business, ask them if they would be willing to hire you for small tasks. Working a couple hours a day or on weekends for your family business will give you good work experience for when you are old enough to have a different job.
Summary:
Look for agricultural work. Do a paper route. Work for your family business.