TIPS REPORT 06: PRIORITIZE YOUR TASKS

 This report includes powerful tips related to prioritizing your tasks. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list. 

TOP TIPS

The adage says, "We all have the same 24 hours a day". Yes, it's a cliche, and it likely more annoying than helpful - but it is true. We can't create more time out of thin air, but we can use it more effectively. That is why prioritizing your tasks is so important. Knowing what you should be working on and when you should be doing it will only increase your productivity. If you want to learn more about prioritizing your tasks, read these nine tips:

 

1. What is Worth Prioritizing?

First off, you need to figure out what is truly important to you. The tasks you prioritize should reflect your core values. If you are laser-focused on your career, then career tasks are naturally more important. If you are family-first, then you may rank those tasks higher in priority.

 

2. Make a List

A great way to start prioritizing is making a list of everything you want to accomplish. You can focus on the short-term, long-term, or even better - both. Don't worry about editing as you go; focus on thinking of as many goals/tasks/todos as you can.

 

3. Rank Your Priorities List by Urgency

Take the list of priorities you create and rank the tasks by urgency. This usually means ranking the tasks when they are due, but don't forget your core values. A typical way of breaking these lists up is three categories: Urgent (complete ASAP), Important (need to address soon, Leisure (can focus on these in your free time).

 

4. Break Your Large Tasks into Smaller Pieces

You should strive to break your large tasks down. This makes the task more manageable and lets you have more control over the moving parts. Some smaller parts of your large task might need to be completed earlier than others. It is easier to prioritize when you know this.

 

5. Delegate What You Can

Why waste time prioritizing the tasks you don't even need to do. Figure out if any of your tasks can be delegated or outsourced. This will save you time and energy. You can focus on the more important priorities while the smaller details are handled by someone else.

 

6. Set Deadlines for Each Task

Set some deadlines for each of your tasks. Simply setting a deadline has been shown to help people follow through. Try to set your deadlines a little earlier than you need. This will help you stay ahead of things and gives you a buffer if you can't deliver.

 

7. Look For Opportunities for Growth

An interesting, if a somewhat esoteric tip is to focus on tasks that grant you growth opportunities. We must continue to broaden our horizons and skillset, so focusing on tasks that help you do this makes sense. If all else is equal, but one task allows you to learn something new, or update your current skills, choose that one.

 

8. Start With Your Most Important Task

Another classic tip that you might have heard referred to as "eat the frog." The idea here is that you start with your most important task, that way you know you at least finished that. Some people choose their most hated task as well. The same idea applies, though; it's all about getting it over with ASAP.

 

9. ...or Don't

Contrary to the last tip, sometimes you are so unmotivated that you don't have the energy to tackle anything important. If that feels like you, then start with the absolute easiest, no-brainer task you can. Sometimes doing that is enough to build your momentum so you can tackle the high-priority stuff.

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Make A List of This Weeks Tasks - Think about your current week. What would you like to accomplish? List everything you can think of. Try to keep it reasonable, but don't be afraid to stretch yourself a bit.

 

b) Arrange the List by Importance - Now break that list down into three categories: Urgent (do ASAP), Important (do this week), and Leisure (whenever you get around to it).

 

c) Set Deadlines For Each Task - Now set a deadline for each task. Be specific; choose a day and time. Try to make your deadlines a bit earlier than needed, so you have some buffer room.

 

FURTHER READING

 

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1. Manage Your Time, Manage Your Life

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2. Prioritization: How to Prioritize Tasks to Increase Productivity

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3. Time's Up: Prioritize Yourself Now

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4. Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day

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5. 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus and Get the Right Things Done

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TIPS REPORT 05: RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

 This report includes powerful tips related to Random Acts Of Kindness. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Kindness isn't trendy. It isn't a hot button topic. It doesn't get as much press as happiness, passion, or determination. We think about it, but it's not something we strive to acquire. That is a pity because kindness doesn't just help the people around us; it helps us too. It is the proverbial no-brainer.

If you are interested in simple ways to invite kindness in your life, consider these nine random acts of kindness.

 

1. Give Someone A Genuine Compliment

This is a great habit to get into in general. Simply hand out more genuine compliments. This will boost your mood and might make someone else's day. It might feel awkward, to begin with, but it will become second nature eventually.

 

2. Buy the Person Behind You a Coffee

If you have the means, next time you are in the Drive-Thru, pay for the people behind you as well. This random act has a way of being passed on, or at the very least, talked about and shared.

 

3. Tell A Boss About a Good Employee

We live in a society where people seem all too willing to scream at retail workers. Instead of complaining about a bad job, why don't we mention good service more? Please make an effort to let a manager know when one of their staff does a great job.

 

4. Find a Charity You Believe In

If you have the means to make a charitable donation, your money will go a long way for someone less fortunate. The best way to connect with a charity is to do your research and find something that truly speaks to you.

 

5. Volunteer Somewhere

If you don't have extra money, do you have an extra hour? Volunteering your time can be just as effective as a charitable donation. Not only are you helping people in need, but you are also getting social interaction. You might even learn something new or meet someone interesting.

 

6. Help Someone Who Needs It

Is there someone in your life who needs a little help? Go ahead and offer them a hand. Reach out with a call or a text and ask if they need anything. Sometimes, that gesture alone makes a world of difference to somebody.

 

7. Offer to Help People Who Seem Lost

You ever see people while you are out who seem lost? Maybe they are looking at a map or their phone, pointing in different directions. Ask them if they need help finding something. Often people will be too shy to ask for help on their own.

 

8. Offer Workers a Drink

If you have some people working in your neighborhood, or even working at your place, offer them a drink. This is especially important on really hot days. You could play the hero with a well-timed delivery of ice-cold water.

 

9. Leave Positive Comments on Social Media

Social media can be a real cesspool. Everyone is trying to get a quick laugh by taking someone down. Other people post negative reviews of everything, Take a week, and only leave positive social media comments. See how you feel after that week. I bet you keep doing it!

 

ACTIONABLE STEPS

 

a) Leave a Loved One a Note - Whether your child, partner, or someone else, leave a little note of appreciation somewhere for them to find. A lunchbox is a great choice, but so is a random pocket in their clothes.

 

b) Check-In with a Loved One - Reach out to someone you haven't checked in within a while. If you are missing them, they are likely missing you. You might really make their day.

 

c) Help Someone Without Them Asking - Do something for someone you care about without being asked. Maybe take on a sibling's chores or check something off your partner's to-do list. It doesn't have to be big to be appreciated.

 

FURTHER READING

 

Affiliate links:

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TIPS REPORT 04: KICK-START A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

This report includes powerful tips related to Kick-Starting an Active Lifestyle. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

 This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

 

TOP TIPS

No matter who you are, what you do, or your goals, a healthy lifestyle can only help. A foundation of good health is the perfect starting point for any endeavor. You will look better, feel better, and have more energy. The best way time to kick-start a healthy lifestyle was yesterday; the next best time is now. If you are ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle, these nine tips are a great way to get started.

1. Start Small

You don't always have to hit the ground running (not that there is anything wrong with that). If you are taking your first steps towards a healthy lifestyle, focus on small, simple steps you can use to build momentum. A lot of marathons started with a walk around the block.

2. Honor Your Personal Preference

Committing to a healthy lifestyle can take some work, so why make it harder by fighting yourself. Honor your preferences. Double down on the healthy foods you already like. Start doing more of that physical activity you already love.

3. Dress the Part

I don't mean you have to go out and get a brand-new gym outfit - but hey, if that would motivate you, go for it! This means that if you have an activity planned for the day, dress for it early. If you already have your running shoes on, you are far less likely to skip your run.

4. Find an Exercise Buddy

A good way to break up the doldrums of an exercise routine and add accountability at the same time is to find an exercise buddy. You will be less likely to miss out on your routine, and you will enjoy it more. It's a win-win.

5. 80/15/5

This is a simple ratio to help you with healthier eating. It isn't meant as a cure-all, but it is a good general guide. 80% of what you eat are healthy foods you already enjoy, 15% are foods you know are healthy but don't love, 5% eat whatever you want. You can tweak the numbers a bit to match your preference.

6. Start Each Morning with a Big Glass of Water

Yes, even before your coffee. This is a great way to get your day off to a great start. You will be well on the way to meeting your daily requirements. Don't stop in the morning though, most of us should be drinking much more water throughout the day.

7. Learn to Cook

It is so much easier to eat healthy on a budget when you can cook. You don't even have to be great at it. Just learn enough so that you can cook more meals more than you order. YouTube is a great place to learn, start by finding a video recipe of one of your favorite dishes.

8. Reward Yourself Without Sabotage

Make sure to reward yourself regularly. Some people may find this soft, but working towards a reward is just human nature. The key is to make sure you don't sabotage your progress. Taking a day off your routine is a reward. Taking a few weeks off is sabotage. A piece of cake is a reward. A whole cake is a sabotage.

9. Don't Let Setbacks Turn into Failure

You will hit stumbling blocks on your path towards a healthy lifestyle. Don't let that scare you, though. A setback is a great way to learn what doesn't work for you. Your results are going to come down to how well you bounce back from the inevitable setbacks.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

A) Think of Three Healthy Foods You Like

Find more ways to incorporate these foods into your daily diet.

B) Add More Activity to Your Day

What is a simple, non-exercise way to add more activity to your day. These are things like parking further away when shopping or walking for certain short errands.

C) Find an Exercise/Accountability Partner

Who is the perfect exercise or accountability partner in your life. Reach out to them to see if they are interested in joining forces.

FURTHER READING

Affiliate links:

1. Eat. Sleep. Move. Breath

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2. Healthy Gut, Healthy You

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3. Wellness: Guidelines for a Healthy Lifestyle

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4. Designed to Thrive: Learn the Untold Truths About Health

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5. How Not to Die

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MGameiro Digital Marketing (mgameiro1970.blogspot.com)

TIPS REPORT 03: A GOOD FRIEND

This report includes powerful tips related to the Traits of a Good Friend. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

TOP TIPS

Have you ever thought about what makes a really good friend? It might not seem like the most pressing issue, but knowing what traits make a good friend can have a profound impact on your life. It lets you know how you should act to be a better friend to the people in your life. At the same time, it teaches you what you should expect from the closest people in your life. If you are interested in knowing what makes a good friend, then please start with these essential traits all good friends should have:

1. They Have Your Back

A good friend is going to have your back through the good times and the bad. It's easy to be friends with someone when everything is good, but who will be there when you fall on bad times? The people that stick by you in those times are good friends.

2. They Are Available

A friend doesn't have to be available at all times for your every whim, but they should be available when you need them. We are all very busy with our own lives, but if you have a friend you love, you make at least some time for them.

3. They Listen

All good friendships need a little give and take. Good friends listen as much as they talk. They don't just focus on telling you all their problems. They actively listen to you as well. Listening and thoughtfully responding is a hallmark of a great friendship.

4. They Accept You As You Are

You are wonderful just the way you are. A good friend will recognize that. They will embrace your authentic self and not judge your personal decisions. As long as you aren't harming yourself, a good friend should support your choices.

5. They Are Fun to Be Around

A good friend doesn't have to be a non-stop party, but they should be fun to be around. You should look forward to seeing a good friend because you enjoy spending time with them. Of course, there will be sad events along the way, but you should be happy to be around your friends in general.

6. They Are Trustworthy

How can you be good friends with someone if you don't trust them? Without trust, there is no close friendship. You should feel equally comfortable sharing your secrets, or letting them housesit. A good friend will gain your trust and respect it.

7. They Tell Us the Truth

Honesty is important for any relationship in your life. A good friend is no different. They should respect you enough, to be honest with you. This might even mean they have to be brutally honest with you when needed.

8. They Are Kind

It is so much more enjoyable to spend time with kind people. You and your friends might get your snarky jokes off about things, but at the end of the day, they should treat you with kindness. Even better is if your friend is kind to everyone, that is a good sign they are a good friend in general.

9. They Build You Up

A good friend should build you up, not tear you down. You should feel confident and ready to take on the world with them at your side. If your friend is constantly nitpicking, doubting you, or otherwise being negative - they aren't a good friend, to begin with.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

A) Think About Your Current Friendships.

Are they fulfilling? Do any of your relationships throw up any red flags? Consider who you should be spending more or less time with.

B) Think About Yourself as a Friend.

Are you a good friend? Do you exhibit the traits of a good friend? What areas could you work on and improve?

C) Do Something Nice.

Think about one simple act you could take right now to benefit a close friend. Now go ahead and do it!

FURTHER READING

Affiliate links:

1. The Business of Friendship

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2. Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

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3. The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship

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4. The Friendship Factor: How to Get Closer to the People You Care for

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5. Made for Friendship

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MGameiro Digital Marketing (mgameiro1970.blogspot.com)

TIPS REPORT 02: SHARPEN YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS

 This report includes powerful tips related to Sharpening Your Social Skills. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

 

TOP TIPS

Do you consider yourself a social person? I think on some level, we all are. Or more correctly, we all need to be once in awhile. Even the most introverted and independent of us, has certain social commitments they have to deal with at times. If you find that you struggle in these situations, you can certainly use these nine powerful tips to help sharpen your social skills.

1. Start Small

One of the best ways to sharpen your social sills is by starting small in your day-to-day life. Small talk is a great way to sharpen your social skills, and it doesn't take much extra effort. The next time a neighbour says good morning, be willing to engage in a short chat.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions are a great way to enhance your social interactions. Instead of asking questions that end with a quick "yes" or "no", ask questions that require more thoughtful answers. This will help keep people engaged and you won't feel like you have to carry the conversation on your own.

3. Seek Like-Minded People

If you struggle in social situations, why not try to make things easier for yourself? Try to find like-minded people that share similar interests as you. You will naturally feel more at ease when you are talking about the things you already love.

4. Develop Your Active Listening Skills

Social skills are just as much about listening as they are about speaking. You should ensure that you are a good active listener. Active listening means making eye contact, using other non-verbal cues and otherwise seeming interested in the person speaking to you.

5. Become a Better Storyteller

Being able to tell a great story is one of the best ways to sharpen your social skills. No matter how awkward or anxious you might feel, if you can tell a story that gets everyone on the edge of their seat or busting a gut you will be remembered. A great way to practice storytelling is actually by writing them.

6. Learn to Read Body Language

You don't have to be a master of body language yourself, but you should learn the basics. When you know what to look out for, you will know how people are responding to you. You will know when to stop talking, as well as when to continue. You will know if people are engaged, or annoyed.

7. Plan a Few Good Conversation Starters

If you struggle in social situations, make sure you have a couple good conversation starters or stories in your back pocket. To begin with, this will make you more confident in your social interaction. It will also ensure you have something to say when the conversation dwindles.

8. Shut Down The Distractions

This is going to be hard to hear for some people, but you should probably turn your phone off. It's impossible to have meaningful social interactions if you are constantly checking your phone. If you can't bring yourself to turn your phone off, at least keep it in your pocket.

9. You Get What You Give

Like most things in life, when it comes to social interactions, you get back what you put in. If you want people to be interested in you, then show interest in them. If you want people to be kind, then show them kindness first. Social interactions are most pleasant when they are reciprocal.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

A) Start With Small Talk.

Social skills are like any other skill, they take practice. Try making more small talk with the acquaintances already in your life. This will let you practice your social skills, while enriching your current relationships.

B) What Are Your Interests?

What are some things that really get you passionate or excited? Maybe you should focus your social interactions on people that share these values..

C) Think of a Few Conversation Starters.

Think of a couple of exciting or funny stories that you can use when conversation starts to stagnate. Try to match the stories to your potential audience.

FURTHER READING

Affiliate links:

1. PeopleSmart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence

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2. How to Talk to Anyone

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3. Conversationally Speaking

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4. Talk to Strangers

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5. People Skills

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MGameiro Digital Marketing (mgameiro1970.blogspot.com) 

TIPS REPORT 01: A SELF-RELIANT MINDSET

This report includes powerful tips related to A Self-Reliant Mindset. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©

This article is from a Series of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to receive a file with all 52 Reports at once, you can subscribe to my e-mail list.

 

TOP TIPS

Self-reliance isn't just for "preppers" and homesteaders - just about everyone4 can benefit from building a self-reliant mindset. Think about it; all it means is that you rely on yourself more. You are more independent, and your success isn't tied to anyone else. You don't have to give up all help and social contact though, simply knowing that you can stand on your own two feet will grant you the confidence to excel in all areas of your life.

1. Believe in Yourself

The first step to being more self-reliant is to FEEL more self-reliant. You have to believe that you can stand on your own two feet, or you will never become more self-reliant.

2. Recognize Your Dependencies

It's important to figure out who and what you are currently dependant on. You don't have to make any major changes at this point. Just recognize your dependencies. This way, you will know what kinds of things you need to learn to do yourself.

3. Accept Responsibility

If you want to be more self-reliant, then you need to accept responsibility. Your actions lead to real consequences, and you need to be responsible for them. If you make a mess of things, you need to be responsible for that, rather than looking to others to fix it.

4. Think for Yourself

You must avoid groupthink and think for yourself. This doesn't mean that you take the contrarian stance on every issue, but make sure you understand and believe in the things you talk about. If you have a stance on something, ensure your stance is not just what everyone else thinks.

5. Be Your Authentic Self

You should know your core values and what you believe in. Furthermore, it would help if you also acted in ways that reflect those values. Don't try to be someone different to impress others. If you want to be more self-reliant, you need to be comfortable in your skin at all times.

6. Make Your Own Decisions

If you run to someone else for help making every decision, you aren't self-reliant. Decision-making can be very stressful, and while it's helpful to get someone else's' opinion, it's up to you to make the decisions in your life at the end of the day. After all, you are the one who has to live with them.

7. Look After Yourself

A big part of self-reliance is taking care of yourself. You need to make sure both your mental and physical well being is taken care of. A poor spell of mental or physical health will almost ensure your reliance on others.

8. Commit to Lifelong Learning

While you can't possibly learn everything, it is important to commit to constantly learning if you want to be self-reliant. The world and your needs change; you need to keep learning, so you are ready to face these changes independently.

9. Know What You Want

What do you want out of life? If you want to be more self-reliant, you need to know exactly where you want to go. What's the point of being self-reliant if you aren't following your own goals?

ACTIONABLE STEPS

A) Brainstorm Your Dependencies.

Figure out the people you are currently dependent upon. You don't have to stop depending on these people, but you should take steps to make you feel comfortable if you couldn't depend on them.

B) List Your Values.

Take some time to think about the core values that you hold. What are the things that you believe in, no matter what? Being true to these is an important part of self-reliance.

C) Address a Weakness.

Think about any weaknesses you might have. Once you have thought of a few, think of a simple step, you can take to address one of them and then take it.

 

FURTHER READING

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2. The Art of Self-Reliance: A Timeless Secret to Success

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3. The Journey to Emotional Self-Reliance

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5. Self-Reliance and Other Essays

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Memory Techniques To Boost Your Foreign Language Learning

Using Mnemonics in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning

So how much vocabulary do you actually need to know before you can “get by” and actually converse in a foreign language? That depends on who you ask, as that tends to vary somewhat.

In his book, “Using Your Memory”, author Tony Buzan says that a mere 100 words comprise nearly 50% of the vocabulary used in every day conversational speech in most languages. Learning the equivalent of these words in a foreign language can help you to quickly develop essential vocabulary for everyday conversational use. But is this really enough?

Link Word Technique

Generally, you can function at the most basic level in a foreign language with a core vocabulary of around 1000 words according to Dr. Michael Gruneberg who formalized the “LinkWord” technique. He claims that, using this technique of linking a word in your own language to a word in the new language, you can acquire a core vocabulary in a foreign language in as little as 10 hours.

The LOCI Method

According to Cicero, the LOCI Method or Roman Room System is said to have originated in ancient Greece circa 500 B.C. When the building he was in collapsed, crushing all of the people inside beyond recognition, the only survivor, poet Simonides of Ceos identified the victims by name solely based on where they had been sitting at the dinner table. The technique was commonly used for centuries by Greek and Roman orators to give speeches without using notes.

The Pimsleur Method

The Pimsleur Method folks check in at 2,500 words as a minimum core vocabulary to communicate fluently in a foreign language. This is much closer to what I’ve actually found in real-world practice to be an effective depth of vocabulary.

Personally, I advocate a minimum core vocabulary in the range of 1500 to 2000 words. Sure you can “communicate” with much fewer words, as few as 500 depending on the context, but you could often sound “strained”, “artificial” or even “childish” in your speech constructions while trying to get your point across.

In addition, if you’re working in a skilled trade, vocation or profession, the minimum core vocabulary count could ramp up as much as another 300 to 500 words. So any time spent acquiring needed foreign language vocabulary is definitely time well spent. In the next article of this series we’ll consider a simple method you can use to start learning key vocabulary right away.