What's holding you back from having the life or career you want？The answer for over 50%of people is fear. This can turn up in a variety of ways from doubt，worry，and anxiety. Maybe you've been told negatives（否定）and put-downs over and over again by other people. 【小题1】 It's completely normal to be afraid in these situations，but you have a choice in how you let those thoughts shape your actions.

【小题2】 What's at the root of it？Where do these thoughts come from？Really dig through the layers of the story you are telling yourself and find the reason. It's possible that this belief was given to you by someone else and you've just been accepting it as true.

Create a support system. While you are working，at meetings，or building a business，who is supporting you？Many people believe they are fine with "go it alone"，and don't need help. The reality is that most people who try to do everything on their own，waste a lot of time，and end up feeling burnt out. 【小题3】

Dare to dream. What are your dreams？【小题4】 In fact，all of our modern conveniences: electricity，cars，airplanes，and computers were once dreams. Imagine if those inventors held back because of what other people thought about them.

【小题5】 Understanding where a negative belief comes from helps you move through the fear. Then you can start taking measures that help you achieve your goals. This sounds simple, but in fact it can be the hardest part. Knowing something on an intellectual level isn't the same as putting it into practice. If you want any help around this, consider working with a coach.

   Communicating with your child's teacher is one way to help him succeed at school. But just how often should you contact the teacher，and what questions should you ask？How can you help your child succeed in school？

Jerry Parks，a social studies teacher is. to share his thoughts. Parks keeps in touch with parents through emails，class websites，and phone calls. " Parents who take an active interest in their children's work and school well-being are one of the biggest contributors to my students' success，"Parks says. Children of involved parents typically have higher self-esteem（自尊）and have fewer behavior problems in school. And students' grades usually improve when their parents become involved.

Parks suggests the top 6 ways parents can help their children succeed in school: first，make sure your child is at school every day possible. Missed work is generally more of a loss than made-up work is a gain；second，set a time and a place for your child to do homework. If he does not have homework，have him use the time to read；third，keep in touch with teachers，but don't do it too much. Most teachers appreciate parents caring enough to keep in touch a few times a term but do not appreciate parents expecting to contact on a regular basis. Besides，it seems appropriate to ask the teacher whether she thinks your child is giving his best effort in class and whether she has noticed any significant changes in your child's behavior or grades. More importantly，teach your child to build a character—it will improve social and academic skills more than anything else. Some things are simply wrong，and the world your child will grow up in will punish crimes，so give your child a head start. Last but not least，make time every day to talk with your child about the day's activities. Let him know you care，and really listen to what he has to say.

How to Listen to a Teen's Complaints

As your child reaches his teen years, he's likely experiencing a conflict（冲突）between his social and family lives. This often causes frequent complaining（抱怨）. 【小题1】By listening to your teen's complaints in an active way, you make your relationship better and allow for better joint decision-making.

【小题2】You can see complaints from your teen as natural and positive, though the actual content of what he says might be negative（负面的）. Believe that listening to your teen's complaints is a chance to know your teen better. By psychologically preparing yourself in this way, the conversation will go forward more easily.

Accept your teen's feelings. Understand that your teen's complaining behavior might be wrong but that his feelings are never wrong. Recognize that negative emotions are natural and do not easily fall under the control of teens or even adults. Note that your teen is at least handling his negative emotions in the right way—through words. 【小题3】

Listen patiently and carefully. 【小题4】Listen for the words in his complaints, such as "I am sick of this" or "It's unfair to me". This often shows his feelings. Through body language or eye contact, show your teen you are listening to him carefully.

React to your teen's complaint . 【小题5】 If you disagree, explain why. Finish the conversation by praising him for coming to you and expressing himself.

   Having a roommate can be one of the best experiences in college or, easily, one of the worst. It all depends on whether you have a good relationship with your roommate or not. Follow the advice to avoid the common mistakes that turn good roommate relationships bad.

◇ 【小题1】

Communication is key. If something happens, sit down with your roommate and have a face-to-face conversation. I’ve seen roommate relationships fall apart because something happens and instead of talking to each other, the two start complaining about their roommates behind their backs. 【小题2】

◇ Don’t expect to be best friends.

Some roommates become the best friends, and some don’t. Don’t put pressure on yourself or your roommate, especially when you first meet. 【小题3】 And if your roommate doesn’t end up being your best friend, don’t worry.

◇ Ask before you take.

This applies (适用) to food, clothes and anything else. If you want to keep a relationship going, show your roommate that you have respect for what is his or hers by asking first. 【小题4】

◇ Clean up after yourself.

This should be done without saying. Don’t be lazy. Or, at least, don’t bury your roommate in your clothes and garbage. Most people I’ve come across in college are dirty and untidy. 【小题5】 But putting your stuff in order will help you avoid conflict.