How to Know Yourself Better

Most of us believe that we know ourselves better than anyone in this world. But a lot of people are still strangers to themselves. Why? 【小题1】 For a person, to have a well-lived life, it is important that he know himself well. If you are one of those who are striving to know yourself better, these steps will guide you.

·Take a moment to write down things that you know“very well”about yourself - your interests,likes, dislikes, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses,hopes, fears, dreams, etc. 【小题2】 By creating a list of your personal qualities that you are familiar with, you are keeping yourself in touch with yourself.

·Take personality and psychological tests. This is another way to know yourself better. The Internet has a rich source of free online personality and psychological assessments and tests. 【小题3】

·Know yourself better by understanding people's opinions of you. 【小题4】 Sometimes, you think you know yourself enough, but other people who see you from their point of view can offer you some insights into how you act and get understood by others. Be careful,however, to balance both opinions to come up with an objective view of yourself.

【小题5】 It's a lifetime process. Every day you will be given new insights about yourself. Writing a diary will help you keep track of these new discoveries. Maintaining that hunger to know yourself better will make you more self-aware, opening up  new opportunities to enrich your life.

   In the United States alone,over 100 million cell-phones are thrown away each year.Cell-phones are part of a growing mountain of electronic waste like computers and personal digital assistants.The electronic waste stream is increasing three times taster than traditional garbage as a whole.

Electronic devices contain valuable metals such as gold and silver.A Swiss study reported that while the weight of electronic goods represented by precious metals was relatively small in comparison to total waste,the concentration（含量）of gold and other precious metals was higher in So-called e-waste than in naturally occurring minerals.

Electronic wastes also contain many poisonous metals.Even when the machines are recycled and the harmful metals removed,the recycling process often is carried out in poor countries,in practically uncontrolled ways which allow many poisonous substances to escape into the environment.

Creating products out of raw materials creates much more waste material,up to 100 times more,than the material contained in the finished products.Consider again the cell-phone,and imagine the mines that produced those metals,the factories needed to make the box and packaging（包装）it came in.Many wastes produced in the producing process are harmful as well.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency notes that most waste is dangerous in that"the production, distribution,and use of products-as well as management of the resulting waste-all result in greenhouse gas release." Individuals can reduce their contribution by creating less waste at the start-for instance,buying reusable products and recycling.

In many countries the concept of extended producer responsibility is being considered or has been put in place as an incentive（动机）for reducing waste.If producers are required to take back packaging they use to sell their products,would they reduce the packaging in the first place?

Governments' incentive to require producers to take responsibility for the packaging they produce is usually based on money.Why,they ask,should cities or towns be responsible for paying to deal with the bubble wrap（气泡垫）that encased your television?

From the governments' point of view,a primary goal of laws requiring extended producer responsibility is to transfer both the costs and the physical responsibility of waste management from the government and tax-payers back to the producers.

   Over the years, I've received a lot of advice from friends and family, trained professionals and books on how to get along with others and build strong relationships. Most of it is insightful（有见地的） and effective but when I'm caught up in the moment, I find it hard to apply what I've learned. This is especially true when it involves a multi-step process.

After analyzing many methods and experimenting in my own interactions（交流）, I've found one simple guideline that has helped me strengthen every one of my interpersonal relationships. This simple easy-to-remember tip is: Make the other person feel important.

No one likes to feel small and most conflicts（冲突）occur when you make others feel unimportant whether you plan to or not. The key to getting along with almost anyone is to avoid actions that diminish others and replace them with actions that build up others. Actually,you can strengthen your relationships with many actions.

When you interact with someone, give him your undivided attention. Don't look around to see what else is going on or check your phone or watch. Take time to listen and respond  accordingly to show  you're engaged. Make the other person feel like he is the most important person you’re meeting with.

Nothing will make someone light up more brightly than showing genuine interest in him. Be curious and ask specific questions based on what you hear. The more questions you ask, the better the interaction will go but keep in mind that you must be sincere. If you try to fake it, people can tell.

When it is possible,show that you consider the other person remarkable. Find opportunities to speak highly of this person to others as often as you honestly can. One trap to avoid is making others feel  more important by putting yourself down. This is never helpful so it's important that you lift others up in a way that respects everyone including you.