Here are four principles (行为准则) I live by. Whenever I follow these guidelines, I am at my very best, feeling productive and happy.

Devote time.

No matter how talented we may be, it’s wrong to think we can do it all. 【小题1】 The value of our achievements is greatly decided by what we spend our time on. We need to realize that every day we should devote the time to what matters and have the courage to let the unimportant things go.

Focus your attention.

Very often it seems that we just can’t focus our attention, even though we know what we should be doing, right? Resistance (阻力) makes us get disturbed by distractions.【小题2】 Developing a plan for overcoming resistance is important for maximum productivity.

【小题3】

We need to make a balance between work and play, between creation and pleasure.【小题4】 Even if we feel energetic to work long hours, the most effective long-term way is to hold ourselves back when we feel crazy and follow a proper pace instead.

Keep moving on.

More important than setting big goals is to just keep going. I know this goes against most of the “ set great goals for yourself” advice, but it’s what works for me.【小题5】 And it always made me more worried than it helped. Now, what does work for me is to think about how to improve my life and take small steps to make it happen.

   Every day you have so much to read-official documents, friends' emails, textbooks, newspapers, and your favorite articles and an endless list. 【小题1】 Certainly yes.

【小题2】If you are attempting an exam where you have to comprehend the given paragraphs and answer questions in a limited time then you should know techniques of reading faster. 【小题3】 Yet, another technique for faster reading is skimming-you can use this for reading long emails or articles to get the main idea but obviously, you cannot use this while comprehending the given paragraphs in an exam. However, if you are reading for personal growth then it is not the number of books you have read but how much you have extracted（摘录）out of your readings【小题4】.

【小题5】If you are reading a textbook then keep a notepad and a pen ready to keep jotting（匆匆记下）all the main points. If you think that you will make notes on second reading then remember: there is no time for a second reading.

   Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in the human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people’s depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction. “No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激), ”Edwards points out. “The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

In the study, the robotic dogs, called AIBO, are placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO being placed. Then, the researchers will study the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

“I talk to it all the time, and it responds (回应) to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I’m watching TV, it’ll stay in my arms until it wants to go down. It has a mind of its own.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it is metal and not furry,” Beck says. “But it’s amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds.”

   How did your friendships begin?【小题1】. Asking about the homework in class or complaining about your tired legs after playing in a soccer game. Or you find your best pal by accident. The following is a four-step guide to small talk.

1. 【小题2】

Begin by talking about the surroundings, such as the weather outside or the room you are in.  The purpose is to show the other person that you are willing to make a conversation.

2. Looking for topics

At this point, you and your conversation partner need to find common ground.  This is a good time to ask questions or to refer back to things you've said or heard earlier. 【小题3】. The other person is probably just thinking of something to say at this very moment.

3. Expanding the topic

The goal is to keep the conversation going.  At every stage, you should be careful not to talk too much.  But don't let the other person dominate （支配）the conversation either. 【小题4】.

4. Ending politely

When ending a conversation, let the person know you'll be leaving soon, express your appreciation and set the stage for a future conversation.  For example, you could say, "I really must be going soon, but I had a great time chatting with you. 【小题5】.  Here's my phone number.  Call or text me if you know of any other movies you think I might enjoy. "