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.

   Have you ever had the following experience? You have been given the task of organizing a conference, which includes a must-do list about a mile long. There are the conference site, the guest list, the materials, the technology and even the food and drink to think about and plan. If you are beginning to feel the stress, slow down and take a breath. 【小题1】

Write down your goals. You will need to clearly define what you hope to accomplish with this conference because this will shape the rest of your decisions.【小题2】

Develop your budget.【小题3】 Then break that budget into different parts such as the conference site, materials and speakers’ fees. Stick to your budget, and make sure your assistants are keeping their monetary limits as well.

【小题4】 When searching for locations, keep in mind the number of participants, the convenience of the location, parking and closeness to public transportation, airports and hotels. Your goal in finding a place to hold the conference should be making it as easy as possible for participants to attend.

Seek help from the staff of the conference site. If you have chosen a site that is known for holding conferences, you can seek help from the staff there as organizing meetings is what they do every day.【小题5】 They should be able to answer any questions or concerns and provide advice when needed.

Of course, full preparations also include a walk-through. Go to the site and meet with the staff the day before to be certain that everything is in place and to take care of any small details.

Habits to Be a Highly Effective Student

Some students are able to get straight A’s and at the same time serve as the president of three clubs. However, some students struggle to keep their GPA (Grade-Point Average) above a 3.0. 【小题1】Although it’s true that everyone’s IQ is different, good study habits are very important. Here  are several habits you should adopt to get good grades.

【小题2】 If you haven’t had a planner (规划薄), get one. Many people use their computers and smartphones to make a schedule. The problem with that approach is that they are major distractions. Instead, get an old-fashioned paper and pen planner.

Create a weekly schedule. 【小题3】 Include time that will be spent eating, sleeping and doing anything not related to school work. That way you know exactly how much you can accomplish each day.

Take frequent, short breaks. Taking a break from studying for 15 minutes every hour will help keep you refreshed. 【小题4】 If you don’t take a break, you may find yourself daydreaming or even falling asleep. Take some time for some water, a snack or a quick chat with a friend.

Take care of yourself. During final exam week, it is common for students to fall behind on sleep and meals. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and have regular meals. Studying while hungry or sleepy is ineffective and will slow you down in the long run. Also try to make time for friends and family. 【小题5】

How to Create a Mind Map

Most of us think visually but write textually. 【小题1】It also makes the information we list more difficult to process，remember，and share.

【小题2】It combines the brain's visual nature with our tendency to write down words. We end up with a diagram that combines logic and order in a less structured manner. This promotes clearer thinking and better comprehension. 【小题3】

So，how do you create a mind map？The most basic method is to just use a pen and paper，or a marker and whiteboard. It begins with a central topic or idea，then flows outward. 【小题4】 The next level of topics is represented by branches extending from it.

There aren't really any rules for creating mind maps. While most flow outwardly from the central topic，some users prefer to build mind maps in one direction. 【小题5】This can make groups of ideas easier to identify（识别）and remember. It also makes a mind map more enjoyable to create and use.

Mind maps are extremely effective for taking notes, planning a project, brainstorming an idea, presenting information to others, and many other uses. Take out your pen and have a try.