INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Research shows that the best way to convince yourself of something is to develop a strong argument. It seems people will put in more effort to convince themselves of something they do not believe in than they will for things they already believe in. Therefore, if you want to convince yourself to do something, you need to develop a strong premise for doing it. Grab a sheet of paper and make a list of all the pros for doing this. For example, if you're trying to convince yourself that you can earn a college degree, you might list out increase your skills within a certain industry, get job prep and training, network with industry leaders within the field (e.g. professors and other students), and earn a broad worldview. Think of all the benefits you stand to gain by doing this and list them out. Then, go over this list aloud, telling yourself why this task is so important. Repeat these benefits daily or whenever you need motivation. Sometimes, we argue ourselves out of doing something by giving all the ways we are unfit to carry out the task. Anticipate and counteract this issue by figuring out all the ways you are exactly the right person to do the task. For instance, in the case of going to college, you can cite your grades, leadership abilities, extracurricular involvement, writing and speaking skills all as potential assets for helping you earn your degree. These are all strengths that you can identify to increase your resolve and boost your confidence for actually going through with it. If you are having trouble identifying your strengths, seek input from others. Talk to a parent, teacher, boss, or friend who can expound on some of your positive traits. One potential reason you may not believe you can do something is your tendency to overestimate what it takes to do it. You encounter an unknown and you simply assume that the task is too hard or impossible to achieve. However, getting more information or clarifying what you already do know can help the task seem more feasible. Here are some ways you can become more educated about the task: Conduct research. Finding out all the information out there about a given topic boosts your knowledge-base and improves your confidence about doing it. Ask someone who has done it. Talking to someone else about the task can allow you to have questions answered and some of your concerns alleviated. Shadow someone who is currently doing it. Actually seeing another person completing a task helps you to know exactly what steps are taken to execute it. Plus, the person may not have any special skills or training in the task. If he can do it, so can you. Once you have educated yourself on what it takes to complete this task, outline these steps for someone else. Learning through experience is one of the most thorough ways to solidify your knowledge of a topic. By teaching someone else, you can confirm that you have a firm grasp on what you're talking about. Be sure the other person has the ability to comprehend and ask questions about the specific topic. If you can outline what needs to be done, and answer any clarifying questions that the other person poses, you are probably equipped to take on the task.

SUMMARY: Create an argument as to why the task should be done. Assess what skills you have to complete the job. Educate yourself about what is required. Lay out the steps as if you were teaching them to someone else.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Every vinyl seat is a bit different from all the others. The care and maintenance guide provided by the manufacturer when you obtained your vinyl seating will provide special tips and tricks for cleaning that apply to your specific seat or set of seats. For instance, you might find recommendations or proscriptions for certain cleaning products and methods, or advice about how to tackle hard-to-clean areas of your vinyl seating. If your vinyl seat includes removable cushions, take them off before you start cleaning. Clean them separately from the main "base" of the seat. This will allow you to better clean the back and underside of the cushions, as well as the "base" upon which they sit. Only clean your vinyl seats with soft sponges, dish cloths, and soft-bristled brushes. This will ensure your vinyl seats last for many years. Using steel wool, sharp cleaning tools, or similarly abrasive cleaning implements could cause your vinyl seating to tear. Dip a sponge or cloth into distilled water. Wipe the seats down gently as needed. Then, dry them with another cloth or sponge afterwards. This will get your vinyl seats clean and dry. Distilled water is your safest bet. If cleaning your vinyl seats with water didn't do the trick, try again using soap and water. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water until the mixture is sudsy. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the water. Scrub the vinyl seats until clean. This might best be accomplished outdoors. If you can take your vinyl seats outside, use a hose to rinse them off. This will both keep your floors clean and enable you to enjoy the washing and rinsing process in the open air. Alternately, you might want to clean your vinyl seats in your tub, if they fit. If you cannot easily take your vinyl seats outside, rinse them with a damp cloth. Vinyl seats are pretty tough that's why they are so widely used in boats, cars, and interior furniture. But vinyl can still be damaged. Undiluted bleach, for instance, is too caustic to use on vinyl. Over time, cleaning your vinyl seats with bleach will cause them to break down. Likewise, avoid cleaning compounds containing: concentrated detergents silicone oils waxes petroleum distillates dry cleaning fluids solvents acid-based cleaners

SUMMARY: Check your vinyl seats' care and maintenance instructions. Remove the cushions. Use soft cleaning implements. Clean your vinyl seats with distilled water. Wash your seats with soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaning compounds.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Once you've drafted your speech, re-read it to make sure that you didn't leave out anything important or that you haven't unnecessarily repeated information. The more you practice saying your speech out loud, the more comfortable you'll be giving it in front of others. You can practice by reciting your speech in front of a mirror, or by asking a friend to listen to your speech and give you feedback. You don't have to memorize the speech, but it should be clear that you know what's coming next while you're speaking. Four to six minutes will fly by when you're actually giving your speech, so you should time yourself before you give it for real. You can use a clock, your watch, or your phone to time yourself, or you can ask someone else to time it for you. If a friend helps you, they can also listen for filler words like "you know," "so," and "um." An icebreaker speech doesn't have to be super formal, it should still sound prepared.

SUMMARY:
Re-read your speech. Practice giving your icebreaker at home. Time your speech.