INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you're trying to breakdance, you can end up flailing around the room, so make sure there's nothing you can break or that can hurt you. Most carpet and hard floors should be ok, just make sure it's not slippery. When you are first starting out, you are likely to fall. Place the mat under your body. Make sure it's non-skid so it doesn't slip out from under you.

SUMMARY: Make sure you have enough space. Pick a surface you won't slip on. Use a mat.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Sign up for the courses required to complete your degree, as outlined by the details of your program or specialty track. One advantage of online universities is that they're usually not limited in terms of class size, which means you won't have to worry about securing a seat. Try to only take a course load that you know you'll be able to handle on top of all your other responsibilities. At first, you may have to fulfill a few prerequisites, like English composition or college algebra, but once these are out of the way you can proceed to the more specialized coursework you'll need to complete your program. Email your academic adviser (one of these will likely be assigned to you as a new student) or the head of your program to find out what courses you'll need to take, as well as the best order to take them in. As an online student, you'll still be held to strict due dates, but the time in between will be much more flexible. You might choose to work on your assignments early in the morning, in the evenings before bed or on your days off. Iron out a schedule that's sustainable and works for you, and stick to it. You'll need to have (or have access to) a working computer with a fast internet connection in order to get your work done on time. Since you won't have the benefit of working in a classroom setting, it can help to set aside a dedicated study space (like a coffee shop or a separate room in your home) to keep you from getting distracted. Different programs will have different formats, structures and standards. To obtain an undergraduate degree, for example, you'll be judged on your test scores, essays and grades on weekly assignments, whereas for a master's or doctoral program you might have to write and defend an in-depth thesis on a certain topic. Be prepared to devote whatever time and effort it takes to meet the demands placed on you as a student. Make sure you're clear starting out about what will be required of you in order to graduate. Keep a planner or journal that you can use to record details about major projects, deadlines and holidays. After you've passed all your courses, successfully completed the requirements of your program and applied to graduate, you'll be awarded your degree. Be proud of your accomplishments! The pursuit of higher education is a noble goal, and one that allows you to shape a brighter future for yourself. Use your new qualifications to apply for jobs and other opportunities that were previously unattainable. Learning is a lifelong endeavor. Continue accumulating advanced degrees to further distinguish yourself in your chosen field.

SUMMARY: Register for the classes you need. Study on your own time. Fulfill the necessary academic requirements. Earn your degree.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The requirements and restrictions to become a real estate broker vary from location to location. Usually, it's required that you're a lawful citizen and resident of the state that you want to practice in and are at least 18-years-old. Some states will restrict someone from getting a license if they have a criminal record. Check with your local real estate commission to see which restrictions and requirements apply in your state. Most states will require brokers to have completed a course-load that includes the study of the different aspects of real estate. These classes could include courses like real estate practice, finance, property management, and real estate appraisal. The required courses that you need to take will differ from state to state. Some courses may be offered online while others will be in-class. Make sure the classes that you're taking are officially recognized by your state's real estate commission. Some states will only require you to take one real estate class. Check your local real estate commission's website to see which courses are required for your license. Most states will require experience working with an existing real estate broker before you can get your license. Look for real estate brokerage firms on job boards or online and apply to a position as a real estate agent. Real estate agents can be involved in the buying and selling process, but can't own their own real estate agency or brokerage. Brokers must also take more courses than an agent. Once you get experience and know what you're doing, you can apply to get your license as a broker. If you take an officially sponsored class, they will usually offer the brokerage test at the end of the course. If not, then you'll have to visit your local real estate commission's website and apply to take the test. Many times there will be a fee associated with taking the test. The brokerage exam will include the materials that were covered in your class(es). This could include subjects like agency management, finance, contracts, ownership laws, and valuation and appraisal. Make sure that you study for the test and get enough sleep the night before to improve your chances of passing.

SUMMARY: Check the requirements to become a broker in your state. Take the classes required to become a broker. Work at a brokerage firm to gain experience. Take the real estate broker test. Pass the real estate broker exam.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Once you realize that comparing yourself to others doesn't work in your favor, you'll look for additional measures of your success. If you start to feel and express gratitude for the gifts that you do have, you will shift your focus from others to yourself. Spend more of your time focusing on the positive and good in your life. You may find that you start noticing more of it when you're not busy comparing yourself to others. A gratitude journal is a way to remind yourself of what you have. This will help you look at things that you may have taken for granted. Then, you can give appreciation to them. Think about several of your best memories. They can be things you did, places you went, friends, you spent time with, whatever makes you most happy. Focus on being grateful for those things. By keeping a gratitude journal you can increase your chances of success. However, just going through the motions without motivation will work against you. You need to force yourself to look at things you may have taken for granted and give appreciation to them. Make the decision to acknowledge the depth of your gratitude and enhance your life. Write in depth. Instead of just making a laundry list of things, give a thorough explanation of a few things that make you feel grateful. Write about surprises or unexpected events. This will give you a chance to savor the good feelings that you experienced. You don't need to write every day. In fact, writing a couple of times a week might be more beneficial than writing every day. By being kinder and less harsh with yourself, you will encourage yourself to go the extra mile and to try harder. It is tough to resist comparing yourself to others. But you are ultimately in control of your life. You make choices to lead your life in a particular way. You make decisions that are best for you, not for anybody else. It doesn't matter what other people do or have. You are the one that matters in the course of your life.

SUMMARY:
Focus on what you have. Keep a gratitude journal. Be kind to yourself. Understand that you are in control of your life.