Problem: Article: Allow about two or three inches of flint to extend past your grasp. Char cloths are small squares of cloth that have been turned into easily combustible charcoal pieces. If you do not have any char cloth on hand, you can also use lightweight tree fungus. Continue to strike until sparks begin to form. Char cloths are specially designed to hold a glow without catching fire.
Summary: Again, build a tinder nest using dry plant material. Take your flint rock (a rock that emits sparks) and hold it between your thumb and forefinger. Grab a piece of char cloth between your thumb and the flint. Take the back of a steel striker or the back of a knife blade (depending on which you have handy) and quickly scrape the steel against the flint. Catch the sparks with your char cloth and continue the process until the cloth glows like an ember. Transfer the glowing char cloth to your tinder nest and gently blow on it to induce a flame. Begin to add increasingly larger pieces of wood to grow your flame into a fire.

Problem: Article: Spend a few hours talking, laughing, or doing whatever it is you do to kill the time with your friends. Boredom loves company, so the more people you hang out with, the merrier. However, if you can only find one person to hang out with, then this will be much more fun than spending the time alone. If you don't have a free friend nearby, use this opportunity to catch up with an old friend who you've been meaning to call forever. Even if you only have five minutes to chat with a friend or coworker, this can help to break up your day and pass the time. Whether you are at home, school, or work, music can help your day to go faster and feel more enjoyable. Try listening to music throughout the day to help pass the time, or listen to a new or favorite song between classes or between tasks. For example, if you are studying, then you could listen to some upbeat electronic music to help pass the time. Or, if you are at work, then you could play a song as a little reward after you finish each item on your to-do list for the day. If you are at home and trying to pass the time, pick a show and binge watch a whole season! This will help to pass the time more quickly by keeping you entertained. Go on YouTube or Netflix and check out some of your childhood favorites: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Kenan and Kel, Blossom, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Step by Step, Charles in Charge, Small Wonder, "Full House"-- see how the shows you used to love have stood the test of time. Or, watch a new release that you missed in the theater, such as the latest Marvel comic superhero movie, or an award winning film that all your friends have been talking about. Most phones come with at least one free game like Tetris or Pac-Man that can keep you distracted for more time than you'll probably care to admit. However, this is not recommended when you're at school or work. If you are at home and you have video game console or games on your PC, then this is another great way to pass the time.
Summary: Hang out with your friends. Listen to music. Watch an old favorite TV show or movie. Play games on your phone.

Problem: Article: Training does not just refer to practicing and sparring - it extends, for example, to obtaining an adequate amount of sleep. Olympians sleep an average of 8 hours every night, so aim to sleep this same amount. In addition, consider taking a 30-minute nap in the early afternoon to refuel your energy levels. Observe your current dietary habits and consider whether there are changes you could make to reach your goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight but you eat huge portions for dinner, you might want to space out your meals throughout the day so that you can burn off more calories while sleeping. Consult a nutritionist to create a balanced diet plan that is tailored to your specific needs and health concerns. While sparring and practicing taekwondo techniques are important parts of training to become an Olympic fighter, you will also want to spend time in the weight room and working on core strength and flexibility. These are areas you must be well-rounded in in order to compete at an elite level. Consider signing up for a yoga class - you will get both physical and mental benefits that could complement your training. Aside from physical practice, Olympic athletes prepare psychologically for matches. Pick a mantra that motivates you before you step on the mat, read inspirational quotes or books, and, most importantly, develop a routine that you do not stray from. Successful Olympic athletes create and stick to a physical and mental preparation routine that will be reassuring when in a new setting for a match. Visualize your routine. Imagine all of the sensory input you will be getting, like the cheers of the crowd, the approach of your opponent, or the impact of your attack. This will motivate you as well as allow you to anticipate some of the surprise elements of the big day, which otherwise could work to your disadvantage. Family, friends, and teammates can boost your energy when training is not going as expected and can also be your #1 source of support when you win a tournament. Keep them informed of your progress by checking in with them regularly. Taekwondo is a full-physical sport that requires a tremendous amount of effort, dedication, and self-discipline. Remind yourself every time you step on the mat that your goal is to become an Olympic fighter and that this is a sport you are passionate about. You could even develop a motivating mantra that you repeat to yourself prior to any sparring matches.
Summary:
Get enough sleep. Maintain a healthy diet. Vary your exercise routine. Prepare mentally. Build a support network. Be passionate.