INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A mission statement that really matters will introduce a new sense of meaning to your work. When you feel that your work has value, it will be easier to invest more time and energy into it. Mission statements also serve as helpful guides when you develop new ideas. Coming up with an innovative idea can be intimidating when you're staring at a blank sheet of paper. A mission statement puts something on that paper for you to work from, which can make the brainstorming process easier. When it's time to brainstorm a new idea, turn to your mission statement and ask yourself if there are facets that have not yet been adequately addressed. Start working from whichever aspect of your mission is currently weakest. Ask questions about everything, even the things you already think you know. You may discover a new way to approach something you previously believed to be set in stone. Try looking at something you do each day. Ask yourself who else does it and how they might do it differently. There are many ways to approach most tasks, and if you assume that yours is the best, you're taking a fairly big risk. When analyzing different methods, ask yourself why the person who started the method chose to pursue it. Consider whether other alternatives were considered and rejected. Also ask yourself if other assumptions or constraints limited that source's actions. Concerning both familiar and unfamiliar methods, ask yourself what your complaints are about those methods and what your friends' or colleagues' complaints might also be. "Book learning" is great, but it will only take you so far. Only by getting out into the field and gaining firsthand knowledge of the way things really work can you hope to understand how to streamline and improve on things within that field. Keep in mind that the knowledge available in books was first discovered by people who didn't have such books to work with. They were people who experienced matters for themselves, and their experiences brought about information that would last beyond their own lifetimes. No two people see the world in exactly the same way. By viewing or experiencing something for yourself, you bring your own unique set of questions and beliefs to the table. As such, you might be able to make observations no one else has made yet. Some unique observations may lead nowhere, but others can lead you toward new innovations within the field. It pays to get inside your customers' heads. Standard customer service will only benefit you so much, though. You'll need to care about your customers as much as you care about their patronage if you want to think up new ways to address their needs and wants. Get to know your customers as thoroughly as your resources will allow. Try not to rely on secondhand accounts provided by consultants or research. Instead, connect with your customers directly. When you start from scratch, your official market doesn't exist yet. You'll need to spend time getting to know prospective customers in your target market, as well as prospective partners and suppliers. Gain inspiration from as many sources as possible. New ideas won't necessarily strike during the time you've allotted for inspiration. They often come when you least expect them to do so, and may even come from sources you'd never expect. If you're working with others in a shared space, try posting an idea board in an area everyone passes by. The people in your team can post problems and ideas to the board. Other teammates should respond to those issues as they see fit. This continual exchange of knowledge can lead to new and exciting ideas. Listen to others and hear what they have to say about some of the issues you're working on. You don't need to directly ask them for help with your project, but by observing the complaints and concerns they express, you might gain a better perspective on how to approach the matter.

SUMMARY: Develop a meaningful mission. Question everything. Gain firsthand knowledge. Care about your customers. Keep your eyes and ears open.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Cats need their own private space to feel happy. Don't always try to interact with them and let them do their own things. Let the cat have a quiet space in the house where the children will not harass it. A cat's personal space doesn't have to be big. Cats love confined spaces, such as cardboard boxes, and will happily use them to take a nap. Try to grow a plant of cat grass near your cat's private space. This special plant helps their digestive system and doesn't trigger vomiting like garden grass. You can buy a basket for your cat at the pet shop. Look for one model that you can clean easily as it can get dirty or smelly over time. Let your cat look at a window. They love observing birds and people. Cats are independent animals and will cope well when you're at work. You can, however, make sure that they have enough toys to keep busy. You can buy cat toys in most pet shops and supermarkets. When you come home, don't forget to play! Cats need exercise. You can also do your own cat toys. Attach a piece of string on a door handle and let the cat go wild. Alternatively, you can offer your cat a ball. Your animal will chase it as a mouse. Don't forget to provide a scratching post or else your couch will suffer. Use a laser or a flashlight and point it at the floor. Your cat will try to catch the light and will get very excited. Cats work well on their own but are also happy to have company. You could consider taking another cat if you work long hours and if you have the space and the energy. Don't forget to neuter them or you might end up with a feline army! To introduce a new cat, use the following steps: The resident cat will often display hostility at first. Isolate the new cat at first and let it get used to the room. Your old cat will not see it but will be able to scent it. Introduce your cats at mealtime but put the feeding stations at opposing sides of the room. Separate them after the meal and start again for the next days. After a few more days, let them meet but always monitor the situation. If there is any violence, separate them quickly and repeat the next day.

SUMMARY: Give your cat freedom. Provide entertainment. Adopt another cat.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It is recommended that you store it in a smaller Tupperware container, so that you can clean food off the crock pot just after it cools down. If your crock pot has a removable stoneware container, remove it from the heating portion to cool. Place it on a stove top. If you cannot remove the inner portion of the crock pot, you must make sure the device is unplugged and cooled completely before cleaning with water. Crock pots should be fairly easy to clean. If there is baked on food, allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes in warm soapy water. Removable stoneware containers can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you have repeated problems with hard to remove food, you may be cooking the ingredients for too long. Do not use scouring pads to clean the crock pot, or it may damage the surface. Wipe dry. Wipe dry after cleaning to reduce the likelihood of spots.

SUMMARY:
Remove leftover food from your crock pot. Clean with warm soap and water. Wipe the heating base with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Remove water spots with vinegar. Finished.