INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The sheet of cardboard can be larger than these dimensions, but not smaller. If it is larger, use a ruler and pencil to draw a 60 by 30cm (24 by 12in) rectangle on it. Along one of the long edges of this 60 x 30 rectangle, stick a pushpin at the halfway point (so it's 30cm (12in) from each end). You can also use a piece of rigid foam board instead of cardboard. Tie one end of a piece of string to the pushpin, and the other end to a pencil placed at the midpoint of the opposite long edge of the cardboard. Keep the string pulled tight and move the pencil back and forth over the cardboard sheet. The string will guide it to make a half-circle shape. Wind the string around the pencil until the distance between the pencil and pushpin is reduced to 2cm (0.79in). Trace a second, much smaller half-circle onto the board. This smaller circle will become the cut-out for your nose. Use sturdy scissors or a utility knife to cut along both the larger and smaller half-circles. It doesn't have to be perfect, but take your time to ensure a smooth curve to your rainbow-shaped board. If this is part of a child's science project, an adult should supervise this task or do it themselves. Scissors and especially utility knives can be very dangerous. Pick a spot roughly halfway between where the pushpin and pencil were when you started tracing. Use double-sided tape or glue to attach the bottom of a disposable plastic cup to what will be the underside of your board. You'll hold the cup with both hands to keep the board in position while taking the test. Stick the pushpin you used earlier back into the cardboard, this time just short of the spot where you originally placed the pencil to start tracing. This will serve as your focal point while you take the test. The pushpin might stick all the way through the cardboard, so be careful not to prick your finger on it while testing! Each strip should be 10 by 2cm (3.94 by 0.79in). Use rigid construction paper, or use markers to color strips of a rigid white paper (like index cards). You can use a different combination of easy-to-distinguish colors, but red, yellow, and green are the ideal combination. Take 3 of the strips (one of each color) and trim off two of the corners on one of the short sides of each. This will create a triangular shape at one end of each of them. When your friend uses one of these triangular strips during the test, make sure they hold it with the pointed end up. Use the handle (the attached cup) to hold the board just below eye level. The bridge of your nose should remain in contact with the small cardboard cutout. Keep the board steady and level in front of you during the test. Focus your eyes on the pushpin that's stuck in the cardboard, and don't look away from that spot. While you do this, have a friend hold up one of the colored strips at one of the far ends of the boardthat is, at either "end of the rainbow." Your friend needs to remain as still as possible during the test. It may be easiest for them to sit or stand directly across from you, past the pushpin. But keep your focus on the pushpin, not them. The paper strip should be beyond your field of vision when at the starting point. If you can detect it being there, make sure you're staring straight ahead and that your partner is holding the paper strip in the corner of the board. Have your friend slowly slide the paper strip along the curved edge of the board. As soon as you're able to detect movement in your peripheral vision, let your friend know by saying "OK" or something similar. They should pause for a moment, then continue sliding the paper strip. If you want to keep a record of your results, have your friend quickly mark this point on the underside of the board with a pencil before proceeding further. Because of how peripheral vision functionsrelying more on the rods in your eyes that are sensitive to movement, rather than the color-sensitive conesyou should notice that something is moving before you can make out its shape or color. As your friend continues to move the paper strip into your field of vision, indicate when you can see more details. For instance, say "red" and then "triangle" when you see that they are using the red strip of paper with the triangular top. If desired, they can mark these spots with pencil on the underside of the board as well. You can do the test as many times as you like, but consider doing it 3 times on each side to test your left and right peripheral vision. For a more accurate test regarding your perception of color and shape, have your friend use one strip of each color on each side, in random order. For instance: red triangle to your right; yellow rectangle to your left; yellow triangle to your right; green triangle to your left; red rectangle to your right; green rectangle to your left. For example, you can reduce the light level in the room, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust, and repeat the test to see how your results compare. Or, you can write random letters or numbers on the strips and tell your friend as soon as you can read them.

SUMMARY: Prepare a 60 by 30cm (24 by 12in) piece of cardboard for use. Draw a large half-circle within the 60 by 30cm (24 by 12in) rectangle. Draw a smaller half-circle with a 2cm (0.79in) radius. Cut your cardboard into the shape of a rainbow. Tape a cup to the underside of the board to serve as a handle. Insert a pushpin into the apex of the rainbow shape. Cut 6 rectangular strips from red, yellow, and green construction paper. Use scissors to give half of the colored strips a pointed end. Hold the board to your face with your nose in the small cutout. Stare at the pushpin while a partner holds up a colored paper strip. Tell your helper when you first notice movement. Continue the test until you detect color and shape as well. Repeat the test on the other side and with the other strips. Change the conditions of the test slightly, if desired.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Show responsibility and enthusiasm for your job by striving to go the extra mile. Finish your work without having to be reminded by your supervisor. When you have spare time, offer to help colleagues. Be polite when offering to help a colleague. Some might not want help. You might casually mention, "Hey Alice, I finished my work early and though I could lend you a hand." Be aware of your surroundings. When you see something that needs to be done, do it. Even small things, like emptying a full garbage can or cleaning the break room when you've got some spare time on your hands can earn you points with your colleagues and supervisors. At team or departmental meetings, pay attention to the assignment of responsibilities. You may notice that one of your colleagues has a big project, which would be a great opportunity to offer your help with smaller tasks so they can focus on what's important. Strive to develop your technical skills. Learn more about your organization. Ask coworkers about their departments. Take a class, read a pertinent blog, or subscribe to a magazine in your field of work. There are many professional associations that put out magazines and newsletters. Search for these online and join them to broaden your professional awareness. There may be a certification or professional accreditation that is associated with your job. These can add a lot to your professional credibility, and can make you a more viable candidate for promotions. When approaching any problem, it's important to be focused on the solution. Keep an open mind so that even unlikely solutions aren't written off. Use open language, like "what if" or "imagine if" to encourage your brain in finding creative solutions. Games that challenge problem solving can help here too. Some you might try include: Chess Video and computer games Card games (like Uno and Hearts) Scrabble You might be surprised at the activities that can build your creativity. Walking, for example, will improve your creativity during the walk and for a short time afterwards. Collaborate with colleagues to generate ideas. Find inspiration in other places, like museums or industries other than your own. Although this might seem counter intuitive, by allowing your mind to wander and daydream, you'll receive a creative increase. When a problem is giving you difficulty, allow your mind to wander for 15 minutes or so, then return to it.

SUMMARY:
Take initiative. Do tasks without being asked by someone else. Seek more challenging work. Improve your problem solving skills. Boost your creativity.