Learn linking verbs. Commit the list to memory so you can easily identify them: is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been. Other words than can be linking verbs include: appears, seems, looks, becomes, smells, sounds, grows, tastes, turns, feels, proves, stays, remains and gets. Linking verbs are not action words -- they link the predicate to the subject. In the sentence, "Cindy looked upset," "looked" is a linking verb because "upset" is linked back to the subject "Cindy." "Upset" describes what "Cindy" looked like. In the sentence "Cindy looked for her cell phone," "looked" is an action verb. The subject "Cindy" is completing the verb.
Find linking verbs in your writing. Circle or highlight them as you read your paper. When looking at the list of verbs that are only linking verbs sometimes, ask yourself if the subject is completing the action. For instance, in the sentence, "John appeared frightened," "appeared" is a linking verb because it explains John's state of being. However in the sentence, "John appeared on stage," "appeared" is an action verb because John is actually presenting himself on stage. Be sure only to note the verbs that are truly linking verbs.
Look at your linking verbs and substitute action verbs where possible. For instance in the sentence, "Corporate seems better every quarter" take the approach of inserting a new verb: "Corporate improves every quarter." Ask yourself what you want in your intent, and then find an action verb to convey your message.
Another approach changes predicate adjectives into verbs. Change "His face was bright because of the exciting ball game" into "He brightened when the basketball went into the net." Eliminate the linking verb by changing the predicate into an action verb. Consult your dictionary, which will have variations of the word in question.