By Jackson May and Victoria Williamson Sharpen the Saw Chapter Seven By Jackson May and Victoria Williamson

4 Key Dimensions of your Life Body-The Physical Dimension Brain-The Mental Dimension Heart-The Emotional Dimension Soul-The Spiritual Dimension

The Physical Dimension Exercise, eat healthy foods, sleep well and relax Balance is Better Balance and moderation in all things. To perform at your peek you need to strive for balance in all four areas. Each dimension affects the other three. It’s hard to be friendly (heart) when you’re exhausted (body). When you’re feeling motivated and in tune with yourself (soul) it’s easier to focus on your studies (mind) and to be more friendly (heart). Take Time for a Time-Out Sharpening the saw is all about taking care of yourself.

Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Exercise Use it or lose it! Exercise has an amazing way of giving you a shot of energy, melting stress away and clearing your mind It’s all about how you feel, not how you look!! The important thing is feeling good physically not so much your appearance. You have to change your perception. Images in media (TV, movies and magazines) are not real they are “images!” Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself.

Be moderate & avoid extremes. Eat Healthy Foods You are what you eat! Listen to your body. Be moderate & avoid extremes.

Don’t do drugs!!! Just as there are ways to care for your body, there are also ways to destroy it. The Refusal Skill 1.Ask questions- ask yourself things like “do I really want to smoke?” 2.Name the trouble- try and put a face on the idea like “smoking pot is illegal.” 3.State the consequences- think what might happen such as “ if I do drugs I could get arrested if I get caught with drugs.” 4.Suggest an alternative- have a list of fun alternatives such as “I would rather play basketball.” 5.Take off- if you get caught in a bad situation, don’t worry about what others may think, just get away fast. “Sorry everyone, I have to go get milk for my family.”

The Mental Dimension An educated mind can focus, synthesize, write, speak, create, analyze, explore, imagine, and so much more!!!!!!!!!!

Sharpen your mind Go to a library Play board games Learn to play a musical instrument Read a book or the newspaper Travel Debate Watch the History or Discovery channel Listen to the news Write a story, poem or song Find the subjects you really enjoy and build on them. Find your Niche Don’t let school be your only form of education. Let the world be your campus The key to honing your mind is your desire to learn. You’ve got to really want it! You have to WANT it!!

Mental Barriers Screen Time- Anytime spent in front of a screen, like a TV, computer, video game, or movie screen. TOO much can numb your mind The Nerd Syndrome-The idea that it is not cool to be too smart. Take pride in your mental abilities. Pressure-High expectations from parents and teachers can be stressful. The stress that results from success is more tolerable than the regret that comes from not trying your best.

The Emotional Dimension RBA (Relationship Bank Account) Deposits Keep promises Do small acts of kindness Be loyal Listen Say you’re sorry Set clear expectations PBA (Personal Bank Account) Deposits Keep promises to yourself Be gentle with yourself Be honest Renew yourself Tap into your talents Deposits you make into other people’s accounts usually end up in your own! Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier!

Learn to laugh at yourself when strange things happen to you! Laughter Loosens up the mental gears and helps us think more creatively Helps us cope with the difficulties of life Reduces stress levels Relaxes us as it lowers our heart rate and blood pressure Connects us with others and counteracts feelings of alienation, a major factor in depression Releases endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers Promotes good health & speeds healing Learn to laugh at yourself when strange things happen to you! One of the best things people can have up their sleeve is a good funny bone!

The Spiritual Dimension Ways to Feed your Soul Meditating Serving Others Writing in a journal Going for a walk Reading inspiring books Drawing Praying Writing poetry or music Thinking Deeply Listening to uplifting music Talking to supportive friends Reflecting on your goals Enjoying nature Taking in QUALITY media