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

2. 4 Key Dimensions of your Life
Body-The Physical Dimension
Brain-The Mental Dimension
Heart-The Emotional Dimension
Soul-The Spiritual Dimension

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.”

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

8. 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!!

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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!

12. 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