You might be familiar with Steven Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People”. In the book, he talks about the concept of “Sharpening the Saw”. His metaphor is that if you were to spend 8 hours cutting down trees, he invest 6 hours sharpening the saw. Don’t quote me on the exact numbers, it has been a while since I read the book.

The point is, he would invest the time in making sure his tools were in tip top condition to be able to do the job easily, quickly and efficiently which would ultimately produce more result.

The same can be said for us. We need to make sure our equipment is in tip top condition. I am referring to your brain and your mind of course.

With the current isolation, I’ve noticed that many people are starting to struggle mentally and emotionally from not being connected to their workmates and family members.

We can alleviate some of the struggle if we “sharpen our brain”.

Here are a couple of quick tips to help you do that:

1. A couple of times a day, stop and think about all the things you can be grateful for right now. According to David Bayer, gratitude is your credit line to the universe. It will help you raise your energy.

2. Do some exercise, even if it’s only a walk outside. Do something and get your body moving.

3. Do something you enjoy. When you feel good, you raise your vibration and when you raise your vibration and get into the Powerful State, more ideas and inspiration will come to solve problems.

4. Be aware of your thinking. If it doesn’t feel good, it’s not true. Look for the opposite of what you are thinking and find the evidence for how that is true.

5. Visualise the outcome you want. Your brain is a goal achieving machine. It will bring you what you focus on, so focus on what you want, and finally, 

6. Maybe the most important, ask yourself better questions. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” “Why aren’t I coping with this?” Ask a better question, “What can I do to cope better?” “How can I make the most of this situation?”

If we look after our equipment, if we maintain it, we will be able to get the most out of it. 

Are you looking after your equipment?