Be your Best for Success Be your Best for Success Getting Great Grades Getting Great Grades
Be your Best for SuccessBe your Best for Success
Getting Great GradesGetting Great Grades
Users Guide to the Brain
Brain optimization requires a truly integrative approach
Putting all the pieces together can result in genuine mind / body
mastery
Integrative Checklist1. Immediate Environment2. Water of Life3. Dietary Arts4. Hygiene5. Exercise Arts6. Sleep and Recuperation 7. Mental Development8. Financial Fitness9. Social Interconnectivity10. Arts, Solitude, Spirit
“Those who value their time seek out the experts.”
Take it one piece at a time
Every little bit helps
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Play & Humor PerspectiveKeeping it fun, enjoy the process of improving your ability to learn
Reducing stress around test-taking
The importance of friendship and improving social bonds
Environmental Factors
Good Lighting
Air Quality, avoid molds, allergens, etc.
Ergonomics. Avoid Prolonged Sitting
Connection with Nature (tick awareness)
Hydration and Cognition
Quality and Quantity. Keep Track
Your brain is 70% water…
Drink before you get thirsty
Avoid Sugary Beverages
Food for Thought
The importance of healthy fats for myelination and cell membranes
The importance of quality protein for neurotransmitters
Exercise and Learning
From young children who need to play, all the way to adulthood
Especially before studying and testing
We can get a boost in learning by getting the body moving
Sleep & RecuperationOptimal amounts vary but we tend toward sleep deprivation. 7-9 hrs is needed by most
For memorization and problem solving
Dark and quiet
Circadian rhythm
Study Habits
Chunking into 25 minute blocks
Cyclical Review: 20 / 1 / 4 / 7
Take movement breaks with stretching and focused breathing
MnemonicsMemory Techniques:
Association & VisualizationThe Journey MethodThe Phonetic Alphabet
Review Before Bed and Upon Arising
Goal Setting
Visualize the Grade
Time-Management
Spread the study time out over several days
Study BuddiesSocial circles and learning
Compare notes and synthesize
Research outside of assigned reading,and always be on the
lookout for new ideas
Personal Investment
Time is money
Knowledge is power
Financial fitness is a matter of planning and discipline (just like regular fitness)
Meditation
"Somatic quieting" to sharpen the saw of mental focus
Also good immediately before test taking
Has it’s own rewards:Cultivation of wisdom
Life Balance
Sports and Academics
Other Interests, Arts, etc.
Long Term / Big Picture
Creating Your Reality
“You are your own greatest work of art.”
Clean your brushes
Master your craft
Control Panel Magic
Personal Proactives
Identity areas to improve upon
Doing one thing at a time is enough
Have fun with it and expect the best!
Be Your Best for Success
Brian Paul Allison
http://www.beyourbestforsuccess.com