Sharpen your axe before you cut! by Isaac Cherian

Isaac Cherian, Registered Psychologist

In the realm of preparation and planning, a valuable piece of advice often echoes: "Don't forget to sharpen your axe before you cut!" This wisdom, often attributed to the revered Abraham Lincoln, extends far beyond the literal act of tree-cutting. It serves as a poignant reminder that thorough preparation is a linchpin for success in any endeavor, regardless of its nature.

My cherished professor, who was an ardent lover of nature, including trees, would emphasize this principle. He would share a simple yet profound insight: "If you are tasked with the challenge of felling a tree within a minute, dedicate 59 seconds to sharpen your axe meticulously, reserving the last fleeting moment to execute the actual cut. Neglecting this preparation might lead to an entire day spent laboring in vain, with the tree remaining standing tall."

Clearly, his message transcended the realm of lumberjacking; it was a lesson in the importance of preparation and planning before engaging in any action. It underscores the notion that readiness is paramount for achieving success.

Now, let's pivot this wisdom towards addressing the complexities of our daily lives, particularly the art of problem-solving. In this context, sharpening the axe equates to sharpening one's mind. But how does one embark on this mental honing process?

Our minds function optimally when anchored in a state of safety and security, devoid of the encumbrances of anxiety or other negative emotions. Negative emotions, notably, trigger the fight-or-flight physiological response, temporarily stalling our cortical thinking—the very thinking essential for rational problem-solving.

Consider, for instance, moments of anger. During these episodes, you and I are not fundamentally distinct. We often engage in actions we later regret, recognizing their irrationality once the storm of anger subsides. This phenomenon arises from our minds triggering the physiological fight-or-flight response, effectively pausing our higher cognitive functions.

However, the challenges we encounter in today's world typically demand cortical responses, as opposed to immediate physical reactions. While a physical response might be appropriate when facing a predatory animal, it proves inadequate when, for example, tackling a final examination or navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.

Modern existence presents challenges that our physiology has not fully adapted to address. Our bodies persist in functioning as if we were in a primordial forest, grappling with imminent threats to survival. Consequently, training our minds and bodies to adapt to these modern challenges becomes paramount.

It's worth noting that we perform at our best when we are content and happy. Conversely, when plagued by anxiety or stress, our performance wanes. Our physiological responses have not evolved to align with the demands of modern life. They still echo our ancestral instincts geared for survival in the wild. Hence, cultivating a mindset capable of addressing modern challenges is of utmost importance.

Neglecting this mental sharpening is akin to attempting to fell a tree with a dull axe. Success in the modern world hinges on our ability to adapt and excel, underpinned by a mind and body finely tuned to navigate today's challenges.

Isaac Cherian, Edmonton

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