Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

What does it mean to “Sharpen the Saw”? A quote by Abraham Lincoln helps to explain it: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

Habit 7 is all about keeping your personal self sharp so that you can better deal with life. It means regularly renewing and strengthening the four key dimensions of your life–your body, your brain, your heart, and your soul.

• Body: The Physical Dimension: Exercise, eat nutritious foods, sleep well, relax.
• Brain: The Mental Dimension: Read, educate, write, learn new skills, create.
• Heart: The Emotional Dimension: Build relationships, give service, laugh, learn to love yourself.
• Soul: The Spiritual Dimension: Meditate, keep a journal, take in quality media.

You’re probably doing a lot of saw-sharpening without even knowing it. If you’re working hard at school, you’re sharpening your mind. If you’re into athletics or fitness, you’re caring for your body. If you’re developing friendships or being a good son, daughter, sibling, or friend, you’re nourishing your heart. If you’re spending quality time alone, you’re bettering your relationship with yourself.

You have to protect your sharpening-the-saw time. The best thing to do is to take time out each day to sharpen the saw, even if it’s for only fifteen or thirty minutes. Here are some ideas to take care of yourself and “sharpen the saw.”

• Eat breakfast.
• Start a workout program.
• Get enough sleep each night.
• Read educational books or blogs.
• Expand your horizons and visit a museum or restaurant you’ve never been to.
• Watch a documentary.
• Go on a one-on-one outing with a family member.
• Watch the sunset or sunrise.
• Start keeping a journal.

Take time to meditate or reflect on life. Do what works for you.