Habits-4U2: #7 Sharpen the Saw

“If you don’t take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness.”

— Joyce Sunada

We’ve reached the final habit in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People framework: Habit 7, “Sharpen the Saw.” This habit is all about renewal—taking time to recharge your body, mind, heart, and spirit so you can sustain growth and balance throughout your life.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to keep pushing forward without stopping to care for yourself. But neglecting your well-being leads to burnout, decreased effectiveness, and strained relationships. Let’s explore how you can create a sustainable, healthy rhythm in your life by sharpening the saw.

Sharpen the Saw

What It Means to Sharpen the Saw

“Sharpen the Saw” is a metaphor for self-renewal. Stephen Covey tells the story of a lumberjack who spends all day cutting down trees with a dull saw. He works harder and harder but accomplishes less. When someone suggests he stop to sharpen the saw, he responds, “I don’t have time to sharpen the saw!”

This story reminds us that taking time for self-care—to renew and recharge—is not a waste. It’s an essential investment in your overall effectiveness and happiness. Habit 7 focuses on maintaining balance in four key areas:

1. Physical: Exercise, nutrition, and rest.

2. Mental: Learning, creativity, and problem-solving.

3. Emotional/Social: Building relationships and managing stress.

4. Spiritual: Finding meaning, purpose, and inner peace.

By sharpening the saw in these areas, you’re better equipped to handle challenges, maintain balance, and enjoy life fully.

A Story of Renewal: Breaking Free from Burnout

Consider Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post. In 2007, she collapsed from exhaustion, breaking her cheekbone in the process. She was a workaholic, sacrificing sleep, health, and personal time to keep up with her demanding career. That moment became a wake-up call. She realized that her relentless work habits were unsustainable and detrimental to her well-being.

Arianna prioritized rest, mindfulness, and a healthier lifestyle. She even launched Thrive Global to promote well-being and combat burnout in others. Her story reminds us that no matter how busy life gets, taking care of yourself is essential for long-term success and happiness.

Practical Steps to Sharpen the Saw

1. Prioritize Physical Health

   • Exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep.

   • Action item: Schedule at least three 30-minute workouts this week.

2. Engage in Lifelong Learning

   • Read, listen to podcasts, or take online courses to keep your mind active.

   • Action item: Pick a book or TED Talk to explore this month.

3. Nurture Relationships

   • Spend quality time with loved ones and practice active listening.

   • Action item: Plan a meaningful activity with family or friends.

4. Reconnect with Your Spiritual Side

   • This might involve meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature.

   • Action item: Set aside 10 minutes daily for quiet reflection or journaling.

Connection to Previous Habits

Sharpening the saw integrates all the other habits. When you take care of yourself, you can be proactive (Habit 1), work toward meaningful goals (Habit 2), prioritize effectively (Habit 3), foster win-win relationships (Habit 4), understand others (Habit 5), and synergize (Habit 6). Renewal is the glue that holds all these habits together and makes them sustainable.

Looking Ahead

This is the final habit in the 7 Habits-4U2 series. But the journey doesn’t end here! Wellness is a lifelong practice. Use these habits as tools to create balance and build the bright life you deserve.

How This Habit Improves Your Well-Being

Sharpening the saw ensures that you don’t sacrifice long-term health and happiness for short-term productivity. It’s about taking care of your whole self so you can give your best to your work, relationships, and personal goals. By renewing yourself regularly, you build resilience, prevent burnout, and stay aligned with what truly matters.

Call to Action

Take a moment to reflect: Are you running on empty, or are you taking time to recharge? Review your journal entries from the past posts. Then, pick one area—physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—to focus on this week and write down what you will do to recharge. Make a plan to sharpen your saw and watch how it transforms your energy and outlook.

Remember the African adage: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Wellness is a lifelong journey—let’s pace ourselves and support one another along the way.

Together, let’s create a bright life that’s full of balance, growth, and joy. 🌞

You can get Covey’s books and journals and guides from Amazon.

AMAZON

Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press