Fitness Minutes 15: Habit #7 Sharpen the Saw

Whenever I feel burnt out, catching up on some sleep or taking a day off helps a little, but not very much. What really helps to renew myself physically, mentally and emotionally are exercise and being involved with activities that were fun or educational.

 
Some years back, after a long week at work, I asked my colleague to join me for some exercise. He replied, “No way! Haven’t you read Steve Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? I need to sleep-in for the weekend to sharpen my saw!”  That was the first time I heard about Steve Covey and the 7 Habits. Not surprisingly, I did not think very much of his “effective” habits as I assumed that it went against my beliefs about exercise.  
 
My opinion of the 7 Habits changed only recently, when I read the book and found out the true definition of the often misunderstood Habit #7- “Sharpen the Saw.” Covey used the analogy of a woodcutter sawing for several days and becoming tired and less productive as the blade became blunt from the process of sawing. The solution was to periodically sharpen the saw.
 
 
What Sharpening the Saw Really Means!  
 
Taking a break isn’t sharpening the saw-that’s putting the saw down. When you put down a dull blade to rest, the blade will still be dull when you pick it up again. To really sharpen his saw, the woodcutter would learn new cutting skills or exercise to become stronger!
 
I am not suggesting that we should not take breaks. Downtime is needed, but merely alternating between work and downtime will result in feeling burnt out and even drudgery! In order to sharpen ourselves, we need to regularly fit in activities that increase our energy and motivation.
 
 
Saw-Sharpening Ideas
 
What I personally find most effective is to combine downtime with ‘sharpening activities’. For example, instead of just sleeping-in during weekends, you could also read an inspiring book or even organize your room. Also, take the opportunity to set some new goals or to review old ones during vacations. Other 'sharpening activities' include:  
  1. Exercise!
  2. Improve your diet
  3. Pick up a new skill
  4. Meditate
  5. Write in your journal
  6. Have a deep conversation with a loved one
  7. Clear out a bunch of little tasks that you’ve been putting off
 
P.S. Spending all your time sharpening and no time cutting is just as bad as spending your entire time cutting and not sharpening. If not worse…
 
 
Health and Energy
 
Hansen Bay
Coach (Life & Wellness Coaching)
BA P.E. (S'pore) NTU
Dip Hypnotheraphy (USA) NGH,IMDHA,IACT
M (65) 97939745
F  (65) 65828922
www.vitagefitness.com
"The First Wealth is Health"-Ralph Waldo Emerson