Happy Chinese New Year! January is over and we can continue celebrating in February.
Today we will now get going with our next habit: Habit 7 - Sharpen the Saw. Grab your journal and your The LOTUS Within book.
It is also helps to have an accountability partner! Who is yours?
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw emphasizes the importance of self-renewal and self-care in maintaining effectiveness and overall well-being. Just like a saw becomes dull with use, our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health can deteriorate if we neglect them. To stay productive and energized in every aspect of life, we need to take time for regular self-care and activities that restore us. Sharpening the saw means engaging in activities that nurture all aspects of our well-being, which ultimately helps us manage time, prioritize tasks, and achieve our goals.
For women, especially those balancing multiple roles and responsibilities, sharpening the saw is not just important, it’s essential. In the fast-paced nature of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in work, family, and other commitments, leaving little room for self-care. However, engaging in activities that rejuvenate and refresh you can significantly improve your productivity and capacity to handle both big and little rocks in your life.
The Importance of Physical Renewal
Sharpening the saw often begins with physical well-being. Regular exercise, for example, is crucial for maintaining physical health and energy. For me, regular physical activity aligns with several of my big rocks, such as traveling and maintaining my military requirements. Staying physically active enables me to keep up with my physical fitness standards, such as passing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which is essential for my military career.
Moreover, exercise helps me maintain the endurance I need for long trips and keeps me healthy as I age. As traveling is one of my big rocks, I know that staying fit ensures I have the energy to walk, explore, and experience different parts of the world. This goes hand in hand with a long-term commitment to self-care. Maintaining physical fitness ensures that I can continue pursuing my passions, while also taking care of my responsibilities at work and in my personal life.
Mental and Emotional Renewal
In addition to physical self-care, sharpening the saw also involves mental and emotional well-being. Taking the time to read and explore new perspectives is one of the ways I ensure my mind stays sharp. I enjoy reading self-help books and learning from authors who share their insights on personal growth, career strategies, and how to be the best version of yourself. This aligns with my big rock of helping others, as reading allows me to gather new tools and strategies that I can share with others in both my personal and professional life.
Reading also helps me develop a growth mindset by constantly exposing myself to new ideas and experiences. It keeps my mind active and engaged, which helps me think critically and creatively when managing my goals. Additionally, reading is a way for me to unwind and relax emotionally, helping me de-stress and re-center myself after a busy day.
Spiritual Renewal and Reflection
Spiritual renewal is another aspect of sharpening the saw that often gets overlooked but is equally important. Whether it’s engaging in meditation, spending time in nature, or practicing gratitude, spiritual activities offer an opportunity to connect with a deeper sense of purpose. Reflecting on your values, purpose, and how your actions align with your larger life goals can help you stay grounded and focused.
For me, traveling and experiencing new cultures provides a form of spiritual renewal. It gives me the opportunity to broaden my perspective and reflect on the things that truly matter in life. It’s also a time to meditate on the lessons I’ve learned and how I can use them to grow both personally and professionally.
The Connection to Big Rocks and Little Rocks
When it comes to strategic planning and prioritizing, sharpening the saw connects directly to both your big rocks and little rocks. Big rocks represent your long-term goals—your passions, your health, your relationships—and little rocks are the smaller, day-to-day tasks that fill up your time. Without regular self-renewal, you’ll find it difficult to stay energized, focused, and motivated to take care of your big rocks.
For instance, if one of your big rocks is career advancement, but you neglect your physical and mental health, you may find that you have low energy and struggle to perform at your best. On the other hand, by sharpening the saw through activities like regular exercise, mental stimulation, and spiritual reflection, you are more likely to have the energy, clarity, and drive to achieve your long-term goals. Your little rocks, such as completing tasks at work or managing household responsibilities, will also feel less overwhelming when you’re taking care of yourself.
Practical Examples of Sharpening the Saw
Here are some practical ways to sharpen the saw in your daily life:
Exercise regularly: Find an activity that you enjoy, whether it's yoga, jogging, swimming, or dancing. Exercise will help improve your physical health and give you the energy you need to tackle your goals.
Read and learn: Make time for reading self-help books, biographies, or even fiction to stimulate your mind. This habit also aligns with Habit 7 by encouraging a continuous flow of knowledge and personal growth.
Practice meditation or mindfulness: Taking time for meditation helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. Consider starting your day with a few minutes of mindfulness to center yourself before taking on your to-do list.
Connect with nature: Spending time outdoors can refresh your mind and spirit. It also helps you disconnect from the hustle and bustle, giving you a moment of peace and reflection.
Pursue a hobby: Whether it's painting, gardening, or knitting, having a hobby provides an opportunity to engage in a creative or relaxing activity that brings joy and fulfillment.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Saw Sharp for Success
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw is a powerful habit for women who are striving for balance, success, and well-being in all areas of life. By consistently engaging in activities that renew your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, you are better equipped to handle both your big rocks and little rocks. When you make self-care a priority, you become more effective at managing your time, staying focused on your goals, and making progress toward a fulfilling life.
Taking time to sharpen the saw doesn’t just benefit you—it positively impacts everyone around you. When you’re at your best, you can give your best to your family, career, and personal pursuits. So, make sure to invest time in self-care regularly—it’s the foundation for long-term success and happiness.
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