Habit 7: Why You Need To Sharpen The Saw
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In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“, Stephen Covey discusses the seventh habit, “Sharpen the Saw.” This habit puts the spotlight on the importance of self-renewal and self-care, so that we can maintain and increase our effectiveness in the long run.
Look at it as if you continuously use a saw without ever sharpening it, over time it’ll become dull and ineffective. Similarly, if we continuously push ourselves without taking time for self-renewal, we’ll burn out and become less effective in our endeavors.
Covey breaks this habit down into four main dimensions of renewal:
4 Essential Dimensions of Life (Renewal)
1. The Physical Dimension
We’re talking about the body, that thing you’re walking around in every day! You got to treat it right and show it some love. It’s like a car, if you put garbage in it, it’s going to give you issues. Feed it with the good stuff like fruits, veggies, lean proteins. Have you tried that green smoothie thing everyone’s been raving about? Maybe give that a shot.
You know those days when you’re feeling all sluggish and can barely keep your eyes open? It’s not just about the caffeine. Sleep, my friend! Those late-night movies marathons are fun, but your body needs those solid 7-8 hours. Recharge, reset.
And the third pillar of good taking care of your body, exercise, It’s not just about having a fit shape, it about having good functioning organs. Hit the gym, or if that is not your thing, go for a hike, do some yoga, or even just take a long walk in the nature.
2. The Spiritual Dimension
It’s not just your body that needs a break, your spirit does too.
Meditation is not only about sitting cross-legged and humming, like many people think. It’s that deep dive into your inner self, having a heart-to-heart with your soul. Like trying just sitting still, breathing deep, and letting your thoughts flow, It’s kind of like cleaning out that mental clutter.
Some apps like, “Calm” and “Headspace“, are a good gateway to that inner chat. Helps you focus, slow down, and really tune in. And if apps are not your thing, you can just look for a quiet spot, maybe in nature, and let yourself be. Feel the pulse of the world, the rhythm of your heart, and the whispers of your soul.
This whole meditation gig, is like charging up your spiritual battery. And that self-talk is gold. It’s like catching up with an old friend of yours, the one who knows you inside out. So, maybe next time you need a break, instead of reaching for that remote or scrolling through social, why not take a minute of meditation to vibe with yourself. You might be surprised at what you discover in this little journey.
3. The Mental Dimension
The brain is like a muscle. If you don’t use it, it gets all lazy. It’s like any other muscle, you use it or you lose it,. You need to keep challenging it, giving it new things to chew on. Do you recall that time you got all hyped up after picking up a random book on space and then you wouldn’t shut up about black holes at dinner? Yeah, that’s the energy I am talking about.
Books are solid, but if you are not a reader, although I would highly ask you to try to be, no worries. There’s a world out there beyond books. Podcasts, for example are great. It’s like having a chat with the smartest friends around without actually needing to talk. There’s a ton of them all over the podcasts platforms. Still, I’d argue that books are the real game when it comes to transforming your mindset and feeding your brain.
Games like Sudoku or chess, or even those brain-training apps that are all the rage now are like hitting the gym, but for your mind.
So, don’t let your brain turn to mush. Switch it up, try new things, and challenge yourself. There are tons of fun activities you can do to give your brain a workout, whether it’s picking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or just going down a YouTube rabbit hole on quantum physics.
4. The Social/Emotional Dimension
Lone wolves are cool in movies, but in the real world, we all need a tribe, a crew, some homies. It’s those people who got your back when things get tough, and with whom you celebrate the highs. Remember when your heart felt like it was shattered into a million pieces and your best friend showed up with a tub of ice cream and movies to distract you. Or when you totally bombed that job interview and your sister or brother just knew you needed that night of board games and laughter to get you back on track. Maybe those deep-dive conversations at 2 AM, when you’re breaking down life, dreams, fears, and that random thought about if dogs think in barks. Those moments forge connections that can last a lifetime.
Also, beyond the close community, there’s the broader community vibe too. Like trying to volunteer, there’s something super fulfilling about giving back. It could be helping at the local shelter, mentoring the younger crowd, or just helping a neighbor with groceries, those moments give you sincere moments of real happiness. And it not just about feeling good, it’s about building a stronger community, forming connections, and knowing that in this crazy world, you’re never truly alone.
Sharpen The Saw Examples
1. The Physical Dimension
Example: Jenny was constantly feeling sluggish and drained by mid-afternoon. She decides to switch things up and starts her day with a 30-minute morning jog and swaps her regular snacks for healthier alternatives like fruits and nuts. After a month, she’s feeling more energized, less stressed, and is sleeping better at night. Jenny is an example of sharpening her physical saw.
2. The Spiritual Dimension
Example: Samantha, amidst her hectic life, felt a void, a lack of purpose. She began setting aside quiet moments in her day, sometimes just 10 minutes, to meditate or reflect on her values and bigger life goals. These practices grounded her, providing a sense of purpose and calm in her chaotic world. Samantha is an example of sharpening her spiritual saw.
3. The Mental Dimension
Example: Mike, a software developer, felt like he was stuck in a rut. Every day felt the same, and he wasn’t learning anything new. So, he decided to dedicate an hour each evening to reading non-fiction books or taking online courses on topics outside of his expertise. Over time, he started incorporating ideas from fields like psychology and design into his projects, and his work became more innovative. Mike was sharpening his mental saw.
4. The Social/Emotional Dimension
Example: Carlos always thought he was a good listener until a friend told him he often seemed distracted during conversations. Taking this feedback to heart, Carlos made a conscious effort to be present during interactions, fully opening his ears and engaging in conversations, and actively practicing empathy. As a result, his relationships deepened, and he felt more connected to those around him. Carlos was working on sharpening his social/emotional saw.
Read my article about 39 Easy Habits That Will Literally Change Your Life
