If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree," Abraham Lincoln asserted, "and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”. In today’s world of chain saw and power tools it’s probably difficult to relate to some simple exercises such as sharpening the axe.

 

Before going to the farm with my grandmother, you take your machete to the big ‘male’ stone in the courtyard with a bowl of water and begin the process of sharpening. This process has its own mechanism, the direction of motion, the angle of inclination, addition of moisture, water or in some cases oil. If done well, your axe or machete is razor sharp at the end.

 

Sharpening the axe could mean different things to different people but in every case, it’s the exercise you do in preparation for the main works you need to do. Stephen Covey talks about production and production capability, sharpening the axe is how you look after your tool to guaranty its production capability.

 

Whatever represents your principal tool of business, take time out to look after it. Don’t be too busy driving that you don’t have time to look after the vehicle. Going to get petrol is not the most interesting exercise, the time you spend in the forecourt is like dead time but it makes no difference how strong or new your car is, it will eventually come to stop without fuel.

 

Today, identify your principal tools of business and set out a plan to proactively look after them. Don’t forget your mind and your skills, times are changing, you must continuously update your skill or you’ll soon be irrelevant.

 

Finally look after your health, if your health fails, so does everything. Eat well, rest adequately and exercise appropriately.

Look after the goose that lays the golden egg, I see her lay more for you.