Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

Habit 7, "Sharpen the Saw," is about preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have—yourself. This habit is called "Sharpen the Saw" because dull or rusty tools are much less effective than clean and sharp tools. It's about taking a balanced program for self-renewal in the four dimensions of your nature: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional.

The physical dimension deals with taking care of our physical bodies. It involves eating right, getting sufficient sleep, and regular exercise. The spiritual dimension is about connecting with your inner self and finding purpose and meaning. Activities like spending time in nature, listening to music, or engaging in prayer and meditation can nurture this dimension. The mental dimension involves continuous learning and mental stimulation. Reading books, solving puzzles, listening to podcasts, or taking courses can enhance this dimension. The social/emotional dimension is about creating meaningful connections with others. Building relationships, making friends, spending time with family, and contributing to your community all strengthen this aspect.

By spending time on each of these four dimensions, we create growth and change in our lives. We have the energy and vitality to practice the other six habits and increase our capacity to produce results and handle challenges. Without regular time for renewal, we quickly find ourselves on the path to burnout and exhaustion.

Covey illustrates this principle with a compelling example of two woodcutters. One woodcutter works until late in the evening, while the other stops early to go home. At the end of the week, the woodcutter who stopped early has produced more wood. When asked how this is possible, he replies, "Oh, I stop early to sharpen my saw". This example perfectly captures the essence of the habit—taking time to renew yourself leads to greater productivity and effectiveness.

Practical Example: Consider the case of an executive named Alex who is balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities and personal interests. Recognizing the importance of self-renewal, Alex deliberately incorporates activities from each dimension into his weekly schedule. For physical renewal, he schedules three morning workouts at the gym before work each week. For mental renewal, he dedicates 20 minutes each day to reading books related to his field or areas of personal interest. To nurture his social/emotional dimension, he sets aside Sunday evenings for family dinners and meaningful conversations. For spiritual renewal, he spends an hour each weekend in quiet reflection or meditation in nature. By intentionally investing in these four dimensions, Alex finds that his energy, focus, and effectiveness at work improve significantly. He's more patient with his team, more creative in problem-solving, and better able to handle stress—all while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.