Urban legend states that Abraham Lincoln once said, 'Give me 6 hours to cut down a tree, and I'll spend 4 hours sharpening my axe.' If the quote did come from President Lincoln, it comes from a man who never lost sight of bettering himself despite suffering, struggling, and failing most of his life. In today's fast-paced society, it is easy to lose sight that we must prioritize setting aside time to better ourselves intentionally.
Here are four areas that I believe you need to be intentional about improving yourself.
SPIRITUALLY - There is deep value in spending time wrestling daily with one simple question: 'What's your purpose?' To pursue the answer to this question, you'll need to spend a lot of time reflecting on what's important. For me, I'm a follower of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible. Based on the Bible, my purpose is to enjoy a relationship with the one who created me and do everything I can to draw attention to Christ. I spend a lot of time reading and reflecting on this. *Suggested reading: The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
PHYSICALLY - We are physical beings. Research is extensive on the holistic value of caring for our physical bodies. It's so essential that I advocate for a daily habit of physical exercise. My simple definition of 'physical exercise' is a movement that makes me sweat a lot. My preferred method is strength training. *Suggested reading: ‘The Compound Effect’ by Darren Hardy
RELATIONALLY- The quality of our relationships directly impacts how we enjoy life. Life is so busy that I think you need to have habits to develop relationships that we all used to have time for. For example, when we are together, my wife and I go out for coffee every Saturday and Sunday morning—the 15-minute round-trip and ensuing conversation plant important seeds that harvest a stronger marriage throughout the busy weeks. *Suggested reading: ‘The Emotionally Healthy Leader’ by Peter Scazzerro
PROFESSIONALLY - This is the final priority, yet many place it first. If you can develop healthy 'axe sharpening' habits in the previous three areas, this area find its proper place. Identify certifications, degrees, fellowships, and cohorts that will push you forward. Make a plan for what you will take on and then get after getting better in your craft. *Suggested reading: ‘Know What You’re For’ by Jeff Henderson
We all spend an enormous amount of time 'swinging our axe.' We should devote tremendous time 'sharpening our axe' too!
Keep on, keepin’ on, friends!
Bite Down and Don’t Let Go is a collection of writings on relentlessly leading yourself and others well. Read about it more here. You can listen to the Bite Down and Don't Let Go podcast here!
Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader with more than two decades of experience. He’s earned a few degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school sweetheart, and they have three children. Life is messy and complicated most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter for inspirational thoughts and good laughs.
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