Sharpen those saws!

Consider the story of two lumberjacks. One lumberjack gets up at the crack of dawn and saws wood all day without taking a break. He doesn’t stop for food. He doesn’t stop for drink. He barely stops to wipe his brow.

The second lumberjack shows up with food, with water and with rags and oil. Lumberjack One asks what all the stuff is for? Lumberjack Two responds that he brought his lunch and some things to tend to his saw. Lumberjack One harrumphs and keeps on sawing away - muttering about how it is a waste of time to do anything but saw wood.

When Lumberjack Two was finished preparing his saw, sharpening and oiling it he got to work. To the surprise of Lumberjack One, Two was sawing at an incredible pace. He easily doubled the amount of wood One had sawed and in a short period of time! Lumberjack One was astonished...

This fable is from the annals of time. I don’t know where it came from (it may be plainly obvious - please share if you know!) but I do find truth in the simplicity of its message - take time to sharpen your saw! You’re not a lumberjack, you say? Well then, be sure to take time for yourself. Think of your brain as your saw. If your brain is tired or hungry, if you are too focused on one thing only without taking a break, you are going to be less productive and less efficient at what you are trying to accomplish. We all need to step away and to clear our minds from time to time. The brain works in wonderful and mysterious ways. Distance yourself from your challenges for a minute, allow your subconscious to work for you while you refuel and re-energize. You’ll come back sharper and crisper and ready to begin anew, both renewed and revitalized.

Consider for a moment where you get your best ideas. Is it while you’re in the shower? When you’re cleaning the house? Listening to music? Walking down the street? Riding your bike? Where do your “A-HA” moments strike? I've had mine on coffee breaks, barbecuing and even working in the garden. Inevitably, i end up saying - this is so simple, how come I’ve never thought of it before? All of these things, these activities that are a part of life – cleaning your house, taking care of yourself (mind, body and soul), connecting with friends and family - these things are all acts of sharpening your saw. Refreshing your mind and your body are essential in order for you to focus on your work and your passions. Consider it one of your tools for working smarter (which is not necessarily harder).

Edward de Bono offers a different perspective. He said that creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. Step away from your challenge from time to time. Let your thoughts incubate. Refresh yourself. You might find a different perspective presenting itself when you least expect it. These can be the unexpected benefits of having a sharp saw.