Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Art of Sharpening Your Life

There’s an old fable about two loggers working side by side, cutting trees for the same hours each day. During lunch, one would disappear for a while, return, and continue working together.

The other logger couldn’t figure out why the one who took the break always cut down more trees, even though they worked the same hours. So, he asked, “How is it that we work the same amount of time, yet you’re more productive than me?”

The answer came back: “I take time to sharpen my axe during lunch.”

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But the truth is, we make time for what we value. Sometimes, we stay busy to avoid facing what we’re neglecting.

Like the logger in the story, we have a choice: keep going on autopilot or step back and sharpen the areas of our lives that need attention.

Here’s how you can sharpen your axe:

• Soul — Take a moment to reflect each day. Find stillness and breathe.
• Emotions — Guard your mental health. Avoid negativity and gossip. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Join a community where you can talk about your hopes and fears. Consider finding a coach who can help you grow.
• Physical — Go for a walk. Join a gym. Plan a healthy meal and enjoy it.
• Technology — Leave your phone out of the bedroom. Put it away during meaningful conversations. Challenge yourself to switch off for 24 hours each week.
• Financial — Don’t avoid your finances. Take a snapshot of where you stand. Use a simple Excel sheet to track your income and expenses. Knowing where you are gives you the clarity and peace of mind to improve.

Sharpening your axe isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter and with purpose. one small step today.

Whether it’s reflecting, scheduling a walk, or looking at your finances, just start with one simple action. Small, intentional steps build momentum and lead to lasting change. You don’t need to do everything at once — focus on one area and give yourself the grace to grow.

Take that first step and see where it leads.