This is the final installment in a series reviewing Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Habit Seven, “Sharpen the Saw”, cultivates all other six habits by preserving and enhancing the greatest asset we have – ourselves. Just as the lumberjack becomes ineffective with a dull blade, we are ineffective if we do not continuously work to keep ourselves sharp. To do this, Covey suggests that we focus on four personal areas: our physical body, our mind, our spiritual dimension, and our emotional being.
Sharpening the saw means taking care of your body. Physically exercising for at least two hours a week will leave you feeling refreshed and emotionally stronger. While exercise is good for persons of all ages, it is especially important for senior citizens. Locally, there are many exercise opportunities for seniors. P.A.C.E. classes (Persons with Arthritis Can Exercise), for example, are offered free of charge (or for a nominal fee) several times each week throughout Ardmore, including Ardmore Village. Varying levels of P.A.C.E. class make it possible for each person to meet their specific needs and capabilities.
Secondly, sharpen your saw by regularly challenging your mind. Often, once we leave school, we get out of the habit of reading and writing. Covey suggests setting the goal of reading at least one book each month and keeping a daily journal. Studies show that active minds prevent many illnesses including depression and dementia.
Third, sharpening the saw includes focusing on your spiritual dimension, which Covey broadly defines as your personal value system. Although this is a very private area, it is there and should not be ignored. It too needs regular attention because it gives balance and wisdom to your life. Exercise your spiritual dimension by drawing on inspirational and uplifting sources that renew and refresh you. These sources might include such things as poems, your mission statement, books, or religious materials.
Each morning, for example, one of my co-workers reads to the rest of us from her “quote-for-the-day” calendar. While some of the quotes are silly anecdotes, most of them are statements that help me remember to focus on what is truly important and to let go of the peripheral distractions weighing me down.
Lastly, sharpening the saw means exercising your emotional being. The greatest battles are fought out in our inner silent chambers. If you settle the battles there by dealing with your internal conflicts, you will feel an inward sense of peace, an inward sense of “I know what I am about.” Settling your private issues strengthens your public self. You will tend to think more cooperatively about the welfare and good of other people. You will be genuinely happy for the successes of others.
Improve the quality and effectiveness of every hour by sharpening your saw regularly.
|
