Sharpen your axe

Two woodcutters worked in the forest each day splitting wood. One would spend every hour chopping, while the other took an hour’s break at noon before returning to his work.

Yet at sunset, both men had split the same amount of wood: there was no difference in their output.

Puzzled by this, the non-stop worker finally asked the other, “Where do you go during your midday break? How do you manage to match my output despite working less?”

With a knowing smile, his colleague replied, “I go to sharpen my axe.”

Stepping away from our work is essential for maintaining our effectiveness. What might appear as lost productivity (taking time to sharpen our tool) often yields greater results in the long run.

Like the wise woodcutter, we too need to find ways to renew ourselves. Whether through travel, acquiring new skills, or exploring fresh ideas, these moments of pause allow us to refuel our creativity and gain new perspectives. While there are seasons that demand intense focus and execution, there are equally important times to lift our gaze, expand our horizons, and sharpen our minds before returning to our tasks with renewed vigor.