Sharpen the Saw
“So,” I asked, “if the first six habits actually combine to form the two habits of Independence and Interdependence, what about the seventh?
“Seven has always been known as a mystical number, “said Iman.
“Seven days in the week,” Yewell said.
“Seven physical properties.”
“Seven wonders of the world.”
“Seven days of Creation.”
“Seven Deadly Sins.”
“Seven Virtues.”
“Seven Seas.”
“Seven Chakras.”
“Seven Samurai.”
“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” I said, “but what about the 7th habit?”
“The 7th habit,” Iman explained, “is Sharpening the Saw. It means that consistent maintenance is necessary so that your habits can not only be developed, but practiced regularly and effectively.”
Photo by Lars Sundström
“As you progress,” Yewell continued,” some of your goals will change as they are achieved and other roles are developed. Sharpening the Saw allows you to remain aligned with your principles in all of your endeavors and balanced as a whole person.”
“A whole person?”
“Remember when we talked about the trinity of the first habit of independence and how it was similar to the first commandment of Jesus?”
“Yeah,” I said, “love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, right?”
“Exactly. Jesus knew what he was talking about when he distinguished those four aspects. They represent the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical values of humanity. Sharpening the Saw means addressing each of those aspects of your being to assure that they are exercised and cultivated.”
“That seems like a lot of work,” I said.
“Again,” said Yewell, “work shouldn’t be seen as drudgery. This is all part of the mastery of life. That is a joyous endeavor, one that should not be looked upon as laborious toil. The conscious creation of your own life is the most spectacular piece of art you will ever produce. You should have fun with it, not bemoan the fact that you get to take part in it.”
“That’s a good point,” I said.
“Well,” Yewell said sheepishly, “I have been working on it for a few millennia.”
