Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renew to Grow
Stephen Covey’s final habit, Sharpen the Saw, is all about self-renewal. It's the habit that sustains the other six. Without it, burnout is inevitable. With it, you’re constantly improving—body, mind, heart, and soul. Covey writes, “Sharpening the saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have—you.”
The Principle of Renewal
Imagine trying to cut down a tree with a dull saw. You push harder, sweat more, but make little progress. Someone suggests you stop and sharpen the saw. You reply, “I don’t have time to sharpen the saw. I’m too busy sawing!”
This is how many of us live—working harder, going faster, trying to do more without taking time to renew. Habit 7 reminds us that we must care for ourselves if we want to be effective for others.
The Four Dimensions of Renewal
Covey breaks self-renewal into four key areas:
1. Physical: Take Care of Your Body
This includes exercise, nutrition, rest, and stress management.
Why it matters: Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You can’t serve well if you’re running on fumes.
Action step: Exercise regularly, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and rest. Steward your body the way you would a gift from God—because it is.
2. Mental: Sharpen Your Mind
This includes reading, learning, writing, and creative thinking.
Why it matters: A strong mind helps you solve problems, stay focused, and grow as a leader.
Action step: Read books that stretch your thinking. Journal your reflections. Take on challenges that make you smarter and sharper.
3. Emotional/Social: Build Relationships
This is about nurturing your heart and emotional well-being through connection and trust.
Why it matters: Life is about relationships. When we’re emotionally healthy, we love better, lead better, and live better.
Action step: Spend quality time with loved ones. Forgive freely. Speak kindly. Invest in people over possessions.
4. Spiritual: Feed Your Soul
This involves prayer, scripture, meditation, and living with purpose.
Why it matters: This is the foundation. When your spirit is anchored in truth and grace, you can withstand any storm.
Action step: Spend daily time with God. Go on nature walks. Reflect on scripture. Fast and worship. Ask, “Is my life aligned with my mission?”
Sharpening the Saw Is an Act of Worship
As a God-fearing man, I see sharpening the saw not as selfish—but as obedient. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray. He didn't just go-go-go. He renewed. If the Son of God needed time to refresh, so do we.
This habit isn’t about luxury—it’s about stewardship. You can't pour from an empty cup, and the world needs what you have to offer: your wisdom, your strength, your love.
Reflection Questions
Where am I running on empty right now?
Which of the four areas (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) needs the most attention?
What’s one small change I can make this week to renew myself?
A Final Word
Sharpening the saw doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re wise. It’s the humble recognition that we are not machines—we are souls, hearts, and minds that need care and connection.
So take that walk. Read that book. Hug your child. Pray. Breathe. Rest.
And rise again, sharper and stronger—ready to live, love, lead, and serve.
Because this is not just about effectiveness.
It’s about eternity.