Jo John, a woodcutter, worked for a company for five years but never got a raise. The company hired Bill and within a year he got a raise. This caused resentment in John and he went to his boss to talk about it. The boss told him,

“You are still cutting the same number of trees you were cutting five years ago. We are a result-oriented company and would be happy to give you a raise if your [tag]productivity[/tag] goes up.”

John went back, started hitting harder and putting in longer hours but he still wasn’t able to cut more trees. He went back to his boss and told him his dilemma. The boss advised him to speak with Bill since it seems he is getting result. There is definitely something Bill knows that John doesn’t know. John went to Bill and requested to learn how Bill has been managing to cut more trees. I am sure your guess is as close to mine. Bill’s secret? After every tree Bill cuts, he takes a break for two minutes and sharpen his axe.

The question now is, “When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” I believe this question doesn’t have to hit John alone. You need to sit down to reflect on this. Think on this thing… when was the last time you sharpened your axe? Past glory and [tag]education[/tag] will not do it. So, seek to continuously sharpen your axe.