How To Maintain The Cutting Edge Right Now
Sharpening your axe doesn’t waste time. It saves time. It’s a challenge to maintain your cutting edge right now when life as we know it is turned upside down.
“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).
Life feels a little “frumpy” right now. Time has slowed down, entertainment options have dried up, productivity has become limited.
Here are the top 5 things you can focus on to keep yourself “sharp” during these challenging times:
1. Pray first
Somehow, our devotional life goes to “last” in dull, hampered seasons. It should be FIRST!
Our tendency is to blow our routine with God. Now more than ever, we need to set aside a specific time (preferably early) to have fellowship with God. Don’t get religious and over-methodical. Simply sit in His presence, worship Him, and hear His voice in His Word.
2. Personal growth
Maintain your intellectual edge by reading or listening to books or podcasts. Wean yourself off the endless news reports and political commentary. Instead, select 4-5 books of interest to your career and family and dive into them full force.
I have found that reading and listening to content keeps me sharp. It stimulates my brain. It challenges my long held limiting beliefs and opens new vistas and ideas that stretch me.
3. Physical fitness
During this season, you must focus on your physical fitness routine: diet, rest, and exercise. Try not to snack and overeat. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water.
A daily walk of at least a mile infuses you with fresh energy. Going to bed and getting up at your regular times (instead of bingeing video games or James Bond movies until 1:00 a.m.) also keeps you sharp all the next day. Keep your energy level up!
4. Positive attitude
Don’t allow depression to enter your thinking right now. Your thoughts will immediately go to the negative and fearful as we are surrounded by people with masks and endless negative reporting.
Instead, listen for signs of improvement in the world condition. Celebrate the milestones of recovery developments. Make plans for your later stages of life and expect an amazing future.
5. Partnership
Don’t be alone! “Distance” does not mean “isolation.” The more we isolate ourselves we turn inward and lose our sense of purpose.
Get with your family if possible. Develop online relationships and support calls. Focus on the deepening of marriage and family relationships since this opportunity may never happen in quite the same way again.
I’ve never seen a knife sharpen itself.
A tool that is already sharpened will be the one used.
Use this time in the “waiting room” of your life to focus on planning, preparing, and performing tasks you never have time to do.
You will emerge from this season with your “cutting edge” intact!