The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

 

Staying Sharp Means Stepping Back

Ever tried taking down a tree with a dull saw? It’s frustrating, takes way more effort than it should, and worst of all, you can end up hurting yourself or others around you.

That’s the gist of Stephen Covey’s Habit 7 from his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Sharpen the Saw.” Just like a dull saw can’t cut through wood efficiently, a depleted leader can’t think clearly, inspire others, or make wise decisions.

Habit 7 calls for rest and renewal as essential disciplines for high-performing leaders to achieve sustainable success, not as luxuries for the tired or weak.

But where should a leader focus when taking a step back to reload? Covey identifies four areas of renewal - physical, mental, emotional/social, and spiritual. Leaders who intentionally invest in these areas are more effective, balanced, and resilient, especially when navigating stress, setbacks, or major transitions.

 

Sharpen Your Saw by Focusing on These Four Areas

The good news is you don’t have to master all four areas at once. Start small. Select one area that feels most neglected and build upon it. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about honoring rhythms of renewal that keep your edges sharp.

Focus on these four areas:

• Physical
  Use energy as your foundation. Leaders prioritizing sleep, movement, and nutrition are more focused, less reactive, and better prepared for challenges.

• Mental
  Lifelong learning is the name of the game. Staying curious, expanding your thinking, and remaining mentally agile help leaders solve problems and identify opportunities others miss.

• Emotional/Social
  Leadership is all about building relationships. Cultivating empathy, connection, and emotional intelligence fosters a stronger culture and enhances team unity.

• Spiritual
  It’s about purpose. Leaders who reflect on what matters most and live in alignment with it inspire others through authenticity and conviction.

 

It’s More Than Avoiding Burnout

Executive Agenda Chair Kerry Arent emphasizes that sharpening the saw is not just about preventing burnout, it’s about staying sharp enough to lead at a high level, year after year.

"I’ve seen many executives power through for months, sometimes years, without truly pausing to reflect or recharge. Eventually, they hit a wall. It’s not a matter of if but when. Habit 7 gives us the permission and the responsibility to slow down so we can speed up with clarity and purpose. When leaders take time to renew, their teams notice. It fosters a culture where balance is not just preached but also modeled. And it leads to even greater performance."

_{~ Kerry Arent, Executive Agenda Group Chair}

 

For leaders at any stage of their careers, continuous renewal is the fuel that sustains personal growth and professional excellence. Whether it’s reading, reflecting, exercising, meditating, or seeking mentorship, consistency matters most.
 

Not Running on Empty, but Revitalized

The most successful leaders aren’t the ones who grind the hardest. They are the ones who know when to pause, recharge, and come back sharper. Habit 7 is what allows all the other habits to last over time.

Within Executive Agenda, this habit is woven into the very fabric of what the organization offers. Spaces for reflection, access to peers, and room to grow both personally and professionally. Leadership isn’t static. It evolves. And Habit 7 reminds us to evolve with it intentionally.