Wow- what a gap in timing y’all. I apologize for not being as consistent with blogging. With the new year, I’m going to push myself to start applying more touch points since we are making it past the holidays. 

If you’ve taken the time to read through the other six habits, I’m hoping you’ve taken some of the advice and decided to apply it both personally and professionally. Have you felt any improvements in your work place? If you simply are just challenging your way of thinking- that’s a win. Reminding myself of these habits, and other key learnings are a constant battle. It’s not easy to stay 100% consistent with things, but what’s important is that we try and we make small strides to better ourselves. 

This leads into Habit 7, the final habit. It’s about sharpening the saw. This means sharpening, and enhancing you as a person. This means hitting on improvements physically, socially/emotionally, mental, and spiritual. If you’re not always looking at sharpening yourself to be better in some aspect, you’re stalling out. You’re not growing, or evolving. 

The book breaks down the four aspects of sharpening yourself further that will benefit many things in your life. Lets go through each one. I’ll share what my perspective is on each, and how I’ve been pushing myself.

• Physical
  • Beneficial eating, exercising, and resting

Years ago I was an avid cross country runner. After high school, I decided to take more of a back seat to exercise. I went out and partied in my college years. I may not have looked unhealthy, but was I trying to model my best self? No. I also knew that the years ahead are my prime. I’m single, and I wanted to be the best version of myself for me, but I also wanted to obtain the most fitting partner for myself that had similar views. I was very self-conscious of the gym, and my body. Remember that we all have a warped view of ourselves. I decided to get over this, and I wanted to learn. I took a few lessons on how to navigate the gym, and pushed myself to be consistent of going. I eventually got into the best shape of my life over a few years. I started eating better, and now I’ve been focused on how to rest my mind/take care of my mind more in various ways. Am I consistent with this? No. However, I know it will take time. I’m proud of myself for trying. Be kind to yourself. 

• Social/Emotional 
  • Making social, and meaningful connections with others

This one is a consistent work in progress. If you meet me in work settings, you’ll think I’m this very vibrant guy that feels comfortable talking with anyone. WRONG. I’m actually an introvert at heart, but crave social experiences. Weird mix right? As I’m getting older, I’m realizing that sitting at home isn’t allowing me to expand. Networking, and meeting people are absolutely essential. However, doing this in a setting that resembles your ideals are very important. Now, I’m not saying don’t get yourself uncomfortable by learning from people with different perspectives. That’s important. However, don’t subject yourself to scenarios that you don’t really care for- that aren’t healthy. I had to learn to say ‘No’ to that more, and I’m happy I have. Protect your personal time. 

• Mental
  • Learning, reading, writing, and teaching

This is one that’s newer to me. Sometime last year I had this craving to read, and to learn new perspectives. I wanted to better understand my way of thinking, and others way of thinking. As I’ve mentioned in past posts, I’ve taken on reading a little a night. I’m up to nine books completed, and I’ve started a new one for the new year. PS, I’m really excited to recap this next one. Brené Brown, I love you! I started this website to help get my thoughts out there since it helped others in my personal experiences, and you could almost say I use this platform to potentially teach others. Again, am I consistent? No. However, I’m trying to hold myself accountable to be more consistent. This is such a new habit and routine, that it’s going to take me months or maybe years to have it as a consistent routine. 

• Spiritual
  • Spending time in nature, expanding spiritual self through meditation, music, art, or service. 

What I’ve been more understanding of is that ‘spiritual’ means different things to different individuals. My philosophy is that if it provides a sense of peace and kindness to others- I don’t care what you call it. I grew up in a Catholic household. Church has not been something I’ve been very focused on as I’ve gotten older, however, I do have a personal belief and relationship with God. Praying, and meditating helps ground me when my mind feels like it’s spinning out of control. It’s insane how a ten minute meditation can completely change the projection of your thoughts. I also think at times we feel ‘bad’ when we want alone time. Why? I like to visit the beach alone. This is where I collect myself, I write, and I read. I’m not afraid to tell friends that I need this time. As friends, they respect it. I always tell others that if you’re not taking true time for yourself to be alone, that’s a problem. We sometimes numb ourselves with experiences versus being alone. Does being alone give you anxiety? If so, you should dig into that a little further and figure out why. 

Remember that you don’t need to go to dramatic lengths to sharpen your saw. Something small is such a huge win because you’re trying. If you’ve read all seven habits you’re open to making substantial changes. Nice job, and keep up the great work. I’m excited for you to continue following my blogs, and don’t be afraid to offer your insight on how you’ve applied any of these habits to your personal and professional life.