This is one of my favorite stories! A tip of the hat to Stephen Covey!
Once upon a time….
A new lumberjack started on the job one bright Monday morning. Even though he was brand new, he cut down twice as many trees as the most senior lumberjack. Quite pleased with himself, he returned the next day. At the end of the day he found that he had done LESS than the day before. Perhaps he simply worked harder the first day.
He returned the third day determined to improve. At the end of the day, he found that he had accomplished even less than the day before. It must be technique, he decided.
He returned the fourth day and paid careful attention to how the more seasoned veterans worked. Imitating their movements and working as hard as he could, he was dismayed to find that he had accomplished even less that day.
Exhausted and frustrated he asked one of the old timers what he was doing wrong. “I am working harder than ever! I have studied how you do it and improved my technique with no results. I’m ready to quit!” He exclaimed.
The older man simply replied
The older man simply replied
“Son, you’ve got to sharpen your saw”.
All too often we feel that we are too “busy” to take the time to sharpen our saw… to refine our processes… to strengthen our skill set. We continue to labor with little results. The reality is that sacrificing the time it takes to sharpen the saw saves us time and makes us money!
Make the commitment to sharpen your saw:
· On-going education (experts, speakers and company events)
· Reading motivational books, scriptures, stories
· Working with a Coach who improve your techniques
· Learning from others who have been where you are
· Coming together with others of a similar mind, with similar goals
· Seeking out positive people and limit your contact with negative people
· Learn to unplug and recharge your batteries
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Michelle Archer is a certified coach with nearly 25 years experience in direct sales. Michelle works with companies and individuals to explode their business potential. Connect with her on Facebook Learn more at http://directsalesinstitute.com/
Michelle Archer 