Once upon a time, a very strong woodcutter asked for a job at a timber company. The manager asked how many trees he could cut. The woodcutter said, “ I can usually cut down about 20/day.” The manager decided to hire him. The woodcutter was very happy. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an ax and showed him the area where he was supposed to work. On the first day, the woodcutter brought in 21 trees. “Congratulations,” the boss said. “Keep going”
Very motivated by his boss's words, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he could only bring in 19 trees. On the third day, he tried even harder, but he could only bring in 14 trees. Day after day he was bringing in less and less.“I must be losing my strength”, the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.
“When was the last time you sharpened your ax?” the manager asked.
“Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my ax. I have been very busy trying to cut trees…
MORAL: Talk about not being able to see the forest through the trees! This seems to be the mantra of our culture today. How many times have you repeated that phrase? I’m too busy! Take care of yourself first, then others. Take the time to sharpen your ax so you can be successful.