A Parable on Working Smart and Growing Mindfully
In a quiet village surrounded by a vast forest, two experienced lumberjacks—Elias and Tomas—set out one spring morning to begin a friendly challenge: who could chop down the most trees over the next few months.
Each day, they rose with the sun, entered the forest together, and began their work. From dawn till dusk, the sound of axes echoed through the trees.
But something puzzled Tomas.
Each afternoon, Elias would leave for an hour. No explanation. He’d simply set his axe down and walk away. Tomas, meanwhile, kept swinging, determined to use every minute to his advantage. He worked hard. Relentlessly.
So imagine Tomas’s surprise when, after a few months, they compared their progress—and Elias had felled more trees.
“How?” Tomas asked, incredulous. “We start and end at the same time. But you disappear every day! I’ve been chopping non-stop.”
Elias smiled. “I go home,” he said, “to sharpen my axe.”
The Lesson: Don’t Just Grind—Refine
It’s easy to fall into the trap of constant hustle—thinking more hours, more effort, and more sweat must always equal better results. But the lumberjack’s tale reminds us:
Productivity isn’t just about doing more. It’s about doing better.
Sharpening your axe can mean many things:
- Learning a new skill
- Reflecting on what’s working and what’s not
- Taking breaks to recharge mentally and physically
- Improving your tools, mindset, or methods
In a world that celebrates being “busy,” taking a step back to refine your approach can feel counterintuitive. But it’s often the most powerful move you can make.
Your Axe, Your Edge
Ask yourself today:
- Am I swinging a dull axe?
- Have I given myself time to rest, reflect, and improve?
- Is there a smarter way to reach my goals?
Sharpening your axe isn’t slacking—it’s strategy. It’s the habit of those who aim not just for output, but for mastery.
So tomorrow, take an hour.
Sharpen your axe.
And come back swinging—stronger, clearer, and ready.