Practicing the 7th Habit at iLEAD Flex: Sharpen the Saw This Summer

As summer arrives, we encourage everyone in our growing iLEAD Flex community to practice Habit 7 from Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Sharpen the Saw.”

Embracing Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

“Sharpen the Saw” means taking care of yourself so you stay strong, happy, and ready to learn.

Like a saw that cuts better when sharpened, we do our best work when we renew our body, mind, heart, and spirit.

If we ignore one part, the others don’t work as well — just like a car can’t drive smoothly if one tire is flat.

Baby Steps for Learners

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.
• Read or be read to daily for 20 minutes.
• Write or draw three things you are grateful for.
• Try a new activity (stretch, walk, dance, or sport).
• Spend time with a friend or family member without devices.

Applications by Area

• Body: Sleep well, exercise, eat healthy foods, drink water.
• Mind: Read, write, ask questions, explore new topics.
• Heart: Show kindness, laugh, spend time with loved ones, listen well.
• Spirit: Create music or art, reflect, enjoy nature, help others.

At Home / Family Extensions

• Create a family challenge: Each person chooses one Body/Mind/Heart/Spirit goal for the week. Share successes at dinner.
• Build a Sharpen the Saw Corner at home with books, art, puzzles, music, and games.
• Try new experiences: Cook, garden, visit a park or museum, volunteer together.
• Parents model balance by sharing how they sharpen their own saw.

Refill Your Cup

Taking a break is an essential part of growth.

iLEAD Flex families and staff, take this time to refill your cup, rest deeply, and recharge your creative spirits. We can’t wait to see you return, refreshed and ready, for another amazing year ahead!

Have a wonderful, restful summer!