This week in my entrepreneurship course we studied a summary of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R Covey. The summary focuses on each of the seven habits individually and the principles behind each one. I think the seven habits are a great way to organize many important principles I have heard in various places at various times in my life. One of the habits that really sticks out to me is habit number 7: “Sharpen the saw”.

As a missionary in north central Mexico, I had challenges with knee pain. We often used public transportation, but primarily walked wherever we went, as is the common culture and lifestyle in that area. This works great, but in my case, I think I may have pushed my walking pace a little too hard and foregone some necessary breaks at times. My mission president knew of my knee issues and taught me to sharpen the saw, using those very same words. Sharpening the saw means paying attention to your saw when it gets dull, taking the time to sharpen it, and getting back to work, now more efficiently. My mission leader understood that while we had an important work of teaching people about Jesus Christ, I would be limiting my capabilities by continuing to wear on my knee. Since I already had some strain and inflammation in my knee, it would only get worse, even if I weren’t walking quite as quickly as I had been before. He advised me to take a few days to rest, and to gradually make my way back to service while taking care of my knee, without the excessive speed and duration habits I pushed myself to before. I think this principle is important, and one that I can focus on for myself in particular. Sometimes I get focused on something and keep working. I have a goal in mind, and I do everything I can - almost nonstop - to achieve it. Like I learned as a missionary, the seven habits teach to focus back on the physical, spiritual, mental, social and emotional aspects of your life to help us grow and improve.