In early 2022, as a young social media manager and digital marketer, I had the opportunity to work with an experienced consultant named Scott. At that time, I had no inkling that this encounter would shape my professional journey in unforeseen ways, nor could I have imagined the profound impact this experience would have on me, which I wouldn't fully appreciate until 2023.
Our collaboration centered on the creation of videos. I was responsible for video editing and online content posting, while Scott's rich background as a successful business owner lent depth to his insights. He had successfully launched his own businesses before transitioning into consultancy, and this perspective added a unique layer to our working dynamic.
It was during this period that Scott introduced me to Stephen R. Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." While I won't delve into the details of the other six habits, I encourage you to explore the book yourself. The one habit I want to discuss is Habit 7, "Sharpening the Saw," a concept Scott mentioned in one of our video shoots. In early 2022, I failed to grasp its significance, but it was a lesson that would only become clear to me in 2023.
Sharpening the Saw is a practice of taking a step back and investing in self-improvement. Regardless of your profession or personal interests, this habit encourages you to pause, reevaluate, and enhance your skills and knowledge. Imagine a basketball player taking time off to master a new dribbling technique, or a digital marketer, like me, learning the intricacies of Google Analytics. The underlying principle is simple yet profound: acquiring new skills and taking time to hone your abilities provide a significant competitive edge.
The analogy Stephen R. Covey uses is that of cutting down a tree with a dull, worn-out saw. It's a laborious and time-consuming task. However, if you invest time in sharpening the saw, the job becomes significantly easier and more efficient. This analogy encapsulates the essence of Habit 7. It applies to all aspects of life, personal and professional. When we invest in self-improvement and skill development, we become highly effective in our chosen pursuits.
As a digital marketer, the ever-evolving landscape of technology and social media requires constant adaptation and improvement. Embracing Habit 7 has allowed me to stay at the forefront of my field, keeping pace with changing trends and consistently delivering exceptional results for my clients.
If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of your career or daily life, remember the wisdom of Habit 7: take a break, invest in yourself, acquire new skills, and sharpen your saw. The lesson that Scott, the seasoned business owner, indirectly passed on to me, and that only became clear in 2023, is the key to becoming highly effective in whatever you do.