![\"Sharpening](\"https:\/\/sidewaysthoughts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/SharpeningTheSawExamples1.jpg\" "\\"Sharpening")
<\/p>\nHabit Seven proposes that the four areas of physical, mental, spiritual and social renewal should be planned and integrated. Far from having all the answers, I explore what may be the most difficult habit from a personal perspective.<\/p>\n
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Covey uses the metaphor of sharpening a saw to make your tree cutting efforts more effective.\u00a0 You sharpen your saw through renewal in the four areas defined below.<\/p>\n
The research:<\/p>\n
Vigorous double-clicking can be the extent of physical activity in our sedentary office environments.\u00a0 Market pressures to deliver innovative solutions can force a lifestyle of little physical activity, no sleep, and poor diet, counterproductive to the desired outcomes. Working out is the obvious solution, including yoga, jogging to work, or a regular sporting activity.<\/p>\n
The research:<\/p>\n
Teamwork is critical to successfully completing digital projects.\u00a0 We need social engagement outside of our work activities.\u00a0 That can still be with our workmates, but the activity should be disengaged from the daily pressures. Games, team-based activities, or coffee with friends all fit the bill.<\/p>\n
The research:<\/p>\n
The fast pace of a digital studio does not lend itself to personal reflection or meditation. \u00a0Taking time to align yourself internally with your values and externally with a purpose outside of yourself is important. Failure to do this can result in work becoming your spiritual centre, which is never a good thing.\u00a0 For some this is connecting with nature, others through a formal spiritual process, and many pursue a novel experience of a holiday away. Many forms of creative expression also fit the bill.<\/p>\n
The research:<\/p>\n
A digital studio is the epitome of a learning organisation.\u00a0 Technology changes rapidly, and knowledge management can feel like a full time job.\u00a0 Taking time to up-skill and apply knowledge is a challenge, as it feels like you forget more than you learn.\u00a0 Seminars, regular review of periodicals, setting time aside for planning, and engaging in formal study all meet the mental mandate.<\/p>\n
The four areas are not necessarily independent.\u00a0 For example, positive future plans often involve community networks.\u00a0 Athletes comment on the spiritual, mental, and social aspects of physical training.\u00a0 Synergies are not always inherent, however, and a more intentional investment may be needed across the four areas.<\/p>\n
How would you rate your current renewal activities? <\/strong><\/em>Take a moment to write down each of the four areas, and place a number from 1 to 10 next to each area, with 1 being poor and 10 being exceptional. If you are stressed or struggling with burnout, it may be due to a deficiency in one or more areas. My own chart reflects my passion for learning, but a propensity to neglect other aspects in favour of a focus on work.<\/p>\n Notice that good intentions are not one of the renewal areas.\u00a0 I can testify that if renewal is not intentional, it will not happen.\u00a0 Renewal needs to be planned at intervals that include daily, weekly, monthly, and more significant events through the year.\u00a0 My coach<\/a> showed me his calendar which had colour coded blocks of time to look forward to and keep him energised.<\/p>\n This brings me to my final point: studio energy<\/strong>.\u00a0 The energy in the accounts is a reflection of the energy of those delivering the solutions.\u00a0 Similar to a plan for personal renewal, a scheduled strategy is required for the studio that includes all four areas.<\/p>\n Yes, team members have a responsibility to manage their own renewal.\u00a0 I see many of my staff with healthy boundaries and renewal strategies.\u00a0 However, accountability is required in the project delivery lifecycle for staff renewal plans as the machine of the commercial mandate can override the best of personal plans.<\/p>\n My recent post\u00a0 on the burnout topic<\/a> highlights a need to disconnect, play, and manage personal projects to maintain balance.\u00a0 Covey outlines four areas to apply these efforts for a regular energy renewal Habit.\u00a0 My focus is on scheduling activities across the four areas for myself and identifying an approach to maintain energy in the studio.<\/p>\n I would be interested in your thoughts on your personal effort and applications in your organisation.\u00a0 I will catch up in 12-months to see how we went turning this into a Habit.<\/p>\n![\"Personal](\"https:\/\/sidewaysthoughts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/personal_renewal_assessment11.jpg\" "\\"Personal")
<\/p>\nStudio energy<\/h2>\n
Other posts in the series:
\nHabit 1: Be Proactive<\/a>
\nHabit 2: Keeping the End in Mind<\/a>
\nHabit 2: Finding and keeping your centre<\/a>
\nHabit 3: Putting first things first<\/a>
\nHabit 4: Win-Win or No Deal<\/a>
\nHabit 5: Seek first to understand, then be understood<\/a>
\nHabit 6: Synergy<\/a><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"