Sage Tidbit #9: Sharpening the Knife

A tidbit is a small morsel…. of inspiration, insights, or lessons learned/tips to reflect on, and digest, over your week.

Last week, I told a story about an interaction with my stepson where I asked him to cut a watermelon. I showed him how to do it but I neglected to share an important detail in the story.

Before cutting into the watermelon, I took out a blade sharpener and sharpened the blade. This allowed me to more easily cut the watermelon and not hurt myself trying to force a dull blade through the fruit. This was a critical step to safely and thoroughly cut the watermelon.

So, in this instance, the sharpener was a critical tool used to not feel so overwhelmed and to do the job in an efficient and proficient way.

Reflection Questions:

• What are critical tools and resources you can leverage when you are overwhelmed?

• What, or who helps you simplify and keep perspective when you are overwhelmed?

• What is one thing you can do today to watermelon through – make overwhelm more manageable?

Suze Shaner-Brodax is an executive coach and leadership & organization effectiveness consultant. She also teaches yoga and meditation – tools to keep one sane in uncertain times. She helps professionals step up to their fullest leadership, life and growth potential. At times this means getting out of their own way in getting important stuff accomplished. www.sagelead.com.