“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” — Abraham Lincoln
Champions aren’t built under the lights — they’re built in the shadows. The best performers know that what looks effortless on stage, in the courtroom, in the boardroom, or on the field is the result of hours spent sharpening their edge in private. Preparation isn’t wasted time — it’s the difference between hacking wildly and cutting clean.
Related Study: Research on deliberate practice shows that structured preparation reduces performance anxiety and leads to consistent excellence under pressure (Ericsson, Peak, 2016).
Why It Works:
✅ Preparation builds calm under stress.
✅ Practice increases precision and speed.
✅ A sharp tool prevents wasted energy and burnout.
Today’s Challenge:
Pick one area where you’ve been “swinging a dull sword.” Spend 15 minutes today sharpening — review fundamentals, rehearse for clarity, or recover properly so you’re fresh for tomorrow.
Bonus Business Tip: The sharpest entrepreneurs prepare in ways their competition skips — from rehearsing pitches to stress-testing financials. Small prep now saves massive losses later.
Final Thought:
A dull blade makes you work harder for less result. Take the time to sharpen, and every strike cuts deeper with less effort. ⚔️ -1% CheatCode