“We must never become too busy sawing to take time to sharpen the saw.” —Dr. Stephen R. Covey
At tuition-free Dr. Joseph F. Pollack Academic Center for Excellence (Pace Academy), we take time every day learning the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Our K-8 in Southfield, Michigan teaches leadership through these powerful habits. While we work hard at the first six habits like setting goals and taking the time to listen to others, we work equally hard at taking care of ourselves, also known as Habit #7, Sharpening the Saw.
Sharpen the Saw
Ever feel hangry (hungry + angry) because you were sure you could just power through your to-do list instead of taking a break to grab something to eat? Yep, us too! And yet, when we stop to listen to what we need, we can recharge and feel renewed. For kids, it could be that feeling right before bedtime, when they’ve hit the wall and even going to bed sounds impossible.
If we continually seek improvement without caring for ourselves, we will experience burnout—our saws will dull. And without a sharp saw, we can’t continue to grow and be at our best.
You’re Worth It
At PACE Academy, we know that when we renew each part of ourselves, we leave room for growth and change. We increase our capacity, our resilience in the face of challenge, and our ability to give. Self-care is not selfish!
Sharpening the saw for children might look different from an adult. It might mean learning to rest after a busy day at school by relaxing with a good book or coloring. Or maybe your child balances a passion for video games with breaks outside to move their body and breathe fresh air. Finding balance is deeply personal and how we do that will change as we grow.
The Leader in Me program that we use to explain the 7 Habits uses these affirmations to teach the Sharpen the Saw concept:
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep.
I spend time with family and friends.
I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school.
I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.
In a world that teaches us that we must constantly be moving and doing, Pace Academy K-8 aims to help students seek balance. We model rest and recharging so that we can be at our best, everyday.
How do you sharpen your saw? How do you help your children sharpen their saws?
Join us and enroll your K-8 child for free at PACE Academy today!
About PACE Academy
Dr. Joseph F. Pollack Academic Center for Excellence (PACE Academy) is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in Southfield, Michigan. At PACE Academy, we empower our scholars to realize their fullest potential through meaningful educational opportunities. We partner with our families and community in preparing our scholars to become dynamic leaders in the 21st century by celebrating the importance of collaboration and accountability in all we do. Join our growing school, enroll today!