Let’s get real for a second—when was the last time you did something just for you that wasn’t tied to your business, your family, or your to-do list?
If you’re a woman running your own show, chances are your “me time” has been rescheduled more times than a dentist appointment during flu season.
And yet, you're still trying to build an empire on an empty tank.
This month’s blog post “The Power of the Pause – Sharpen Your Mind, Body, and Business” explores the “Sharpen the Saw” parable to show female entrepreneurs why slowing down, investing in self-care, and living a balanced life isn't just good for the soul—it’s a power move for business growth.
Here’s a little parable that might just flip the script on what productivity really looks like…
The Lumberjack Lesson (with a Feminine Twist)
Two lumberjacks—let’s call them Lena and Barb—decide to compete: who can cut down more trees in a day?
Barb goes full beast mode. No breaks, no snacks, just chop-chop-chop from dawn ‘til dusk. Lena, on the other hand, pauses every so often. She disappears, then returns refreshed and focused. Barb’s thinking, “No way she’s winning this.”
But come sundown, Lena’s stack of trees is way taller.
“How’d you do it?” Barb asks.
Lena smiles: “I was sharpening my saw.”
💡 Translation for entrepreneurs: Hustling non-stop might look productive, but it’s often just burnout in disguise.
The Burnout Badge of Honour (Let’s Toss It)
Ladies, let’s stop wearing exhaustion like it’s a badge of honour. Skipping lunch, working weekends, answering emails at midnight—none of that makes you a better entrepreneur. It just makes you a tired one.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown
Think about it: when you’re exhausted, are you really at your best? Is your content creative? Are your decisions sharp? Is your leadership magnetic?
Didn’t think so.
Why Sharpening the Saw Is a Power Move for Women in Business
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. It's about renewing your energy, protecting your vision, and preserving your power. You're not just the CEO—you’re the brand, the visionary, the glue.
And when you go down, everything else wobbles too.
When you take time to sharpen your saw, you’re not falling behind—you’re getting ahead with clarity, strength, and confidence.
The 4 Areas Female Entrepreneurs Need to Sharpen (Regularly!)
Stephen Covey called it the 7th habit of highly effective people. But let’s translate that wisdom for badass women in business.
1. Sharpen Your Body: Fuel the CEO Machine
You wouldn’t run your laptop on 1% battery, right? Then why run your body that way?
- Sleep isn’t optional.
- Movement isn’t a luxury.
- Nutrition isn’t a someday plan.
🛠️ Quick Win: Set a non-negotiable “power hour” every day just for you—whether it’s yoga, a walk, or actually eating lunch without multitasking.
2. Sharpen Your Mind: Stay Curious, Not Just Busy
Being the boss doesn’t mean you know it all. Stay hungry for learning.
- Read business books.
- Take short courses.
- Join a mastermind.
- Listen to a podcast while you drive.
🛠️ Quick Win: Replace 10 minutes of scrolling with 10 minutes of growth—TED Talk, industry blog, or even journaling your ideas.
3. Sharpen Your Heart: Guard Your Emotional Energy
As a woman in business, your emotional labour is real. Clients, customers, staff, maybe even kids at home—it’s a lot. But your emotional battery needs recharging too.
- Boundaries are your friend.
- Therapy? Yes, queen.
- Sisterhood over solo struggle.
🛠️ Quick Win: Start a daily “celebration list.” Write down 3 wins each night. No matter how small. This rewires your brain to focus on progress over perfection.
4. Sharpen Your Soul: Reconnect with Your “Why”
When you’re in the weeds of marketing plans and tax deadlines, it’s easy to forget why you started. Soul-care brings you back to centre.
- Meditate
- Pray
- Journal
- Sit in silence with your coffee and just be.
🛠️ Quick Win: Create a “vision wall” near your workspace. Not just what you want to achieve—but how you want to feel while doing it.
Real Talk from a Woman Who Knows: Arianna Huffington
The founder of Thrive Global once collapsed from burnout and exhaustion—literally. Now, she’s on a mission to redefine success, not as money and power, but as well-being, wisdom, and wonder. However, it’s not just famous celebrities that suffer from extreme tiredness and lack of sleep, we can all be susceptible to it and we need to look out for the danger signs and when it can start to negatively impact our health. Signs such as forgetfulness, irritability, a wandering mind or getting upset easily are all potential indicators that you are not getting enough sleep.
“Burnout is not the price you have to pay for success.” – Arianna Huffington
Take that in. Let it marinate.
Self-Investment = Business Growth
Here’s a stat you’ll love: A study from the American Psychological Association found that people who take time for personal renewal perform better under pressure and are more resilient in business.
So yes, taking that weekend off, saying no to clients that drain you, and booking that spa day isn’t wasting time—it’s boosting your bottom line.
Final Word: Put Down the Axe, Pick Up Your Power
If you’re serious about growing your business, you’ve got to be serious about growing yourself. Because when you're rested, renewed, and radiant, you don’t just run your business—you elevate it.
So next time you feel the urge to power through, remember Lena and her sharpened saw. Slow down, recharge, and watch how fast you rise.
Your Turn, Trailblazer 🌟
What’s one way you’re going to sharpen your saw this week? Drop a comment below and let’s start a self-care revolution for women in business.
You’re not just building a business—you’re building a life. Let’s make sure it’s one you love living.
