The key for us is to embrace the concepts of continuous learning and continuous improvement. We have all experienced success in our lives, but future growth and success is contingent on avoiding complacency and being intentional to grow and develop ourselves. Rick Warren cautions, “The greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is today’s success.” I suggest a two-step process. First, embrace being a life-long learner. Second, put our learning into action. Jim Rohn encourages, “Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.”

We develop and grow our social and emotional dimensions primarily by developing meaningful relationships with others. Harvard has been conducting a nearly year monumental study on the keys to happiness and health. They have identified the primary key to our long-term happiness and health. Is it Fame No. Is it Wealth No. Is it High Achievement No. What is the key The key to long-term happiness and health is having

There are times when I require a bit more than the smell of the roses. I have recently started an exercise program. I have noticed many self-renewing benefits from doing so. I feel better in general. I don’t need as much caffeine to get through my day and I am sleeping much better. Bam! That’s a whole slew of benefits from one simple change. What is self-renewing to you will be different for me, it is a very personal activity.

I have literally never sharpened a saw in my life but I have flown in an airplane hundreds of times. Growing up in an airline employee family, we would fly numerous times a year. My sister and I would see who could memorize the various announcements the flight attendants were required to make. We also wrote notes to future passengers on the motion sickness relief bags (that’s the official name for barf bags). There is one particular announcement that has a specific order of operations.

           By taking time to renew ourselves in these four dimensions, we will be much more effective and successful when engaging in life’s tasks and pursuits—including leading our teams to greater results. Abraham Lincoln illustrated this truth by saying, “If I had only six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first hour sharpening my axe.”