Sharpen Your Axe: The Secret to Working Smarter, Not Harder

by Kristina Karlsson

Have you ever felt like you’re working so hard but not making the progress you want?

You push through your to-do list, stay busy all day, but at the end of the week, you wonder if you’ve moved any closer to your dreams. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But what if there was a smarter way to approach your goals?

This week on the Monday Motivation podcast, I shared one of my favorite quotes by Abraham Lincoln:

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."

It's a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about effort—it’s about preparation.

If we take the time to sharpen our tools, refine our strategies, and invest in ourselves, we can achieve more with less stress and frustration.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your own life?

Let’s explore the four ways you can start sharpening your axe today.

1. Get Clear on Your Dreams and Goals

Before you start “chopping,” you need to know what tree you’re cutting down! Clarity is everything. If you don’t have a clear vision of what you’re working toward, you’ll waste energy moving in different directions without real progress.

👉 Action Step: Take five minutes today to reflect. What’s ONE thing you want to achieve this quarter? Write it down and break it into smaller, manageable steps.

2. Invest in Your Knowledge and Growth

Your greatest asset is YOU. And just like an axe needs regular sharpening, you need to continuously learn and grow. If you feel stuck in any area of life, don’t just push through—invest in yourself.

Read a book, take an online course, listen to a podcast, or join a coaching program. The sharpest tools belong to those who never stop learning.

👉 Action Step: Choose one skill, habit, or mindset shift you want to develop this month. Commit to learning something that will help you move forward.

3. Plan—Don’t Just React

Most people live in reaction mode—responding to emails, messages, and demands as they come in. As a result neglecting the 'important but non urgent things' they would be better served focussing at leastsome time on. 

But successful people plan ahead.

And it can be a simple process for you - as it is for the people in my Coaching Program - because we take a little time each quarter to plan ahead. Together.

Instead of waking up and checking your inbox first thing, start your day with intention.

Instead of waiting for inspiration, schedule time for your priorities.

Instead of reacting, be proactive about your dreams and goals.

👉 Action Step: Every evening, write down the three most important things you need to accomplish the next day. This small habit can be a game-changer. And consider joining me in our coaching program if you want support to get on top of planning ahead once and for all.

4. Take Care of Your Energy and Well-being

A dull axe doesn’t just slow you down—it wears you out. The same goes for you. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll burn out before you reach your goals.

Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. You can't pour from an empty cup.

Prioritize rest, fuel your body with great food, move daily, be around people who inspire you and protect your time and energy.

👉 Action Step: Identify one self-care practice you’ll commit to this week. Maybe it’s a 10-minute morning walk, journaling before bed, or drinking more water. Whatever it is, make it a priority.

Your Invitation to Plan Quarter 2 with Me

If you’re ready to move beyond inspiration and start making real progress, I invite you to join my Dream Life Coaching Program this March.

This is your chance to:

✅ Get clear on your dreams and goals for the next three months.
✅ Create a step-by-step action plan.
✅ Stay accountable in a supportive community.
✅ Learn practical strategies to turn your dreams into reality.

No more feeling stuck. No more waiting for the “perfect” time.

This is about taking charge, sharpening your axe, and stepping into your dream life with clarity, confidence, and action.

Head over to yourdreamlifestartshere.com to sign up.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post inspires you to sharpen your axe before you start chopping.

Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. When you take time to prepare, plan, and invest in yourself, life flows so much more easily.

What’s one way you’re sharpening your axe this week?

Let me know in the comments below or share with me on Instagram @kristinadreamlife!

Have an amazing week, and remember—the best way to create your dream life is to take action.

I'd love to be in your corner and help you 💛