#333 - Monday Motivation: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."

Welcome to another short but empowering episode of Monday Motivation, giving you a dose of inspiration as you head into your week...

Today, we explore the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln:

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

Here are three key takeaways you can expect from this episode:

1. Why preparation and strategy are essential for success in any area of life.
2. How to apply the ‘sharpen your axe’ principle to your personal growth, career, and daily routine.
3. Practical steps to work smarter, not harder, and set yourself up for success.

Listen in and discover how a little planning, self-investment, and intention can transform your productivity and help you create your dream life.

As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.    

Have a wonderful week… and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛.

Dream Life & kikki.K Founder  

SHOW NOTES:

• Join my Platinum Coaching Program - where in March our focus is on Planning for the Quarter Ahead. Align your plans with your key dreams & specific goals. Reflect, refine, reenergise and lock in for continued success. Learn more here.
• Join my virtual book club GROW for March where we meet weekly on Zoom to discuss and squeeze the learnings from great books. This March we're reading Time Wise, by Amantha Imber. Dominate your day and level up your life, using the secrets and habits of highly effective people. Learn more here.
• Dream Life Community Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded dreamers.

RESOURCES:

• Sign up to our email list here to hear about upcoming workshops.
• Take your first step to getting clarity on what you want from life with this free bonus dreaming exercise here 101 Dreams Audio Guide 
• Buy Kristina's book, Your Dream Life Starts Here
• Discover how close you are to living your Dream Life. Take our 5min Quiz here and get personalised insights emailed to you...

TRANSCRIPT:

Hi there, and welcome back to another Monday Morning Motivation episode!

Happy Monday! I hope you’re stepping into this new week with excitement, energy, and a sense of purpose. But if you're feeling a little sluggish or overwhelmed, don’t worry—I’ve got you.

Today, I want to share a powerful quote from Abraham Lincoln:

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

I love this quote because it highlights the importance of preparation, strategy, and working smarter—not harder. So today, we’re going to explore how you can apply this wisdom to your life, whether it’s in your career, personal growth, dream life, or daily routine.

Before we wrap up, I’ll also share an exciting opportunity to join me in my Dream Life Coaching program for March, where we’ll set clear intentions for Quarter 2. Because your dream life doesn’t just happen—you create it.

What Does It Mean to Sharpen Your Axe?

Imagine being handed an axe and told to cut down a tree. Would you start swinging wildly, exhausting yourself in minutes? Or would you take time to sharpen the axe first, ensuring each swing is intentional, efficient, and powerful?

Sharpening the axe means preparing for success before jumping in. It’s about equipping yourself with the right mindset, skills, and tools so that when it’s time to act, you do so with precision and impact.

In real life, sharpening your axe can look like:

• Setting clear goals before starting a project.
• Learning a new skill before making a career move.
• Creating a morning routine that fuels your day.
• Reviewing your vision and priorities before making key decisions.
• Investing in coaching, education, or personal growth to build confidence.

When you sharpen your axe, the work ahead becomes easier, faster, and more fulfilling.

How to Apply This to Your Life

Now, let’s make this practical. Here are four ways you can start sharpening your axe today:

• Get Clear on Your Dreams and Goals
  Before you start "chopping," make sure you know what tree you’re cutting down. Without clarity, you’ll waste energy moving in random directions. Ask yourself: What am I really working toward?
  • Action Step: Take five minutes today to reflect. Write down one thing you want to achieve this quarter.

• Invest in Your Knowledge and Growth
  The sharpest tools belong to those who keep learning. If you feel stuck, educate yourself—read a book, take an online course, listen to a podcast, or join a coaching program.

• • Action Step: Choose one skill, habit, or mindset shift to develop this month. Commit to learning something new that will help you succeed.

• Plan, Don’t Just React
  Many people live in reaction mode, responding to whatever life throws at them. Instead, plan ahead.

1. • Action Step: Each evening, write down the three most important things you need to accomplish the next day.

• Take Care of Your Energy and Well-being
  A dull axe slows you down and leads to burnout. You are your greatest asset—take care of yourself!
  • Action Step: Identify one self-care practice you’ll commit to this week—whether it’s a 10-minute walk, journaling, or drinking more water.

Your Invitation to Plan Quarter 2 with Me

If you’re ready to go beyond inspiration and start creating your dream life in Quarter 2, I invite you to join the Dream Life Coaching Program this March.

Together, we’ll:

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

No more feeling stuck, waiting for the perfect time, or running in circles. 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—I’ll also link to it in the show notes.

Final Thoughts

I hope today’s episode inspires you to take a step back and ask yourself: Am I sharpening my axe before I start chopping?

Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. You are capable of incredible things, and when you take time to prepare, plan, and invest in yourself, life flows so much more easily.

I’d love to hear from you! What’s one way you’re sharpening your axe this week? Share with me on Instagram @kristinadreamlife or in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook group.

And if you’re ready to go all in, join me in March for the Dream Life Coaching Program—let’s make Quarter 2 your best yet!

Have an amazing week, and I’ll see you on Friday. Until then, stay inspired, keep dreaming, and most importantly—take action!