Sharpen the Saw: Why Rest Is a Leadership Power Move

One of my favourite authors, Stephen Covey, shares in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that Habit 7 is to sharpen the saw. This habit is all about taking time for self-renewal — the very thing that makes all the other habits possible. When you sharpen the saw, you preserve and enhance the greatest asset you have: yourself.

I’m writing this as I prepare to travel to Bali for a long-awaited break. And honestly? My body knows it’s time. You know that feeling — when burnout is just around the corner. When everything feels a little too heavy, your patience wears thin, and even small tasks feel like mountains. That’s when I know: it’s time to pause.

It’s not just about rest. It’s about reconnection. I need time to clear my mind and cleanse my soul. To reset, reflect, and remind myself of what really matters. To refill my cup so I can pour into others with presence and purpose.

As female sales leaders, we wear many hats — team driver, coach, strategist, friend, mentor. We often hold space for everyone else. But who’s holding space for us?

Taking a break isn’t a luxury. It’s a leadership strategy.

When I return from time out, I come back more creative, more focused, and more energized — with the fire to lead from a place of strength, not survival.

I always encourage my team to take their holidays, spend time with loved ones, and disconnect from work. Because rested people do better work. And rested leaders? We make better decisions, show up with empathy, and inspire from a place of authenticity.

So, here’s your reminder:Do a temperature check — on your team, yes. But also on yourself.Have you been grinding without pause?Is your spark feeling dim?Are you running on fumes?

Then it’s time. Time to sharpen your saw.

Because your health, your peace, and your joy are not separate from your success — they are foundations of it.

💬 Ready to step into your next level of leadership without sacrificing your well-being?Let’s talk about how you can build a sustainable, six-figure career that honours both your ambition and your need for balance. Message me or book a call — it starts with you.