The Power of Preparation: Build a Sharper, Stronger You

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening my axe.”

This quote has always fascinated me because it reveals a truth that many of us overlook: preparation is not wasted time; it is powerful, strategic time. An axe is a strength multiplier. A sharp axe lets us cut down a tree efficiently, while a dull one demands far more effort, leaving us exhausted and frustrated.

When I was younger, I had a go-get-’em attitude. I wanted to act fast and get results immediately. If I saw a tree that needed chopping, I would grab the axe and start swinging right away, often ignoring whether it was sharp or not. I thought the faster I moved, the faster I would succeed. But I soon realized that no matter how strong or motivated I felt, an unprepared tool would always hold me back.

Lincoln’s message was clear: spend time preparing (two-thirds of the time, in his example), and you will achieve far more in the remaining one-third. This principle applies to every area of life, especially our personal growth, goals, and daily actions.

Why Preparation Matters More Than We Think

Most of us underestimate the power of preparation. We live in a world that glorifies action — hustle culture tells us to "just start," "keep grinding," and "never stop moving." While action is important, unprepared action can be wasteful and even harmful.

Preparation allows us to move with intention and clarity. It prevents burnout and gives us a clear direction. Imagine a runner setting off on a race without checking the route, tying their shoes, or even warming up. They might finish eventually, but they’ll probably struggle more and might even get injured along the way.

The same is true for our daily lives. When we start our days without preparing our minds and hearts, we get easily distracted, overwhelmed, and ultimately achieve less. We may be busy, but we are not productive. Preparation shifts us from being reactive to proactive, turning each day into an opportunity to move closer to our bigger goals.

Our Mind as the Axe

If the axe is a tool for cutting trees, our mind is the ultimate tool for shaping our lives. Just like an axe needs to be sharpened regularly, our minds need daily attention and intentional care.

A sharp mind allows us to think clearly, make better decisions, and stay focused on what truly matters. Without sharpening, our minds get dull from stress, distractions, negativity, and fatigue.

Professional athletes know this better than anyone. They don't just train their bodies; they spend countless hours preparing their minds for competition. They visualize, plan, and mentally rehearse before stepping onto the field or court. This mental preparation often makes the difference between winning and losing.

For those of us not competing in sports arenas, life itself is our field of play. We face countless challenges, distractions, and setbacks. By training and preparing our minds every day, we give ourselves the best chance to succeed and live up to our potential.

Four Daily Preparation Exercises

To help us sharpen our minds and prepare for each day, I’ve built a daily routine that I follow and recommend. These four simple exercises help create mental clarity, emotional strength, and a strong sense of direction.

1. Start with Gratitude

We begin each day with a short gratitude exercise. In a world filled with chaos, negativity, and noise, gratitude acts as an anchor for our spirit. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s present and good in our lives.

Take a few moments each morning to list three things you are grateful for. They don’t have to be big or profound. You might be thankful for your morning coffee, the sound of birds outside your window, or a supportive friend. The point is to train your mind to see what is good.

When we start the day with gratitude, we prepare our hearts to handle challenges with resilience and grace. We become more patient, more positive, and more motivated to face the day.

2. Identify Your Daily Goals

Next, we set clear daily goals. These are the targets we must hit today to move the needle toward our larger objectives. Without daily goals, we risk drifting aimlessly.

Each morning, ask yourself: What must I accomplish today to feel that this day was a success?

These goals can be small steps that build toward bigger dreams. The key is to be specific. For example:

• Complete the client presentation draft.

• Call three potential partners.

• Spend 30 minutes on personal development reading.
  
  

Daily goals help keep us focused and purposeful. When we hit these goals consistently, we build momentum and gain confidence.

3. Choose Your Focus

After setting goals, it’s crucial to decide what to focus on. Focus is different from goals. While goals tell us what to do, focus reminds us how we want to show up as we do it.

I love writing a short statement each morning:

• “Today, I choose to focus on pursuing excellence.”

• “Today, I choose to focus on leading through words and actions.”

• “Today, I choose to focus on eliminating distractions.”
  
  

This single line helps keep me anchored throughout the day. Whenever I get distracted or discouraged, I return to my focus statement. It’s like a compass pointing me back to what matters most.

4. Clarify Your Purpose

Finally, we reflect on our purpose — our “why.” Why are we working so hard? What motivates us to keep going when things get tough?

Your purpose might be to provide for your family, create a positive impact, pursue personal growth, or leave a legacy. Whatever it is, reconnecting with your purpose daily gives your actions deeper meaning.

When you understand your purpose, you’re less likely to give up when faced with setbacks. A strong purpose empowers you to endure difficulties and stay committed to your path.

Building Positive Momentum

These four exercises might seem small, but over time, they build powerful momentum. When you start each day with gratitude, clear goals, focus, and a sense of purpose, you set yourself up to win the day.

It’s like sharpening your axe every morning. You’ll move more confidently and efficiently through challenges. You’ll also start to feel more fulfilled because your actions align with your values and long-term vision.

I get excited to wake up each day and pursue the life I am intentionally creating. This excitement is not random; it’s the result of these small, daily habits. Each day’s preparation compounds into stronger mental habits, clearer direction, and greater resilience.

The Role of the Pursuing Excellence Planner

To help make these practices consistent, I use (and recommend) the Pursuing Excellence Planner. This tool is designed to guide you through these four exercises every morning.

The planner doesn’t just help you track tasks — it prepares your heart, your mind, and your time. It forces you to slow down just enough to think, reflect, and set your course intentionally before diving into the day’s demands.

Think of it as your personal coach sitting beside you each morning, reminding you to sharpen your axe before you start chopping trees. By using the planner, you transform preparation from a vague idea into a concrete daily ritual.

Conclusion

Preparation truly is power. When we invest in preparing our minds and hearts each day, we become more effective, resilient, and fulfilled. Instead of hacking away at life’s challenges with a dull axe, we move forward with precision and confidence.

I encourage you to start tomorrow morning differently. Take a few extra minutes to express gratitude, set your goals, define your focus, and reconnect with your purpose. Use a planner if it helps you stay consistent.

Your mind is your most powerful tool. Sharpen it daily, and you’ll be amazed at the forest you can clear and the life you can build.

Now, let’s go set some goals together and start creating the life you truly want, one prepared and purposeful day at a time!