Renewal- 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Part IV- Renewal

Habit 7- Sharpen the Saw

This chapter is the final piece of the puzzle; Habit 7- sharpen the saw. It’s essentially a metaphor for taking care of and strengthening the four dimensions: the body, brain, heart, and soul. "It's all about how you feel, not how you look” is a quote I saw on page 208 and is something I’ve seen on social media. Pro bodybuilders commonly are known to be the ideal male physique, but they take PEDs and are on low-carb diets that are detrimental to their health. 

I think the brain is neglected too much and apparently Covey thought so too, as he made a point out of writing a full section on it. The section tells us many strategies to sharpen the mind and what a sharp mind exactly is.

A different organ that Covey draws attention to is the heart, except he isn’t talking about the physical one. it’s more about your relationships with others and love for self, he says. Sex and depression have a major presence when on the topic of a healthy heart. Covey also advises creating a “humor collection”. It’s something I’ve never thought of before, and I might try it out.

Lastly, he addresses the soul, AKA, the spiritual dimension. Much like how the body needs proper food to sustain itself, so does the soul. Except, food for the soul can be seen in activities like meditation and helping others.

In general, I think teens today are too social-media and people-centered, that they are falling behind on their own selves. This habit is especially good to serve people in today's age. 

Keep Hope Alive 

This is the conclusion of the book, and it is based on three words. “Keep hope alive”.  

I think it's most fitting that my final thoughts also are here. 

-The book was full of anecdotes  

-I find that I didn’t disagree with anything he said 

-There were a lot of real-life scenarios to show the application of the habits

-Covey seemed to understand exactly what a teenager goes through 

-The book had some neat graphics 

-It was a lot of information to take in, but luckily the study guide at the end will be helpful 

Overall, we encounter many situations daily where at least one of the habits mentioned in the book can be applied. The book was full of life lessons and advice that, nowadays as humans become more immersed in technology and there is more exposure to harmful things, will prove to be very useful.

Thanks for reading.