Chapter 1: The Story of the Woodcutter

Every morning, a woodcutter named Kathiya rises before dawn. Armed with his ax, he ventures into the forest, laboring tirelessly from sunrise to sunset. Despite his relentless efforts, he remains ensnared in poverty. One day, in search of a solution, he confides in a Saint about his struggles.

The Saint imparts a simple yet transformative piece of wisdom: "Sharpen your ax every night." At first, this advice may seem trivial or obvious. Many might wonder, "Shouldn’t he already know that?" However, in our busy lives, we often overlook such straightforward truths.

Much like Kathiya's ax, we exert ourselves daily, investing time and energy into our endeavors. Yet, we sometimes feel that our hard work isn’t yielding the benefits we desire. This is when we must take a moment to "sharpen our own ax."

In the pursuit of status, wealth, and prestige, have we neglected to spend time with ourselves? It’s akin to dialing a number only to hear, “The line is currently busy.” What value is there in being perpetually busy if it means losing touch with our lives and personal development? Even animals work diligently, but we have been blessed with intelligence for a purpose—certainly not to squander it in ceaseless busyness.

As the revered Lord Swaminarayan states in the sacred Vachanamrita, “One may observe the world with an external perspective, but the one who cannot introspect is the most ignorant of all.”

So, why not allocate just 15 minutes of your day to enhance your life? But where should you start?

Begin with enthusiasm—Utsahad Aadarat Kuryat. Approach this new habit with the same excitement and confidence as you would a promising business venture.

Each day, at a designated time, find a quiet space with a lovely journal and a pen. Reflect on these four impactful questions:

1. What am I thankful for today?
2. What moments made me feel fortunate today?
3. What aspects of my life can I improve, and how?
4. What are my plans for tomorrow, including any prayers or desires I hold?

Regularly contemplating these questions can profoundly change your life.

Consider Ben Amana, the CEO and Founder of BOXROW. An Oxford University alumnus, he was honored with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. By the age of 30, he had established one of the UK’s fastest-growing enterprises, generating £6 million in revenue by 2021.

Amana credits a simple daily routine for much of his success. Each morning, he writes in his journal:

1. Three things I am grateful for
2. Three primary tasks I aim to complete today
3. Three achievements I can celebrate

He reviews these notes each evening. This practice instills discipline in his life, helps him remain aware of the positive aspects, and guides his future choices.

Indeed, dedicating just 15 minutes a day can infuse your life with renewed energy.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Habit

By integrating this simple practice into your daily routine, you can cultivate a mindset that promotes growth and fulfillment.