Recall the parable of the lumberjack. If his life depended on his ability to cut down a tree in five minutes, he’d spend the first three minutes sharpening his axe.

It’s a useful and well-told story about preparation.

We might also imagine — under pressure of such dire consequences — the lumberjack panicking for the first few minutes. Or hastily sharpening for thirty seconds before diving into the act of vigorous chopping.

Three minutes. Sixty percent. It would take a great deal of discipline. Can you imagine the half-way mark? Two-and-a-half minutes in, and zero progress on the tree itself?

But we understand the principle. The sharpening is what enables efficient cutting. The preparation is in service of eventual action.

Whether the pressure is high or low, how we prepare lays the groundwork for how we might perform.

Be patient in your sharpening.