Synergize and Sharpen the Saw

In reading the summary of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey, I felt that I do most of these steps daily. Of course there is always room for improvement. For example, I like to find the Win-Win, but my motivation is probably more about being true to myself enough to advocate for myself, but being too nice just to take all. I tend to bend over backwards to find the win-win. It can be exhausting. If I change my motive behind it, it may become easier. But this was not the Habit I want to talk about this week. Actually, there are two of equal value to me at this time. Habits 6 and 7 are the habits that held particular meaning to me at this time (although I'm sure the importance will change often). Habit 6 is Synergize. It seems like a simple idea that would not be difficult to implement. But for me, it is so hard! Synergizing means to "combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals that no one could have done alone" (en.Wikipedia.org, n.d.). I have always prefered to work alone. Not that I haven't had teams when I have hosted events. Of course I utilize my team member's talents and ideas. But, if something goes wrong, I never trust others to fix it. I just do it myself. I do most things myself. I tend to be a bit of a control freak. Its just that I know I can do it, do it right the first time, improvise, and get it done fast. I'm great under pressure. But sometimes, I just need to delegate and trust them. For example, at my wedding, I literally did everything. I found the venue, got the dress altered, made all the food ahead, designed all the flowers, hired the band, decorated the entire mansion, made up all the beds (it was a huge house that slept sixty-five people), and got up early to make breakfast for all our guests on the day of the wedding. That morning I got yelled at by one of my clients (I was a financial advisor) because I had turned their account over to my superiors as I would be doing my wedding. I awoke with a massive migrain headache! It was a disaster! No one knew what to do because I didn't take the time to write down instructions for my very capable friend, who begged me to do so. I felt I didn't have time. In the end, a few minutes of brainstorming on paper would have saved so much stress! I had people willing to help, but I had to make it perfect. I should have capitalized on their talent and trusted them to get the job done well. Habit 7 is Sharpen the Saw. Finding balance and renewal for sustainability. As a certified Health & Wellness coach, you would think that I have this one down pat. NOPE! Actually, daily habits of exercise is really difficult for me. I have to force myself. I'm good at prayer, good books, meditation, life-long learning, and healthy eating. But excercise hurts! This is probably the one area that needs the most work. If I love exercise, and practice every day, I will lose weight, taking pressure off my spine and knees, which will releive much of my pain. It may also release lactic acid from my body, which will relieve joint and tendon pain. It will likely lower blood pressure and balance glucose levels. Losing the chronic pain will make being successful in business much easier to acheive. It also gives me a right teach others health & wellness. Sharpening my Saw will make every aspect of my life so much easier, as will utilizing the individual talents of my team.