New St. Louis or any St. Louis business. Don’t have any choice anymore.
With regard to lifelong learning, Sharpening the soft.
Significantly more important than when Covey ever wrote a book. If you think about it, the pace, how the pace of change has picked up since then.
They just don’t have any choice. And they have to find a way to do it with their own things that they would like to read and watch that circle of consulting team around them.
That they built so that they can grow up.
They have to, I think, get prepared for ever quickening pace of change.
Which knows where that’s going to go.
But you really don’t have any choice anymore.
At Dunn CPA Firm, we work with small business owners across St. Louis who are navigating a faster, more complex environment than ever before. The pace of change, especially in areas like regulation, technology and customer behavior, has only increased. For business owners trying to grow or stay competitive, that means one thing: you have to keep learning.
The Speed of Change Has Outpaced Experience
When Covey first introduced his 7 Habits, lifelong learning was a competitive edge. Today, it’s a requirement. Even the most seasoned entrepreneurs can’t rely on past knowledge alone because industries are evolving too quickly.
That doesn’t mean you need to become an expert in everything. But it does mean you need systems and habits that keep you learning, aware and adaptable.
Build a Circle That Keeps You Sharp
One of the most effective ways to stay sharp is to surround yourself with a trusted team of professionals. This might include legal advisors, insurance brokers, marketing specialists or financial partners. These relationships help you think differently, act strategically and stay current without burning out.
Learning Looks Different for Everyone
Sharpening the saw doesn’t always mean formal training or certifications. It might look like carving out time to read, subscribing to a few trusted sources or regularly talking through your challenges with someone who knows your business. The goal is simply to keep your edge—to stay informed enough to make decisions that serve your long-term goals.
Keep Pace Without Losing Ground
Today’s small business owners don’t have the option of staying still. Growth requires adaptability, and adaptability requires the humility and intention to keep learning.
At Dunn CPA Firm, we help business owners build sustainable systems for long-term success. That starts with perspective and a willingness to sharpen the saw.
