Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter ask for a job in a timber
merchant, and he got it. The paid was really good and so were the work
conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his
best.   His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he
was supposed to work.

The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees.  "Congratulations," the
boss said. "Go on that way!"   Very motivated for the boss’ words, the
woodcutter try harder the next day, but he only could bring 15 trees.
The third day he try even harder, but he only could bring 10 trees.

Day after day he was bringing less and less trees.  "I must be losing my
strength", the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized,
saying that he could not understand what was going on.  "When was the
last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked.  "Sharpen? I had no
time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees..."

A.Beauregard
Adapted by Jorge Bucay, Argentinean writer

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