Sharpen Your Axe!

Once upon a time a timber merchant employed a woodcutter who was very strong and efficient. The woodcutter was very happy since he got paid handsomely and the work atmosphere was very good. He wanted to impress the merchant by his hardwork. The merchant provided him with an axe and issued instructions on how to go about his work. 

On his first day, the woodcutter felled 15 trees. the merchant was very happy and said "well done. I hope you will continue being  as efficient as this".

Thrilled at beingshowered with praises, the woodcutter decided to do better the next day. However he was able to cut down only 12 trees. The next day he tried harder and was able to cut down only 9 trees. As the days went by, his performence slackened.

The woodcutter was bewildered and frustrated and went up to his boss and apologised thus: "Sir, I am unable to comprehend what is happening to me perhaps I am losing my stamina".

The boss smiled and asked him, "you forgot something important. Why didn't you sharpen your axe?"

"Sharpen the axe? But i forgot......".