In the hustle of life and business, downtime can feel like the enemy. But what if I told you that the quiet moments—the so-called "off-season"—are where champions are made? Whether you're leading a team, closing deals, or running a business, success doesn't just happen in the spotlight. It’s forged in the shadows when no one’s watching.

Welcome to our latest episode of Into the Lion’s Den, where we explore how to take advantage of those slower months to prepare, refine, and dominate when it’s go-time.

The Abraham Lincoln Rule

*“If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four sharpening the axe.”*

*- Abraham Lincoln*

Let’s start with a classic quote:

Old Abe knew what he was talking about. Preparation isn’t just important—it’s essential. For businesses and individuals alike, the "axe" represents your skills, your strategies, and your mindset. If you’re not sharpening it during the slow months, you’re setting yourself up for a blunt performance when the stakes are high.

The Off-Season Myth

In industries like roofing, construction, and sales, there’s a common misconception: downtime is for kicking back and waiting for business to pick up. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Take it from Christian Griffith, who built his initial book of business during the dead of winter. While others were hibernating, he was knocking on doors—snow and all—and proving to clients that his dedication matched their needs. That’s how you separate the casuals from the pros.

What Are You Doing With Your Off-Season?

Think about athletes. During the season, they shine under the stadium lights. But in the off-season? That’s when the real work happens. It’s in the weight room, the track, and the early-morning practices that they build the strength, speed, and stamina to dominate.

So how can you apply this principle to your own work? Here are some actionable steps:

Reassess Your Game Plan: Take a hard look at your processes, your goals, and your results. Are you hitting your targets, or are there inefficiencies holding you back?
Upgrade Your Skills: Whether it’s role-playing with a colleague, shadowing a top performer, or investing in a training program, now’s the time to level up.
Clean Your Data: The offseason is perfect for diving into your systems. Identify weak points in your CRM, optimize your expense reports, or even trim the fat on tools that aren’t pulling their weight.
Expand Your Network: Attend community events, reach out to potential partners, and build relationships that will pay off when business picks up again.
Innovate: Is there a product, service, or tool you’ve been hesitant to try? Use this time to experiment and refine.

**We started our video series in January just a few years ago during the “downtime” - which later evolved into the “Into the Lion’s Den” Podcast.**

Lessons From the Field

One of our favorite stories from this episode comes from a snowy December day when Christian showed up at a client’s house right after Christmas. The client had put him off with a classic “Let’s talk after the holidays” excuse, but Christian wasn’t one to let opportunities melt away like snow.

He knocked on the door, contract in hand, and sealed the deal. The client later admitted, “I wasn’t planning to do this, but your dedication convinced me.”

This is the power of showing up—especially when no one else does.

Sharpening Is a Team Sport

It’s not just about individual effort. Leaders, this one’s for you: downtime is your chance to rally the troops. Bring in trainers, revisit processes, and set your team up for success. Give them the tools they need to sharpen their own axes, and watch as your collective performance reaches new heights.

No Shortcuts to Success

Here’s the hard truth: there’s no magic pill for success. Growth requires friction, effort, and discomfort. It’s in the moments when you’re tired, frustrated, and ready to give up that you’re laying the foundation for future wins.

So, whether you’re a rookie salesperson or a seasoned CEO, the question remains: how are you sharpening your axe?

Join the Conversation

What are your strategies for staying sharp during the off-season? Share your tips and stories in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out the full episode of Into the Lion’s Den for more insights and inspiration.

🎥 Watch on YouTube: Sharpen Your Axe
🎙 Listen on Spotify: Sharpen Your Axe: A Guide to Primetime in the Downtime

Let’s make this your year to dominate—starting now.

Sharpen Your Axe: Turning Downtime Into Prime Time