I suspect that the delivery is probably the problem for you, rather than the content. To me, the core of it reduces to:

* If you disengage your brain periodically (e.g., get enough sleep, have fun, etc) you will find you work better

* Occasionally one should look at their life on a macro-level, and evaluate their long term goals

I don't think many people would disagree with this advice, it is pretty common sensical.

precisely. It's ridiculously obvious common sense wrapped up in a parable. I guess if that floats your boat though :/

What is your strop?

For me, it's physical exercise. And, concrete coding (as opposed to reading specs, designing, modeling or proving). It's easier for me to not do them than to do them, but I'm always amazed at how refreshing they are.

My strop is a strop, and I use it on my razor before shaving.

Coincidentally, the practice of straight razor shaving tends to put me in a state of relaxation and reflection that has a positive impact on the rest of my day.

Long hot shower

Wow, I thought that because I was a bit older, I could appreciate it more.

If nothing else, everyone should have a zen-like hobby where they can disengage their mind and use their hands. Meditation has some tremendous benefits.

This article made me realize how much the internet has changed our expectations of what makes a good analogy. I seemed almost odd to base an analogy on an actual, physical process as low tech and fundamental as carving. I'm more used to hearing abstract qasi-buzzword laden analogies built on some ethereal technology illustration. Here's to returning the the real world in our online literature.