Benjamin Franklin was a spectacular generalist.
He is what today might be called a multi-hyphenate.
His contributions made throughout his life included activities as a printer, journalist, inventor, scientist, statesman, diplomat and civic leader.
“I have always thought that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind, if he first forms a good plan, and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, makes the execution of that same plan his sole study and business.” – Benjamin Franklin
How did he do so much?
Through persistent and focused actions. Every single day, he was looking to improve.
When was the last time you committed to your plan?
When was the last time you avoided the excuses?
When was the last time you took steps to do work instead of waiting for motivation to strike?
Few people do. Why? Because action is hard.
Action at times seems impossible. Progress is almost invisible.
Imagine if you quit going to the gym after 3 days because you failed to see any meaningful progress.
Instead, you believe your actions are making a difference.
What actions are you taking at work?
“Reading was at night, after work or before it began in the morning, or on Sundays….This library afforded me the means of improvement by constant study, for which I set apart an hour or two each day.”
-Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of of Benjamin Franklin
You might say that life was different back then. You are right.
It was different. It was a lot harder!
Yet Benjamin Franklin found ways to take action to improve his skills and knowledge everyday. Not just through his own experiences, but the experiences of others.
When was the last time you set aside 1-2 hours a week to read in an area related to your job?
When was the last time you committed to small improvements of study each week related to your organization and its industry?
Why wait?
You can start now if you have a bias for action.
The Real Con 003