Benjamin Franklin was born an Englishman, but died 84 years later as an American.
He had 16 siblings. His dad had 7 children with his first wife and 10 children with his second wife. Franklin was his dad’s youngest son and the 15th child.
Throughout his life, Benjamin Franklin worked as a writer, scientist, inventor, printer, politician, postmaster, statesman and even a civic activist. An avid swimmer, he invented swim fins, along with bifocals and the Franklin stove. In order to accomplish so much, he learned quickly how to monitor and make use of his time.
Every morning, he would ask himself a simple question.
“What good shall I do today?”
His schedule for the day was routine.
5 to 8 am was his personal time.
“Rise, wash, and address Powerful Goodness; contrive day’s business and take the resolution of the day; prosecute the present study; and breakfast.”
From 8a to 12p, he would work.
When was the last time that you worked for 4 hours straight, with no distractions?
From 12p-2p, he set time to “Read or overlook my accounts, and dine.”
How often do you undertake self-study?
How often do you take time to recharge and regroup?
Think about the military or professional sports. These two industries of high performers take their recovery seriously. Why? Because their life depends on it. But so does yours. You must take recovery seriously if you want to perform at a high level.
From 2p-6p, Benjamin Franklin would work some more. Wrapping up a solid 8 hours of work for the day.
6p to 10p was time again for him to organize and relax. “Put things in their places, supper, music, or diversion, or conversation; examination of the day.
To close out his day in the evening, he would reflect with another simple question.
“What good have I done today?”
When was the last time you reflected on your day?
Finally from 10p to 5a, he would sleep.
Finding and making time are incredible skills. They are skills we must practice daily. Over the course of your life, your commitments and time will vary. But the skill of making time will forever help you to make time your ally.
If you fail to find and make time your ally, you will soon find time to be your enemy.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day.
How can you seek wisdom and best spend your time?
The Real Con 046