To Make Better Decisions, Practice “The Ben Franklin Method”
Especially for the important ones
Benjamin Franklin was a true renaissance man. Throughout his life he worked and succeeded in just about every profession he tried: politician, writer, scientist, engineer, and businessman.
One of Franklin’s lesser-known secrets to his success was his decision-making method. According to his biography, Franklin developed the method when he was in his early 20s. He would continue to use it throughout the rest of his life, guiding him ever forward to success with each decision. Today, it is known as The Ben Franklin Method.
The Ben Franklin Method
In the summer of 1772, Franklin received a letter from his friend Priestley. Priestley was stuck on deciding whether or not he should quit his job to take a new, potentially more lucrative one.
Like many of us, Priestley turned to his friend, Franklin, for a little advice about what he should do. Rather than offering direct advice on the matter, Franklin decided that he would share with his friend the decision-making method that was working so well for him. This would be hugely beneficial, as his friend would then be able to use it for future decisions too.
