Five Principles from Benjamin Franklin that can Change your Life

Benjamin Franklin is best known as the iconic American polymath: writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat (and out of all things, a printer).

Studying how he did all that is a masterclass on productive creativity. Luckily he also documented his own guidelines for us!

These five principles from Mr. Franklin can change the way you interact, make decisions, and stay ludicrously productive:

Principle #1: Silence

In 2022 everyone competes for attention on social media.

But sometimes it’s better to be silent.

“Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation”

This will save you a lot of bandwidth to work on things that help your own dreams come true.

Principle #2: Tranquility

It’s almost as if he was able to see the future:

“Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”

In the context of 2022, this is a big one. Avoid all the drama that is seemingly everywhere and you’ll:

• Feel less stress
• Waste less time
• Minimize the chances of some moron trying to cancel you

Remember, garbage in, garbage out — just stay away from it!

Principle #3: Sincerity

“Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”

Being honest makes your life simpler, demonstrates bravery (making you more likeable) and just in general makes you a reliable human being.

Principle #4: Resolution

I often talk about the importance of becoming a “task finisher”.

“Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve”

When you finish your tasks, you’ll have a lot less cognitive overhead.

One step at a time.

Principle #5: Order

Finally, this is the most important and underrated principle of all.

“Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time”

What separates ludicrously productive people from those who simply spin their wheels all day every day, is to fundamentally understand how habits and routines are key to effortless mastery of productivity.

Don’t wait.

Start now.

TL;DR

5 principles from Benjamin Franklin that will change the way how you interact, make decisions, and stay ludicrously productive:

• Talk less
• Avoid drama
• Always be honest
• Finish what you start
• Build habits and systems