Core Insights

• Improve 1️⃣ thing per week
• Track what matters 🧮
• Move fast, but play the long game ⛳️

Benjamin Franklin, the kite-flying, key-collecting genius, knew he wasn't perfect. He didn't sit back and hope to get better. He had a game plan. There are three simple (yet powerful) strategies that he used to make big things happen.

Improve 1 Thing Per Week

Franklin was a master of self-improvement. He didn’t try to tackle everything at once. He focused on one specific virtue each week.

I determined to give a week’s strict attention to each of the virtues successively. (Pg. 85)

This is from Chapter 9 where he talks about “a plan for attaining moral perfection.” It was a plan for self improvement. A virtue is a "good" character trait. Master and stack enough of them together, and you'll live a great life.

Single-minded focus allowed him to strengthen each virtue. This built up the habits that formed the backbone of his character. Week-by-week, he cultivated a life of virtue and accomplishment.

Track What Matters

Ben made sure to track his progress too. He used a simple yet effective tool—a chart. On this chart, he marked his successes and slip-ups against the virtue he was focusing on each week.

I made a little book, in which I allotted a page for each of the virtues, and marked every fault I found upon examination to have been committed respecting that virtue upon that day. (Pg. 85)

This tracking system was his way of measuring his moral and personal growth. By consistently looking at the data, he could make adjustments throughout the week.

You can use a simple piece of paper to get started. I use notion.so

I have a basic spreadsheet where I track personal performance and slip ups each day. It's not something I obsess over, but it does help me stay mindful 🙂

Move Fast, but Play the Long Game

Drive thy Business, let not that drive thee (Pg. 190)

This highlights the importance of taking control and setting the pace in your pursuits.

This is critical for balancing immediate action with long-term planning. Control your path forward, move swiftly, and don't lose sight of your goals.

By leading your projects (and not letting them lead you) - You ensure that each step you take contributes to your broader goals.

Sometimes, things might move slower than we hope. It's okay. Franklin’s story teaches us to be bold, take risks, and move quickly. Success takes time. Perseverance pays off.

So Remember

• Improve 1️⃣ thing per week
• Track what matters 🧮
• Move fast, but play the long game ⛳️

I just thought this was funny

Click here to get a copy of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin