Benjamin Franklin’s daily routine was fascinating…
2 simple questions framed his entire day:
Morning: What good shall I do this day?
Evening: What good have I done this day?
These "Clarity Questions" cut through the noise and force a distillation of the day.
I love the idea of having questions like this as part of a routine.
My Clarity Questions are:
Morning: What three wins will I have today?
Evening: Did I achieve my three wins?
Before Bed: What three things am I grateful for?
Pick your Clarity Questions and keep them visible throughout the day until answering them becomes part of your ritual.
Benjamin Franklin was one of history’s greatest polymaths.
The block of time dedicated to "prosecute the present study" was critical.
Make time daily to learn something new and exciting.
Don't worry about it being "useful" knowledge, just follow your inspiration.
"Put things in their places" is perhaps the most underrated part of the routine.
A clean, organized space makes for a clean, organized mind.
Take time to organize your physical and digital workspace on a daily basis.
Environment effects reality.
Working in sprints was core to the day.
Most modern work is done at a moderate pace for long hours.
Franklin's day was built around two 4-hour blocks of working sprints split up by a 2-hour break to rest, read, and eat.
There’s not a single zoom call on his schedule…
The 4-hour blocks of focus are *very difficult* to execute.
I have found that 60 minutes is my limit for intense focus in a single stretch.
My recommendation:
• 60 minutes of deep focus
• 15 minute break (walk)
• 60 minutes of deep focus
• 15 minute break
• Repeat
P.S. You should all be very glad I didn't write a piece on the lessons we can learn from the daily routine of author Hunter S. Thompson...
A quick glossary:
"Address Powerful Goodness": Daily prayer practice.
"Take the resolution of the day": Answer the Morning Question.
"Prosecute the present study": Study something new, even if unrelated to work.
"Examination of the day": Answer the Evening Question.
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