Ben Franklin's Daily Routine
Ideas for a Productive Daily Schedule
Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule, outlined in his autobiography, reflects his commitment to productivity and self-improvement. He organized his day with a focus on personal growth, work, and reflection. Here’s a breakdown of his schedule:
Morning (5:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
“What good shall I do this day?” Franklin started his day with this question, setting an intention to be productive and beneficial to others.
Rise, wash, and address Powerful Goodness (a form of prayer or meditation)
Plan for the day: He reviewed his schedule and set goals.
Breakfast
Work and Daily Tasks (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Work: He dedicated the morning hours to focused, uninterrupted work, whether that was at his printing business or other endeavors.
Midday (12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
Lunch and reading: Franklin would take a break for a simple meal, often accompanied by reading. He was an avid reader and used this time for intellectual growth.
Review accounts: He would reflect on his financial standing or general life progress.
Afternoon (2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Work: Franklin returned to his business tasks or other productive activities.
Evening (5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
Evening question: “What good have I done today?” Reflecting on his actions, Franklin assessed his accomplishments, noting whether he had achieved his morning goals.
Dinner
Relaxation or personal activities: This could include light reading, socializing, or writing letters.
Examination of the day: He reviewed his performance, marking which of his virtues he followed well or where he fell short.
Night (10:00 p.m.)
Sleep: Franklin emphasized the importance of rest, going to bed around 10 p.m. to ensure he was ready for another productive day.
Franklin’s daily routine is structured around a balance of work, self-improvement, and reflection, and he used it to keep himself accountable to his goals and values.