Here we are at week 3 already of our 13-week self improvement plan.  How is your progress going?  I think Mr. Franklin would be proud of us.

I noticed a big difference after our week 1 focus on temperance.  I’ve already lost a few pounds and feel much better and more energetic.  And week 2 led to a more positive mind-state and better relationships with my family and business associates.

I guess this plan works!

So moving along, our topic for week 3 is:  Order

Ben Franklin defined order as, “Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.”

This is a HUGE one for me!

I must admit to be being a bit compulsive when it comes to tidiness … much to my family’s chagrin.  However, I believe strongly that when things are put back where they belong it leads to much more ‘order’ and far less chaos – which of course leads to a greater sense of peace.  There’s nothing worse than living in an environment that is filled with clutter and disarray, which inevitably leads to the mounting stress caused by looking for things that you need 5 minutes (or less) before you actually need them!

The second portion of Franklin’s definition of order – in my view – falls into the category of time management, which is one of the core self improvement principles I cover here on this blog.  (if you haven’t already, take a few moments to read my time management post)

For me, time management is really the starting point for personal development and productivity, so I’m glad it is part of our ongoing plan here at week 3.

So then, we have our weekly focus – order.  Let’s get organized and productive this week!

To Success,
- Scott

Inspired by my study of Benjamin Franklin and his self styled 13-week self improvement plan, I’ve decided to embark on my own based on the 13 virtues he outlined.

Therefore, every Monday for the next 13 weeks I will be referencing the particular virtue to concentrate on for that week.  If you’d like to join me, please feel free to subscribe to the blog feed or subscribe via email and we can go through the process together.

So then, without further ado let’s not mess around let’s get right to it!

Self improvement plan – Week 1 Virtue:  Temperance

Franklin refers to temperance as “Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation”.

This makes total sense to me as a self improvement virtue.  I know that when I give in to the occasional temptation to overeat, I am miserable about 15-30 minutes later and I do not feel like doing much of anything.  Food is supposed to energize us .. not the opposite!

So by consciously avoiding eating to the point of “dullness”, we can tap in to the energy our food is designed to give us and go about our day being fully productive and industrious.  As a side benefit, we may even lose a few pounds!

With regards to the second part of Franklin’s definition of temperance, I do not drink at all myself.  Franklin was – as am I  - very aware of the crippling effect that alcohol can have on a person’s productivity and motivation.  So, if you decide to drink please limit your intake to one or two drinks maximum to avoid getting to the point of elevation.  This will help you keep your edge.

So then, temperance is our battle cry for the coming week.  Good luck, and feel free to join the discussion via your comments!

Best to you,
- Scott