Ben Franklin (1706-1790) was an entrepreneur, inventor and
statesman – a man with big ideas and big accomplishments.
Along the way, he
determined the pursuit of perfection was one key to success in life and business.
How did he translate such a “bold and arduous” idea into
action? One step at a time.
Next, he defined each behavior clearly and succinctly to
pinpoint his specific objectives.
Finally, he set up a simple system for addressing and mastering
each behavior in turn. Or as he put it, “I judg’d it would be well not to distract
my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of them at a
time; and, when I should be master of that, then to proceed to another …”
Ben's 13 virtues are:
- Temperance
- Silence
- Order
- Resolution
- Frugality
- Industry
- Sincerity
- Justice
- Moderation
- Cleanliness
- Tranquility
- Chastity
- Humility
So, periodically, we’ll examine a specific virtue or one of
his astute business observations and consider the implications for success in
today’s environment.
Did Franklin ever achieve perfection? No, he did not.
In his autobiography, he writes, "... I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man ..."
Perhaps like Franklin, we should seek perfection. Set ambitious goals. Strive daily to achieve them. With luck and diligence, we might just become better, happier and more productive by that effort.
___________________________
Related
Ben on Business | Perfection in Perspective
Strategy | The Power of a Game Plan
Aristotle's Success Strategy
Reference
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: 1706-1757
In his autobiography, he writes, "... I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man ..."
Perhaps like Franklin, we should seek perfection. Set ambitious goals. Strive daily to achieve them. With luck and diligence, we might just become better, happier and more productive by that effort.
___________________________
Related
Ben on Business | Perfection in Perspective
Strategy | The Power of a Game Plan
Aristotle's Success Strategy
Reference
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: 1706-1757