Quotes & Lessons from Ben Franklin

"Well done is better than well said."
We all know people who constantly talk about the things they are going to do but rarely ever take that first step. Eventually people begin to question their credibility. Taking action and seeing the task through to completion is the only way to get the job done.

"Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."
With an impressive list of achievements to his credit, Benjamin Franklin was not a man hung up on procrastination. He was a man with clear measurable goals who worked hard to turn his vision into reality.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
You need a plan to accomplish your goals. Charging in without giving any thought to the end result and how to achieve it, is a sure way to fall flat on your face.

"When you're finished changing, you're finished." 
Change is inevitable. The stronger we fight against it, the more time and energy it consumes.

"All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.":
There’s a reason we use the expression, movers and shakers. Movers are the ones who take action, the people who get things done, while the immovable are sitting around scratching their heads wondering how others could possibly be so successful.

"Never confuse motion with action." 
Avoid busywork. At the end of the day, how much of our busywork are we proud of?

"To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions."
Opportunities are everywhere. The trick is being quick enough and smart enough to seize them when they arise.

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man."
Continue to grow. Never accept that you have finished growing as a person.

"Diligence is the mother of good luck."
Successful people deal with failure. They tackle their demons head on. They pick themselves up and keep going.

"There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self."
Sometimes we just don’t want to see ourselves for who we really are. It’s much easier to hold onto a romanticized version of ourselves or to simply view ourselves through other people’s eyes. Start by being brutally honest with yourself.

"Who had deceived thee so often as thyself?"
 If you are using negative self-talk, lying to yourself or indulging in addictive behavior you are self-sabotaging. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself like you would a best friend.

"Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late."
Wise up as early as you can to start forging a life of purpose, achievement and happiness.

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." 
Don’t ever, ever ,ever give up.

Benjamin Franklin was clearly a wise man who knew how to get things done.

--Adapted from dumblittleman.com

 

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life