5 Timeless Lessons from Benjamin Franklin: How to Get What You Want From Life

Do you think the goldfish is aspiring too much?

Not if you follow Benjamin Franklin's advice, where, 'Energy and persistence conquer all things'.

It is undeniable that Benjamin Franklin is a man of action. Throughout his life, his energy, persistence and motivation fuelled much of his wide range of interests. He was a writer, a publisher, an inventor, a diplomat, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

The following are some lessons that we should learn from Benjamin Franklin to achieve all our life's purposes.

LESSON 1: Don't procrastinate.

'Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today'. This is probably one of the first quotes you will remember from Benjamin Franklin. He surely was not a man fond of procrastination. He worked hard to put his dreams into reality, keeping a clear goal (or goals) in view. What are you putting off till
tomorrow instead of doing today?

LESSON 2: Be prepared.

Preparation, whether for an exam, a presentation at work, or for class is key to success. You also need to plan, however, on what you would like your end result to be. You cannot, says Franklin, walk through life without knowing where you're going. Instead, you should think like a boy scout. Have a realistic plan of attack and a systematic approach to get where you need to be.

LESSON 3: Avoid busywork.

'Don't confuse motion with action', Franklin remarks.

Many of us can be seen during the day rushing around doing numerous things, ending up totally washed out and exhausted. At the end of the day, however, how much of our running around has really improved anyone's life (including ours) for the better? Make your motion mean something.

LESSON 4: Act quickly on opportunities.

'To succeed, jump as quickly on opportunities as you do at conclusions.'

Opportunities are everywhere, and emerge at times in places where we are not even aware of. However, the trick is being quick and smart enough to recognize an opportunity and seize it when as soon as they arise. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that it will probably fail, why don't you allow yourself the freedom to ask 'What if?'

LESSON 5: Continue to grow.

'Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let every New Year find you a better man.'

We all have vices. The key is to be aware of our vices, and keep them under control. Be kind to those around you, whether they are neighbours, family, co-workers, or friends. Never say that you have developed or matured enough as a person.

Adapted from Lessons from Benjamin Franklin 

Nikita Pisani at Muovo

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