Welcome to this Momentum Monday, where we set the tone for the week ahead with a simple idea that can make each day count.
Benjamin Franklin was extraordinarily prolific, even into his later years, founding institutions, shaping a nation and inventing well into his 70s.
How did he maintain that level of focus and purpose?
He began each day with a simple question:
“What good shall I do this day?”
It’s a small question, but a powerful way to bring intention to the day ahead - and when you repeat it for a few days in a row, it can have a surprisingly powerful impact.
“Well done is better than well said.”
Recommendation
The Five Minute Journal, Original Daily Gratitude Journal
Benjamin Franklin believed in starting the day with intention and ending it with reflection.
One modern tool that encourages a similar habit is The Five Minute Journal.
It takes just a few minutes each morning and evening.
Morning prompts help you focus on what matters most.
Evening prompts encourage reflection and gratitude.
It’s a simple way to build the kind of daily awareness Franklin practised centuries ago.
Q&A
Finding purpose without a busy schedule
Some days in retirement I feel like I don’t have much on my plate. How do I stay productive when there’s no real urgency?
Work often provides structure for our days.
When that structure disappears, it can feel like there’s less to do.
But the opportunity in later life is that you can choose your direction more deliberately.
Benjamin Franklin’s question is helpful here.
Instead of asking what you have to do, ask:
What good could I do today?
That might mean helping someone, learning something new, improving your health, or contributing to your community.
When you focus on creating value for others, meaningful things tend to fill your days.
(If you have a question for Johann, simply reply to this email or send it through to [email protected])
Free resource
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
One of the most remarkable autobiographies ever written is Franklin’s own.
It’s widely available for free online.
Here’s a full audiobook version on YouTube.
The recording is about six hours long, so you may want to save it to your YouTube library so you can return to it over several sittings.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into the life and thinking of one of history’s most curious minds.
Quick bites
Franklin’s 13 Virtues - Franklin tracked virtues like industry, frugality and humility on a weekly scorecard.
Implementation intentions - Research shows that deciding in advance when you will act dramatically increases follow-through.
The Zeigarnik effect - Our brains remember unfinished tasks more strongly than completed ones.
Writing goals increases success - Studies suggest people who write down goals are significantly more likely to achieve them.
Feel good
The Founding Fathers and America’s quirks
Speaking of founding fathers, here’s a sketch looking at the funny intricacies of America that should give you a good belly laugh.
Final thought, try this.
Benjamin Franklin believed good days don’t happen by accident. They begin with intention.
So try starting today the way he did.
Before the day gets going, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
“What good shall I do this day?”
Choose one simple way to make the day meaningful.
The real power of a question like this comes when you repeat it over time.
Try asking it each morning this week.
Then on Sunday, pause and look back. See whether that small question changed how you spent your week.
Regards,
Johann
