Best Biz Lessons from Ben Franklin

“If a man stuffs his head with knowledge, no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” – Ben Franklin

Topics: Accomplishments, Know Yourself, Opportunities, Action, Prepared, Moving, Pro-crastination, avoid Busy-work, . Don’t Fight Change, Mistakes, Wise-up, Keep going. Grow

Many Accomplishments. Over his lifetime, his curiosity & passion fueled a diverse range of interests. He was a Writer, Publisher, Printer, Founder / Franchisor, Scientist, Inventor, Diplomat & one of the Founding Fathers of USA.

Inventions included the Lightning Rod, Bifocals, Swim Fins, Franklin stove & other things.

Community: first public Library, Fire Brigade, University, mutual Insurance and crossed the Atlantic eight times. Self-development was a constant endeavor throughout his incredible life. Benjamin Franklin was clearly a man who knew how to get things done.

14 Action-Inducing Lessons from old Ben

1. Know Yourself. “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” Understanding ourselves is not easy. 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 our selves or to simply view ourselves through other people’s eyes. Start by being brutally honest with yourself. Follow through with understanding, compassion & acceptance.

3. Act quickly on Opportunities. “Opportunities are everywhere. The trick is being quick enough and smart enough to seize them – when they arise. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that something won’t work or can’t be done, give yourself the freedom to try it/

4. Less Talk, More Action. “Well done is better than well said.” Talk is cheap. Talking about a project won’t get it completed. 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.

5. Be Prepared. “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. Think like a Boy Scout. Have a realistic plan of attack and a systematic approach for getting where you need to be.

6. Get Moving. “All mankind is divided into three classes: 1) immovable, 2) movable when asked or told, & 3) that move themselves & others.” There’s a reason we use the expression, Movers & Shakers.

Movers are the ones who take action, the people who get things done, while the . . .

Shakers (or the shooken) are the immovable – sitting around scratching their heads wondering how others could possibly be so successful. Which group do you want to belong to?

6. Don’t Procrastinate. “Never leave till tomorrow which you can do today.” This is probably one of the first quotes I remember hearing as a teenager. With an impressive list of achievements to his credit, Ben was not a man hung up on pro-crastination. He was a man with clear measurable goals who worked hard to turn his Vision into “reality”. What are you putting off till tomorrow, that could make a difference in your life today?

7. Avoid Busy-work. “Never confuse motion with action.” We are always running around doing things. We rush from one meeting or event to the next, sometimes without achieving a great deal. At the end of the day, how much of our busy-work are we proud of? How much of that running around improves anyone’s life (including ours) for the better? Make your motion mean something.

8. Don’t Fight Change. “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” Whilst many of us don’t like change, others thrive on it. Either way change is inevitable. The stronger we fight against it, the more time & energy it takes. Give up the fight. Focus on pre-actively making positive changes, instead of having change merely thrust upon you. Wherever possible, try to view change as a positive instead of a negative.

9. Give yourself Permission to make Mistakes. “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Learn from it & move on.” If we fear making mistakes, we become scared to try new things. Fear leaves us nestled in our “comfort zone”. Staying in your comfort zone rarely leads to greatness. Taking risks + giving yourself permission to make mistakes, will ultimately lead you to whatever your version of success may be.

10. Don’t Self-Sabotage. “Who had deceived thee so often as thyself? We spend so much time worrying about other people hurting us, yet fail to comprehend the damage we inflict on ourselves. If you are using negative self-talk, lying to yourself or indulging in addictive behavior you are self-sabotaging. Life can dish up enough challenges without us adding to the mix. Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself like you would a best friend.

11. Wise Up. “Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” Who hasn’t had the thought – I wish I could know then, what I know now? Unfortunately there is no time machine; there is no going back. The key is to wise up as early as you can, to start forging a life of purpose, achievement & happiness. Go for it !!!

12. Keep Going. Diligence is the mother of good luck.” Have you ever looked at a successful entrepreneur or business person and thought how lucky they are? Most of the time, luck has nothing to do with it. Hard work & sacrifice on the other hand, have everything to do with it. Successful people deal with failure. They tackle their challenges head on. They pick themselves up and keep going.

13. Don’t Give Up. “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Achieving our goals can be downright exhausting. There will be days when you want to give up. There will be times when your energy levels flat-line and you wonder why you bother getting out of bed. Yet, you push forward, day after day, because you believe in yourself and you have the determination & strength to back up that belief.

14. Continue to Grow, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” We all have vices of some description. The key is to keep them under control, reduce or preferably eradicate them entirely. Be kind to those around you, whether they are neighbors, family, co-workers or friends. Never accept that you have finished growing as a person.

Comments: Can you think of any other Biz Lessons from Ben Franklin.

from Business Insider 29 April 12 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

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