Success Advice

Benjamin Franklins 13 Keys To Success

Published

14 years ago

Dec 18, 2011

Joel Brown (Founder of Addicted2Success.com)

Image Credit: Unsplash

Benjamin Franklin, the man on the $100 Bill, the guy who invented the heated stove, the lighting rod and the odometer among a thousand other achievements in his life. What made Benjamin Franklin such an over achiever is that he lived a purpose driven life. At the age of 20 years old Benjamin Franklin laid out 13 key values for himself which he would go on to master and become the well known man in our history to this day.

Read on for a translated and updated version for the business world today of Benjamin Franklins 13 Key Values.

Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Key Values For This Day & Age

1. Stop wasting time

Then: “Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.” Now: Life hackers and multitaskers will win the startup war every time.

2. Get a calendar app and use it

Then: “Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.” Now: Your modern day business has a lot of moving parts. Devise a system for keeping it all in order.

3. Don’t screw people over

Then: “Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”Now: Shady business practices will come back to bite you.

4. Don’t bang your co-workers

Then: “Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.“Now: To ensure a healthy atmosphere, office romance should be handled with care.

5. Stop blowing money on stupid things like Aeron chairs

Then:“Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.” Now: Forget the fancy office chair, save that scrap paper and remember to brown bag a lunch.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Then: “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” Now: When things go wrong, take a breath a relax. An occasional yoga class couldn’t hurt.

7. Bathe — and then dress for success

Then: “Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.” Now: Get it together, and dress to impress.

8. Don’t get drunk on the job. Or fat, for that matter

Then: “Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.” Now: You’ll work harder without a hangover. Skipping the fourth cup of coffee couldn’t hurt either.

9. Be straightforward with people

Then: “Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.“Now: Being straight forward is the best way to connect with customers and co-workers. Leave the slick sales talk at home.

10. Don’t just sit around thinking about what to do — actually do it.

Then: “Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.”Now: Don’t let problems fester and follow through once you’ve set a goal.

11. Don’t obsess about one part of your business at the expense of others

Then: “Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.” Now: Don’t let one aspect of your business overwhelm all others. And when your competitors play dirty, don’t take it personally.

12. Stop wasting time gossiping with co-workers and start doing stuff

Then: “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”Now: Don’t Tweet every random thought. Communication works best when you have something worthwhile to say.

13. Be humble

Then: “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.” Now: … or Warren Buffet, if you feel so inclined.

Up Next

5 Ways That You Can Impact The World & Create Your Own Legacy

Don't Miss

(Video) Dustin Hoffman’s Life Lesson

Joel Brown (Founder of Addicted2Success.com)

I am the the Founder of Addicted2Success.com and I am so grateful you're here to be part of this awesome community. I love connecting with people who have a passion for Entrepreneurship, Self Development & Achieving Success. I started this website with the intention of educating and inspiring likeminded people to always strive for success no matter what their circumstances. I'm proud to say through my podcast and through this website we have impacted over 200 million lives in the last 10 years.

9 Comments

Success Advice

How “I Have a Dream” Became the Most Powerful Speech in History

It’s a blueprint for how to speak truth with clarity, conviction, and compassion

Published

2 days ago

Aug 8, 2025

M.S. Rao

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.

Image Credit: Midjourney

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and delivered what would become one of the most powerful speeches in history, “I Have a Dream.” (more…)

Change Your Mindset

How Top CEOs Solve Problems Differently To The Rest

To steer their organizations toward sustainable success, strategists and senior leaders must first become exceptional problem solvers

Published

6 days ago

Aug 4, 2025

M.S. Rao

Image Credit: Midjourney

In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, challenges are not just inevitable, they are essential. For global organizations, challenges push leaders to unlock creativity, develop resilience, and pursue excellence. (more…)

Success Advice

The Real Reason Your Personal Brand Isn’t Working

When your brand is rooted in intention, it becomes compelling.

Published

2 weeks ago

Jul 30, 2025

Bianca D’Alessio

Image Credit: Midjourney

Your brand isn’t a logo. It’s the lived expression of who you are, what you value, and the legacy you’re building. (more…)

Success Advice

25 Leadership Lessons That Will Make You a Smarter, Stronger Leader

It blends emotional intelligence with strategic thinking, people skills with performance metrics, and empathy with execution.

Published

2 weeks ago

Jul 25, 2025

M.S. Rao

Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership is not just a role; it’s a continuous journey of growth, reflection, and service. While personal experience shapes much of that journey, the wisest leaders learn from the triumphs and missteps of those who walked before them. (more…)