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

Shift Your Mindset

11 E’s That Define Every Great Leader And Why Most People Miss Them

If you’ve ever felt the pull to lead, this is your roadmap to turning inner potential into lasting influence.

Published

17 hours ago

Nov 24, 2025

M.S. Rao

Image Credit: Midjourney

What Is Leadership, Really?

Leadership is far more than a title or position. It’s the ability to envision a future, inspire others, and align people toward a shared goal. (more…)

Personal Development

This Silent Habit Might Be Sabotaging Your Career

Your temper might be costing you more at work than you realize. Here’s why it matters.

Published

1 week ago

Nov 17, 2025

Mitch Abrams

Image Credit: Midjourney

You may be the last to know that you’re walking around with a giant chip on your shoulder. Meanwhile, your coworkers are giving you a wide berth. (more…)

Change Your Mindset

The One Leadership Habit That Separates the Great From the Forgettable

True leaders don’t just speak their values, they live them, proving that integrity is the foundation of lasting influence.

Published

2 weeks ago

Nov 13, 2025

M.S. Rao

Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership isn’t defined by titles, speeches, or charisma; it’s defined by action. The most respected leaders in history didn’t just preach their values; they lived them. (more…)