I Tried Benjamin Franklin’s Daily Routine for 30 Days — Here’s What Happened

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, was not only a statesman and inventor but also a master of time management and self-improvement. Franklin’s daily routine, meticulously outlined in his autobiography, has become a source of inspiration for many seeking to improve their productivity, discipline, and overall well-being. Curious about how this legendary routine would impact my life, I decided to follow it for 30 days. Here’s what happened.

The Blueprint: Benjamin Franklin’s Daily Routine

Before diving into the experiment, it’s important to understand the structure of Franklin’s daily routine. He divided his day into clear segments, each with a specific focus:
Morning (5 AM – 8 AM): Rise, wash, and address “Powerful Goodness,” i.e., reflect on what good will be done that day. Franklin then planned his day’s activities and enjoyed breakfast.
Work (8 AM – 12 PM): Engage in focused work.
Lunch and Reading (12 PM – 2 PM): Take a break for lunch and some reading or study.
Work (2 PM – 5 PM): Continue with focused work.
Evening (5 PM – 10 PM): Reflect on the day, have supper, and enjoy some leisure activities. Franklin also used this time for tidying up and preparing for the next day.
Night (10 PM – 5 AM): Sleep.

Each segment of the day had a purpose, and Franklin’s approach to time management was both disciplined and holistic, incorporating work, reflection, and self-improvement.

Week 1: Adapting to the Routine

The first week was challenging as I adjusted to waking up at 5 AM. I’m not a natural early riser, so dragging myself out of bed before sunrise was tough. However, once I was up, the early morning quiet offered a peaceful start to the day. I used this time to reflect on the day ahead, setting intentions and goals, as Franklin did. This practice of morning reflection was surprisingly powerful—it gave me a sense of purpose and clarity that lasted throughout the day.

Challenges: The biggest challenge during the first week was adjusting my sleep schedule. Going to bed at 10 PM felt early, especially since I was used to staying up later. The initial grogginess in the mornings also made it difficult to be productive right away.
Wins: Despite the early struggles, I noticed an immediate benefit in having a structured plan for the day. Planning my activities in the morning helped me stay focused and reduced the time I spent procrastinating.

Week 2: Finding the Rhythm

By the second week, my body began to adjust to the new routine. Waking up at 5 AM became less of a struggle, and I started to look forward to the quiet morning hours. The routine began to feel more natural, and I found myself slipping into a rhythm that balanced productivity with reflection and self-care.

Morning Reflection: One of the most valuable aspects of Franklin’s routine is the morning reflection. Asking myself, “What good shall I do today?” set a positive tone for the day. It encouraged me to think beyond just tasks and to focus on making meaningful contributions, whether in my work, relationships, or personal growth.

Increased Productivity: With a clear plan in place, I noticed a significant increase in my productivity. The focused work sessions, divided by a midday break, allowed me to tackle tasks with greater efficiency. The routine also minimized distractions, as I was more intentional with my time.

Personal Growth: I started using my lunch break for reading, as Franklin did, which added an element of personal growth to my day. This practice reminded me that learning doesn’t stop after formal education—it’s a lifelong pursuit.

Week 3: The Honeymoon Phase

By the third week, I was fully immersed in the routine. The initial challenges had subsided, and I was reaping the benefits of increased productivity, better time management, and a greater sense of purpose. This week felt like a honeymoon phase, where everything seemed to click.

Work-Life Balance: One of the unexpected benefits was an improvement in work-life balance. By structuring my day, I was able to create clear boundaries between work and personal time. The evening reflection allowed me to unwind and evaluate my day, making it easier to transition from work mode to relaxation.

Mindful Living: The evening reflection was another powerful tool in Franklin’s routine. Asking, “What good have I done today?” forced me to be mindful of my actions and decisions throughout the day. It helped me identify areas for improvement and reinforced positive behaviors.

Leisure and Relaxation: Franklin’s routine wasn’t all work—he made time for leisure, which I found to be crucial for maintaining balance. I used the evening hours for activities I enjoyed, like reading, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. This balance prevented burnout and kept me motivated.

Week 4: The Final Stretch

As the 30-day experiment came to a close, I reflected on the overall impact of following Benjamin Franklin’s daily routine. The routine had become second nature by this point, and I was curious to see how these changes had affected my life.
Sustained Productivity: My productivity levels remained high throughout the experiment. The structure of the routine kept me focused and disciplined, reducing the tendency to procrastinate or waste time. I found that I could accomplish more in less time, which left me with extra hours for personal pursuits.

Mental and Emotional Well-being:

The combination of morning reflection, intentional work, and evening reflection had a positive impact on my mental and emotional well-being. I felt more centered and less stressed, knowing that I was making the most of my day. The routine also helped me cultivate a sense of gratitude and mindfulness, which contributed to overall happiness.
Challenges and Adaptations: While the routine was beneficial, it wasn’t without challenges. The rigid structure sometimes felt restrictive, especially on days when unexpected events or social obligations arose. I learned the importance of flexibility and adapting the routine to fit my lifestyle rather than following it rigidly.

Long-Term Sustainability:

The biggest question was whether I could sustain this routine long-term. While I enjoyed the benefits, I realized that some elements might need to be adjusted to fit my life more comfortably. For example, I might not always wake up at 5 AM, but I could still incorporate the principles of morning reflection and intentional planning into my day.

What I Learned from Benjamin Franklin’s Routine

The 30-day experiment taught me several valuable lessons about productivity, time management, and the pursuit of happiness. Here are the key takeaways:
1. The Power of Intention: Starting the day with a clear intention made a significant difference in my focus and productivity. Whether it’s a small task or a major project, knowing what I wanted to achieve helped me stay on track and avoid distractions.
2. The Importance of Reflection: Both morning and evening reflections were crucial for self-awareness and growth. Taking time to evaluate my actions and intentions allowed me to make more mindful decisions and improve continuously.
3. Balance Between Work and Leisure: Franklin’s routine emphasized the importance of balancing work with leisure. Incorporating time for relaxation, hobbies, and personal growth kept me motivated and prevented burnout.
4. Flexibility is Key: While routines are helpful, it’s important to be flexible. Life is unpredictable, and adapting the routine to fit changing circumstances is essential for long-term success.
5. The Value of Continuous Learning: Using my lunch break for reading and self-improvement reminded me of the importance of continuous learning. No matter how busy life gets, making time for personal growth is essential.

Conclusion: Would I Continue the Routine?

After 30 days of following Benjamin Franklin’s daily routine, I can confidently say that it had a positive impact on my life. The structure, discipline, and focus it provided helped me achieve more, both professionally and personally. However, I also learned that a rigid routine might not be sustainable for everyone in the long run.

Going forward, I plan to continue incorporating the core principles of Franklin’s routine—morning reflection, intentional work, and evening reflection—into my daily life. I might not wake up at 5 AM every day, but I’ll strive to start each day with purpose and end it with gratitude.
In the end, the experiment reinforced the idea that how we spend our days is how we spend our lives. By being intentional with our time and actions, we can live more fulfilling and productive lives, just as Benjamin Franklin did.

Also read: What Happens When You Start Reading Every Day Book