Declutter Your Decisions
The daily grind of life can pile up decisions like clutter in a crowded room. From picking dinner to navigating career moves or relationships, the constant demand to choose can overwhelm your mind. While options might feel like freedom on the surface, they can paralyze you, leaving you stuck in indecision or second-guessing yourself into […]
A Review of Habit 5 (pg. 293-305)
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood is a masterclass in building meaningful connections through empathic listening. This habit sits at the heart of effective communication, emphasizing the power of understanding others before trying to be understood. Let’s dive into the key insights from this section and review why Habit 5 is […]
Mid-Year Check In: Assessing Your Progress
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reassess. The energy and optimism of January may have faded, but that doesn’t mean your goals have to. A mid-year check-in offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate your progress, realign with your long-term vision, and adjust your course for […]
The Franklin Five: July 2025
July brings the fullness of summer with holidays and vacations. Take advantage of these memory building days; spend time with family and friends; and enjoy all that summer has to bring! Check out our weekly Franklin Planner Talk blog posts for uplifting ideas and great material. Our goal at Franklin Planner is to support YOU in achieving what matters […]
How to Listen Empathically (pg. 282-292)
In most conversations, we’re not listening—we’re preparing to speak. We’re evaluating, probing, advising, or interpreting, all from our own frame of reference. These responses feel natural because they’re deeply embedded in the way we’ve been taught to interact. But they keep us locked in our own “autobiography,” unable to truly understand what another person is […]
The Importance of Rest: Taking Time Off Without Falling Behind
In a world where productivity is often praised above all else, taking time off can feel like a risk. Many professionals fear falling behind, appearing less dedicated, or losing momentum if they unplug. But the truth is, rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Done intentionally, rest actually fuels better work, stronger focus, and greater creativity. […]
An Introduction to Empathic Listening (pg. 274-282)
Most of us know how frustrating it is to share something personal or important—only to be met with advice, correction, or a quick fix. We walk away feeling unheard, even dismissed. Stephen R. Covey challenges this common habit of communication with a transformational principle: Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Covey calls this […]
Achieving Your Summer Bucket List
Summer is often seen as a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy more daylight hours with family and friends—but unless you plan for it, it’s easy to let the season slip by. Whether your ideal summer includes travel, creative projects, or time outdoors, making the most of it requires a balance between structure and spontaneity. […]
A Review of Habit 4 (pg. 265-271)
As we wrap up our discussion of Habit 4—Think Win/Win—it’s time to bring these principles into practice in our everyday relationships. While the concept of Win/Win may seem straightforward, implementing it requires deep self-awareness, a commitment to balance, and a genuine desire for mutual success. Creating a Win/Win Agreement A great way to put this […]
The Franklin Five: June 2025
June encourages us to get outside and MOVE. Take advantage of the longer days; spend time with family and friends; plan vacations, small trips, barbeques and trips to the river or lake. Just make sure you also hydrate and get plenty of rest. Check out our weekly Franklin Planner Talk blog posts for uplifting ideas and great material. Our […]