How Small Daily Wins Lead to Big Success

Success is often viewed as a grand achievement, the pinnacle of years of hard work. What many don’t see, however, is the accumulation of small wins that pave the path to that success. No one transforms overnight from being unproductive to being highly successful. Instead, progress is made through consistent, incremental improvements—getting just 1% better […]
Balancing Digital & Paper Planning with Carl Pullein

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts John and George welcome time management expert and productivity coach Carl Pullein. Carl shares his journey from a middle school student fascinated with time management to becoming a globally recognized specialist in the field. He introduces his groundbreaking programs, including the the COD Task Management System, […]
The Five Dimensions of Win/Win (pg. 247-265)

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey presents Think Win/Win as the habit of interpersonal leadership. This habit extends beyond mere negotiation tactics—it’s a mindset rooted in character, trust, and mutual benefit. To truly embrace Win/Win, we must understand the five interdependent dimensions that sustain it: Character, Relationships, Agreements, Supportive Systems, […]
Using Your Planner As A Journal

At Franklin Planner, we believe that planning is more than just organizing tasks—it’s about creating a meaningful life. One way to enhance your planning experience is by using your planner as a journal. Your planner already holds your schedule, goals, and commitments, making it the perfect space to also capture memories, reflections, and personal insights. […]
The Six Paradigms of Human Interaction (pg. 236-247)

As we progress through our detailed exploration of Stephen Covey’s foundational text, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this post examines pages 236-247, where Covey articulates The Six Paradigms of Human Interaction, highlighting the pivotal role of the Win/Win approach in fostering effective relationships. Covey ties effective interpersonal leadership to the habit of Think […]
The Franklin Five: May 2025

May flowers are beautiful, and so are the longer and warmer days. From May Day through National Smile Day, there are a lot of reasons to appreciate and celebrate this month. 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 […]
The Power of Writing Things Down

In an age of constant digital noise, the simple act of putting pen to paper holds remarkable power. Writing things down isn’t just a practical habit; it’s a transformative tool that sharpens our minds, solidifies our intentions, and boosts our efficiency. From achieving goals to solving complex problems, the benefits of this timeless practice are […]
The Emotional Bank Account (pg. 215-234)

Welcome back to our journey through Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People! This week, we’re digging into pages 215-234, where Covey introduces the Emotional Bank Account—a brilliant metaphor for understanding trust in our relationships. Whether it’s with a spouse, friend, or coworker, trust is the foundation that keeps connections strong. Let’s explore […]
Declutter Your Mind

When we hear the word “clutter,” most of us picture a messy desk, a chaotic closet, or a pile of unused items gathering dust. But clutter isn’t just physical—it extends far beyond the tangible. As the dictionary defines it, clutter is “a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not useful […]
A Review of Habit 3 (pg. 201-212)

If there’s one habit from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that people struggle with the most, it’s Habit 3: Put First Things First. As Stephen R. Covey explains, the challenge comes down to urgency. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re addicted to urgency—constantly reacting to emails, notifications, and last-minute requests, while the truly important […]