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 […]
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 […]