Your Personal Mission Statement (pg. 106-116)
Chapter 6 completes the foundational triad of the “What Matters Most” process by guiding readers to create a Personal Mission Statement—the concise expression of overall life purpose that ties roles and governing values together. Smith begins with a vivid analogy: driving on a foggy highway. Without clear vision, progress feels dangerous and exhausting—emotions run low, […]
Aligning Your Daily Plans With Your Natural Energy
Have you ever noticed how some parts of your day seem to flow effortlessly while others feel like walking through molasses? Maybe you wake up buzzing with energy, but by mid-afternoon your focus fades. Or perhaps you find your stride later in the day, becoming most productive when others are winding down. These patterns aren’t […]
The Franklin Five: May 2026
May is a great time to improve relationships and to show appreciation for those who have expressed their love to you through service. Make a plan to keep others in mind, and then act on each inspiration you have to serve them in return.
Identifying Your Governing Values (pg. 91-105)
The second half of Chapter 5 in What Matters Most moves from understanding governing values to the practical work of identifying, clarifying, prioritizing, and owning them. This is the heart of the process: surfacing what truly matters most and bringing it into conscious awareness so it can guide daily choices. Smith begins with a straightforward […]
Ambition With Intention: Wanting More Without Losing Yourself
Ambition is a powerful force. It pushes us to grow, sharpen our abilities, and pursue goals that stretch our potential. In many ways, ambition is what drives progress—both personally and professionally. But when it goes unchecked, that same drive can slowly pull us away from ourselves. It rarely happens all at once. Instead, it’s subtle. […]
What Are Governing Values? (pg. 82-91)
Chapter 5 of What Matters Most shifts focus to the second element of the tri-quation: governing values. These are described as the deepest, most central part of identity—the core beliefs and principles that determine what feels most important and highest in priority. Because they sit at the very center of being, governing values can be […]
Turning Intentions Into Action
Most of us begin with the best intentions. We plan to exercise more, focus better, spend time on what matters, or follow through on goals we truly care about. Yet research suggests that intentions translate into actual behavior only about half of the time. In other words, 50 percent of the time we get stuck […]
The Franklin Five: April 2026
Welcome April! With its warmer weather outside there are opportunities to create order in chaos, and have new adventures! April is a good time to look back at the goals you set at the start of the year and evaluate where you are at. Find new things to enjoy this month with a good plan […]
Identifying Your Roles (pg. 73-81)
Chapter 4 of What Matters Most marks the beginning of the practical work in Part Two. The focus is on identifying the roles that shape daily life—the relationships and responsibilities that connect individuals to others and to the broader world. Roles are not lived in isolation; they arise from the fundamental human need to belong […]
Renew Your Energy, Not Your Overwhelm
As winter fades and spring begins to take hold, many of us feel a natural pull toward renewal. Longer days, brighter mornings, and the promise of fresh growth can spark motivation and a desire to do more. But true renewal isn’t about packing more into your schedule—it’s about restoring your energy so you can move […]