The Four Dimensions of Renewal (pg. 341-353)
Imagine coming across someone in the woods, feverishly working to saw down a tree. You notice they’re exhausted and suggest they take a break to sharpen their saw. “I don’t have time to sharpen the saw,” they reply. “I’m too busy sawing!” Stephen Covey’s metaphor captures something we’re all guilty of—grinding through our days without […]
The Franklin Five: September 2025
September brings cooler weather and the official start of fall. School is underway for many and companies and individuals start preparing for the holiday season. Use this month to spend time enjoying the outdoors and watch the changing of the seasons.
Back on Track: Refocus After a Busy Summer
Summer offers a welcome break—from long weekends to full vacations, it’s a season filled with travel, family time, and moments to unplug. But getting back to work after time away isn’t always seamless. Whether you’ve stepped away for a few days or a few weeks, the transition back to structure can feel jarring. Rather than […]
The Reward of Effective Living (pg. 329-337)
Synergy is more than a business buzzword or an optimistic ideal—it’s the natural result of people working together with trust, respect, and a shared desire to create something better than they could alone. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey explains that Habit 6, Synergize, is the “crowning achievement” of all the […]
Living Your Priorities
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in the demands of daily life—emails, meetings, errands, expectations. Many of us spend our days reacting to the needs and priorities of others, rather than intentionally acting on what matters most to us. Over time, this constant state of reactivity can lead to disillusionment and […]
Finding a Third Alternative (pg. 317-329)
We’ve all experienced moments when it feels like there are only two options—mine or yours. Two opposing views. Two conflicting plans. Two people pulling in different directions. But what if there was a third way? Habit 6 from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People introduces the concept of Synergy, and at the heart of […]
Mastering Micro Goals
Big dreams like starting a business or writing a novel can feel daunting, but micro goals—small, actionable steps—make them achievable. By breaking down lofty aspirations into manageable tasks, you create a clear path to success, boost motivation, and build a growth mindset. Here’s how to master micro goals and turn your dreams into reality. Why […]
The Franklin Five: August 2025
August brings the last full month of summer and a transition to back to school and other activities. Use this time to spend time with family and friends and celebrate the start of the harvest. Check out our weekly Franklin Planner Talk blog posts for uplifting ideas and great material. Our goal at Franklin Planner is to support […]
What Is Synergy? (pg. 308-317)
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey’s exploration of Habit 6: Synergize unveils the transformative power of synergy—the pinnacle of human collaboration. Described as “the highest activity in all life,” synergy builds on the foundation of the previous habits, combining personal security, win-win thinking, and empathic listening to create outcomes greater than […]
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 […]