The Power of a Fresh Start
As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, many of us feel an internal shift—a sense of renewal, energy, and possibility. There’s something inherently motivating about a fresh start, and spring provides a natural opportunity to embrace it. The longer days, warmer air, and blooming landscapes inspire us to reset, refocus, and move […]
Moving Into Quadrant II (pg. 177-193)
Have you ever found yourself constantly reacting to urgent demands, yet feeling like the truly important things in your life are always pushed to the side? Stephen R. Covey’s Time Matrix in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People reveals why so many of us feel this way. The key to real effectiveness lies in shifting our […]
The Franklin Five: March 2025
March delivers the first awakenings of Spring. It’s a great time to work on organizing your life in a way that brings inner peace. Get into the habit of printing The Franklin Five checklist each month, and include them in your planner! Also, check out our weekly Franklin Planner Talk blog posts for great ideas and support! […]
Breaking Through Fatigue: Staying Motivated and Organized
By February, the initial excitement of New Year’s resolutions often begins to fade. The goals that once fueled your enthusiasm now feel like uphill battles, and fatigue and waning motivation can make it tempting to abandon them altogether. But setbacks like these are completely normal—part of the natural cycle of striving for growth. The key […]
Intro to Habit 3 & The Time Matrix (pg. 168-177)
Habit 3, Put First Things First, is where planning meets action. It is the physical creation—the practical application—of the principles and values established through Habit 1 and Habit 2. As Stephen Covey writes, “Habit 3 is the personal fruit, the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2.” This habit is all about self-management. It involves exercising […]
Planning Meaningful Connections
February is a time when love and relationships take center stage, but meaningful connections aren’t limited to romantic relationships. Whether it’s with family, friends, colleagues, or your community, investing time and effort into maintaining and deepening these connections is one of the most rewarding things you can do. With the competing demands on our time, […]
Applying Habit 2 (pg. 152-166)
Habit 2, Begin with the End in Mind, is about envisioning your destination and aligning your life around shared values and principles. Stephen Covey reminds us that this habit extends beyond the individual, offering profound impact on families, organizations, and any group of people striving toward a common purpose. At the heart of a family is […]
Bouncing Back From Goal-Setting Setbacks
Every year, millions of people start January with the best of intentions, setting ambitious New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives. Yet research shows that around 64% of these resolutions are abandoned by the end of the month. It’s no surprise—overly ambitious goals combined with life’s inevitable obstacles can make setbacks feel like failures. But […]
The Franklin Five: February 2025
In February, show yourself some LOVE. Spend a portion of quality time focusing on your foundation – your personal governing values, and creating spaces of order and calm to live and work in. Get into the habit of printing The Franklin Five checklist each month, and include them in your planner! Also, check out our weekly Franklin Planner […]
What is a Personal Mission Statement? (pg. 142-151)
A personal mission statement is more than just a collection of words; it’s a declaration of who you are and what you aspire to become. Stephen Covey describes it as your “personal constitution,” a solid expression of your vision and values that serves as a foundation for all your decisions and actions. “It forces you […]