13 Life Goals

If there is one thing to admire about Benjamin Franklin its his focus and determination. At the age of 20, He wrote down 13 life goals that he would follow for the rest of his life. According to at least one author he was partially motivated by Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." The list he made was as follows:

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.


2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.


3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.


4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.


5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.


6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.


7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.


8. Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.


9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.


10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.


11. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.


12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.


13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

After making the list he committed to practicing one virtue a week. Following this plan he was able to focus on each viture for 4 seperate weeks throughout the year. He tracked his progress by using a little chart, marking a dot at the end of each day next to the virtue he failed to maintain. Obviously the goal was to make no marks at all. And in time he did enjoy a certain level of success.

I'm now 30 years old, ten years past the age in which Benjamin Franklin began to follow the little list. I know it's not too late to start.

Father, I pray that you might give me the focus and determination to live my life in the manner worthy of your Son.