A cypher and humility make the other figures and virtues of tenfold value. — Benjamin Franklin
After some research, I believe that cypher is referring to a king’s cypher. This is the mark or seal of a king that is sent with people or messages from the king. A person carrying such a mark would clearly receive royal treatment. Here humility is placed at the same level or value and acts a multiplier for all other attributes that a person may bring along.
Act uprightly, and despise calumny; dirt may stick to a mud wall, but not to polished marble. — Benjamin Franklin
The downside of taking the high-road is hard to find; try taking it more often. It may seem like more effort, but it will be less trouble.
It took me a log time to discover that it is not good enough to avoid talking trash; you must also avoid spending time with those that do. Again, this is a little effort that will save a lot of trouble.
If you take care of your reputation, it tends to start taking care of you. It does matter what others think of you; and it impacts how and if they will interact with you.
A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats. — Benjamin Franklin
I’d venture that any living creature between lawyers likely feels the same. It’s funny and scary that this saying has held true for so long… and may hold true for eternity.
A cold April, the barn will fill. — Benjamin Franklin
This is the second thing listed in Poor Richard’s Almanac; and I can’t figure out what it means exactly. I’ve tried some Googling… and nothing of quality is popping up. My best guess is that this is something along the lines of “it is always darkest before dawn”.
If you know anything, please let me know.
A child thinks 20 shillings and 20 years can scarce be spent. — Benjamin Franklin
It is shocking how money and time seem to shrink as we age. A twenty dollar bill doesn’t last nearly as long as it once did. I once felt rich by simply having one in my wallet; now they don’t stay long enough to count.
Each year passes faster than the one before. I once thought my current age was old; now it seems young.
I really don’t want anything complicated out of life. I want to do work that is good, run a business that is honest and profitable, make a positive impact on people I meet, enjoy the small amount of time I have on this planet, and love my little family the best I know how.
All the uncomplicated things in life come with complicated things attached; and honestly, it can get quite frustrating. Thus far, I’ve found that nothing will get you further than working hard and keeping calm. Life’s hard, but it’s nothing to get wound up about. The annoying things pass aster when you pay them no mind.
When I have a rough day, I write things like this to remind myself… it’s not so bad.
Currently, I have 29 draft posts sitting in my blog queue. All of which are just waiting for finishing touches and maybe a few edits. This would typically be a bit depressing to me; however, I’m just happy to have them out of my brain. I need every brain cell I can spare lately.
My beautiful son and my booming business both require a lot of time and care, which steals from my sleep and rest. Relaxation has been been restricted to brief moments that occur between tasks and meetings.
Every experience in life is growth — recognized or not. Everything changes us and shapes us; and it’s easy to see in experiences like having a child. Daily, I question how it is that I have even an ounce of sanity left. I haven’t been able to come up with an answer, so I continue to marvel.
Stay innocent, stay passionate.
This chapter of 7 Habits could easily be its own book. It’s incorrectly titled as Proactive; however, this title may better fit with the overall book theme than the contents of the chapter.
This is easily one of the Habits that I agree with most and believe in deeply. I suspect my frustration with foolish people comes the core philosophy of this habit — you are responsible for your actions.
This first Habit is a gentle reminder that we as humans are not reactive animals driven be nothing other than instinct. We are responsible creatures; we choose our responses, goals and dreams. It is impossible for anything or anyone to control our emotions.
The concept that there is a gap for thought between any action and a reaction is simple, yet powerful. It is the realization that there is this gap is something that should be both taught at an early age. We should also instantly hold people accountable for that which they are responsible; versus handing out excuses that people can easily ride. I believe strongly that there is larger freedom in responsibility.
What could be better than being free to be happy, free of debt or simply content?
Below is a presentation that I gave at a Fullerton Chamber event. This was a introductory level presentation about LinkedIn and Twitter for businesses.
Yesterday, I was speaking with a friend about parenthood which lead to a conversation about productivity. We both agreed that nothing will make you more effective and productive as parenthood. The key to being the most productive person you can be has nearly nothing to do with how much time you have available and how well you use that time; it has everything to do with how much you must accomplish and the time that you don’t have.
Parenthood creates clearly defined tasks — instantly. There are a lot of grey-areas and unknowns around having and raising a child, but there are far more obvious tasks. Food, sleep, clean clothes, clean diapers are among of the first tasks that become habits; they are done with such frequency and requirement, they become as automatic as breathing. Defined tasks get done.
Like never before in my life, there is less time to get anything and everything done. Scarcity breeds value. When you think that you might possibly maybe have a moment of time, you start fantasizing about what you will do with it. You might do something simple like eat, sleep or run the restroom; or you might do something exciting like pay bills and respond to email. Whatever it might be, you do it like you have been given a precious gift.
The other critical factor in parenthood productivity is focus. It is very clear what is important and what is not. Anything that is not important never hits the to-do list. Your list is no longer burdened with tasks that have middle-of-the-road importance. You don’t have to pick what is important; this choice is made for you.
How can a productivity system ever do this for you? I don’t know. Am I suggesting that you have a kid? Not at all.
I’m the kind of person that was always seeking ways to improve my life. The tables have been turned; and now, my life is constantly seeking ways to improve me.
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