Episode 89

89 - Ben Franklin and His Life Improvement Plan

89 - Ben Franklin and His Life Improvement Plan

I recently came across Benjamin Franklin’s Book of Virtues and was intrigued by the system he developed to become a better person. He identified 13 virtues, one for each week, and worked on improving himself in each area. These virtues include things like temperance, order, and sincerity. The most amazing part about this system is that it’s not just about reflecting on these virtues, but actually taking action to improve ourselves. Franklin found that even attempting to attain these virtues made him a happier person. I think this system could be adapted to any personal virtues we want to work on and help us become better versions of ourselves.

 https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3199

https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/01/health/13-virtues-wisdom-project/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OegmiOQNxVo

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Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.