{"id":12321,"date":"2026-02-03T19:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/?p=12321"},"modified":"2026-02-03T19:00:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:00:15","slug":"a-conversation-i-had-with-benjamin-franklin-about-my-to-do-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2026\/02\/03\/a-conversation-i-had-with-benjamin-franklin-about-my-to-do-list\/","title":{"rendered":"A Conversation I Had with Benjamin Franklin About My To-Do List"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Image\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Someone recently asked me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s something on your to-do list that never gets done?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I answered without hesitation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe one thing that stays on my to-do list is growing in virtues. When you think you\u2019ve accomplished one virtue, you end up having to clean up another.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Later that evening, the room changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candlelight flickers across a wooden desk scattered with papers. A quill rests in his hand. Spectacles sit low on his nose. The air smells faintly of ink and ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sit across from Benjamin Franklin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An inquisitive friend stands nearby and asks the question again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friend:<\/strong> \u201cSo, what\u2019s something on your to-do list that never gets done?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cGrowing in virtues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Franklin looks up slowly, like a man who has been personally addressed by that sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He slides a small chart across the desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI tried to solve that,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the paper are thirteen words written with careful intention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperance. Silence. Order. Resolution. Frugality. Industry. Sincerity. Justice. Moderation. Cleanliness. Tranquility. Chastity. Humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI gave each virtue a week,\u201d he explains. \u201cI marked my failures daily. A very scientific approach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A chart designed by Benjamin Franklin to track personal virtues, highlighting his method for moral improvement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I lean forward. This looks exactly like something I would build in a spreadsheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cAnd? Did it work?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sighs the sigh of a man who could harness electricity but not outwit his own nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI was surprised to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined.\u201d\u00b9<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I nod immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cYes. That\u2019s it. That\u2019s exactly it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining\u2026\u201d\u00b2<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We look at each other in complete understanding across two centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cI work on patience and find pride. I work on humility and find impatience. I work on kindness and discover I am only kind when it is convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Franklin taps the last word on his list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cEven if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility.\u201d\u00b3<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

We both laugh. The kind of laugh that comes from recognition, not humor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cExactly. You fix one thing and another pops up like it was waiting its turn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our friend looks puzzled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friend:<\/strong> \u201cSo\u2026 neither of you ever finished this task?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Franklin answers plainly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cI never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining.\u201d\u00b2<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I add quietly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWhen you think you\u2019ve accomplished one virtue, you end up having to clean up another.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The candle shifts. Wax bends. Silence settles for a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friend:<\/strong> \u201cThen why keep trying?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Franklin answers first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThough I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.\u201d\u2074<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me:<\/strong> \u201cThat\u2019s why it stays on my to-do list.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not because I expect to finish it.
But because trying changes me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Franklin folds the paper carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt seems,\u201d he says, \u201cthis is not a task to be completed, but a direction to be walked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA lofty goal,\u201d I reply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne worth the effort,\u201d he agrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then we both turn toward you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever tried to \u201cfinish\u201d growing in virtue?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever noticed that improving one part of your character quietly reveals another that needs attention?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever found that the work is never done\u2026 and yet somehow always worth doing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps this is the one item that belongs on all of our to-do lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not to be checked off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But to be returned to, again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Footnotes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u00b9 Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin<\/em>, Part Two: \u201cPlan for Attaining Moral Perfection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b2 Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b3 Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2074 Ibid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Note: Page numbers vary by edition. All quotations are from Part Two, \u201cPlan for Attaining Moral Perfection,\u201d which appears in nearly all printings of Franklin\u2019s autobiography.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Daily writing prompt<\/div>
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.<\/div>
View all responses<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What if the one task on your to-do list that never gets done is the one that matters most? A candlelit conversation with Benjamin Franklin reveals why growing in virtues is a lifelong pursuit rather than a completed task.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":132804860,"featured_media":12327,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_crdt_document":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"dois","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":true,"token":"eyJpbWciOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbXktYWxsLWFib3V0LXlvdS5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjZcLzAyXC9iZW5qYW1pbi1mcmFua2xpbi12aXJ0dWVzLWNvbnZlcnNhdGlvbi1jYW5kbGVsaWdodC1zdHVkeS5wbmciLCJ0eHQiOiJBIENvbnZlcnNhdGlvbiBJIEhhZCB3aXRoIEJlbmphbWluIEZyYW5rbGluIEFib3V0IE15IFRvLURvIExpc3QiLCJ0ZW1wbGF0ZSI6ImRvaXMiLCJmb250IjoiIiwiYmxvZ19pZCI6MTQwNTkyMjQxfQ.3eLeBm4l79XKL6MNJBggaGiiBIImq_H8Z4ai64NVN7EMQ","image_type":"featured","custom_text":""},"version":2,"attached_media":[{"id":12327,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benjamin-franklin-virtues-conversation-candlelight-study.png","type":"image\/png"}]},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[41743157,78566],"tags":[785751556,785751557,116305918,785751554,239335,785751063,785751558,104575,34986105,37109810,785751559,785751555],"class_list":["post-12321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-faith-in-practice","category-life-reflections","tag-benjamin-franklin","tag-character-formation","tag-dailyprompt","tag-dailyprompt-1837","tag-faith-journey","tag-humility","tag-mindset","tag-patience","tag-personal-growth-2","tag-self-reflection-2","tag-to-do-list-2","tag-virtues"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/benjamin-franklin-virtues-conversation-candlelight-study.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9vUsN-3cJ","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":8360,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2025\/08\/03\/how-habits-shape-our-true-identity\/","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":0},"title":"How Habits Shape Our True Identity","author":"myallaboutyou","date":"agosto 3, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"We develop habits throughout life, some beneficial and others detrimental, often unaware of new ones we adopt. While initially seeking a nursing career, the author discovered a deeper purpose through service, leading to the realization that true fulfillment comes from the grace of giving, not just planned routines.","rel":"","context":"En "#gratitude"","block_context":{"text":"#gratitude","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/category\/gratitude\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pexels-photo-3791664.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pexels-photo-3791664.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pexels-photo-3791664.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pexels-photo-3791664.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/pexels-photo-3791664.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10615,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2025\/11\/16\/before-i-speak-a-word\/","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":1},"title":"Before I Speak a Word","author":"myallaboutyou","date":"noviembre 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"A gentle reflection on the first impression we offer others\u2014peace, care, and faithful presence\u2014rooted in God\u2019s quiet love.","rel":"","context":"En "Christian Living"","block_context":{"text":"Christian Living","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/category\/christian-living\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A peaceful sunrise scene with a white wooden bench sitting in a quiet meadow, surrounded by soft golden light and misty trees, evoking calm, reflection, and stillness.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/speaking-a-word.png?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/speaking-a-word.png?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/speaking-a-word.png?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/speaking-a-word.png?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3054,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2024\/09\/28\/weekend-priorities-my-to-do-list\/","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":2},"title":"Weekend Priorities: My To-Do List","author":"myallaboutyou","date":"septiembre 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"What's your #1 priority tomorrow? My number 1 priority for tomorrow is to go to church and say my prayers, then mass and rest somewhere. But this is my weekend plans for this weekend. I am just getting back home from traveling with my job for two weeks. So, there\u2026","rel":"","context":"En "Catholic"","block_context":{"text":"Catholic","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/category\/catholic\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weekend-activities.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weekend-activities.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weekend-activities.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weekend-activities.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3653,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2024\/11\/05\/the-value-of-time-making-every-moment-count\/","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":3},"title":"The Value of Time: Making Every Moment Count","author":"myallaboutyou","date":"noviembre 5, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Time is invaluable, often more precious than material riches. While it's easy to take it for granted in youth, reflecting on the past reveals the joys and lessons learned. By embracing the present and prioritizing what truly matters, we can lead vibrant lives filled with passion and meaningful connections.","rel":"","context":"En "Character"","block_context":{"text":"Character","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/category\/character\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-2.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-2.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-2.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-2.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7230,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2025\/05\/23\/cherished-belongings-treasures-of-faith-and-love\/","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":4},"title":"Cherished Belongings: Treasures of Faith and Love","author":"myallaboutyou","date":"mayo 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"In a heartfelt message, the author celebrates the treasures that define their life: unwavering faith in the Blessed Trinity, the love from family and friends, and cherished handmade gifts. Each item reflects deep affection and connection, illuminating their spirit. They invite others to share their own invaluable treasures that inspire\u2026","rel":"","context":"En "#Collectibles"","block_context":{"text":"#Collectibles","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/category\/collectibles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-13.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-13.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-13.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-13.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2615,"url":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/2024\/08\/24\/mystical-recipe\/","url_meta":{"origin":12321,"position":5},"title":"Mystical Recipe","author":"myallaboutyou","date":"agosto 24, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If we are speaking of food, it is most probably homemade chewy brownies freshly baked. I love chocolate. If we are speaking of a recipe for a good life, then there is much to consider. I need to look at all factors. I know if I could go back\u2026","rel":"","context":"En "Daily Prompt"","block_context":{"text":"Daily Prompt","link":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/category\/daily-prompt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_1683-1.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_1683-1.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_1683-1.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_1683-1.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/my-all-about-you.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_1683-1.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132804860"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12321"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12328,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12321\/revisions\/12328"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12327"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my-all-about-you.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}