Benjamin Franklin Daily Order Routine

Benjamin Franklin daily routine follows the structured 24-hour schedule documented in his autobiography, balancing morning intention, focused work, and evening reflection.

8 time blocks, 1020 minutes in total.

Time blocks

  1. Morning Intention: 90 min
    Rise, wash, address Powerful Goodness, and plan the day
  2. Morning Study and Breakfast: 90 min
    Prosecute present study and eat breakfast
  3. First Work Block: 240 min
    Focus on primary work and core tasks without distraction
  4. Midday Rest and Accounts: 120 min
    Eat lunch, review personal accounts, and read
  5. Second Work Block: 240 min
    Continue main work projects and trade
  6. Put Things in Order: 30 min
    Put things back in their proper places after the workday
  7. Supper, Music, and Conversation: 150 min
    Eat supper, enjoy music or diversion, and converse
  8. Evening Examination: 60 min
    Ask what good was done today and review the thirteen virtues

About this routine

In his autobiography, Benjamin Franklin outlined a strict 24-hour schedule centered on his virtue of Order. The Benjamin Franklin daily routine divides the waking day into distinct blocks, starting at five in the morning with a core question: What good shall I do this day? This morning block combines personal hygiene, prayer or reflection, planning, self-study, and breakfast.

Franklin split his workday into two four-hour sessions separated by a two-hour midday break. During lunch, he reviewed his accounts and spent time reading. The evening block from six to ten focused on restoring order to his workspace, enjoying supper, socializing or playing music, and conducting a final review of the day.

Before sleeping at ten, Franklin examined his actions against his thirteen virtues, asking himself what good he had accomplished. People looking to structure their day around deliberate reflection and clear time blocks can follow this exact historical layout using a daily routine timer.

Why this routine works

  • Establishes clear daily intention with a morning focus question
  • Creates dedicated focus blocks for uninterrupted deep work
  • Includes structured time for reading, dining, and reviewing accounts
  • Maintains physical and mental workspace organization every evening
  • Builds self-awareness through an evening reflection on personal progress

FAQ

What was Benjamin Franklin's morning question?

Franklin asked himself, 'What good shall I do this day?' every morning between five and eight while planning his tasks.

What time did Benjamin Franklin wake up?

Franklin woke up at five in the morning to wash, reflect, plan his work, study, and eat breakfast.

How did Benjamin Franklin review his day?

Every evening between six and ten, Franklin examined his day by asking, 'What good have I done today?' and rating his adherence to his thirteen virtues.

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