Benjamin Franklin Virtue Tracking

Examine your conduct using Benjamin Franklin evening method of tracking infractions against thirteen core virtues.

4 time blocks, 15 minutes in total.

Time blocks

  1. Ask the Evening Question: 3 min
    Reflect on the statement 'What good have I done today?'
  2. Review the Target Virtue: 5 min
    Evaluate your actions against the specific virtue chosen for this week
  3. Mark Infractions in Grid: 5 min
    Record a black mark for every lapse across Franklin's thirteen virtues
  4. Set Intentions for Tomorrow: 2 min
    Note one focus point to improve conduct for the coming day

About this routine

In his autobiography, the Benjamin Franklin virtue tracking routine is detailed as a personal system designed to build habits through clear self-examination. Franklin selected thirteen virtues, including temperance, silence, order, and humility, dedicating one full week of focus to each virtue in turn.

Every evening, Franklin opened a custom notebook featuring a grid of seven columns for the days of the week and thirteen rows for the virtues. He asked himself a single reflection question: What good have I done today? He then marked a black spot for every lapse committed against any virtue during that day, keeping closer attention on the week's target.

This 15 minute evening audit allowed Franklin to track his progress visually over a thirteen week cycle. Repeating the cycle four times a year helped him notice recurring lapses before they turned into fixed habits. You can run this reflection process using a paper notebook or a routine timer online to keep your review structured.

Why this routine works

  • Increases daily self-awareness through systematic behavior tracking
  • Focuses attention on one core virtue or habit each week
  • Provides a clear visual record of personal progress over a thirteen week cycle

FAQ

What is Benjamin Franklin virtue tracking routine?

It is an evening habit where Franklin reviewed his daily actions against thirteen character virtues and recorded lapses in a custom notebook.

What question did Benjamin Franklin ask himself every evening?

Franklin asked himself: What good have I done today?

How long does Benjamin Franklin virtue tracking take?

The evening audit takes 15 minutes to review the day, answer the prompt, and record lapses in the tracking grid.