Benjamin Franklin’s Secret to Getting Your Life in Order (Literally)
If Benjamin Franklin had a smartphone, you better believe his home screen would be color-coded, his apps arranged by usage frequency, and his calendar fully optimized with alerts set to “do not disturb” during important meetings. Why? Because one of Franklin’s favorite personal virtues was Order—and this single habit has the power to turn your chaos into clarity.
As Franklin put it: “Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.” That’s not just an 18th-century Pinterest quote—it’s a foundational principle for productivity, peace, and personal growth. In a world that feels like it runs on coffee and chaos, the virtue of order is a timeless tool we all need in our emotional toolbox.
What Does the Virtue of Order Mean?
Franklin believed in creating a place for everything and giving everything its place. The idea wasn’t just about a tidy desk (though he’d definitely give a side-eye to your mountain of sticky notes). It was about living intentionally—structuring your time, environment, and tasks so your life runs with less friction.
The virtue of order is about clarity over clutter, rhythm over randomness, and focus over frenzy.
Sounds great, right? But how do we actually make that happen without turning into robots or throwing out everything we own?
Let’s break it down.
Why Order Matters in Modern Life
You don’t have to live in colonial Philadelphia to appreciate the beauty of an orderly life. From entrepreneurs to parents to creatives, we’re all bombarded by decisions, distractions, and deadlines. Without structure, even the best intentions get bulldozed by daily demands.
That’s where Franklin’s wisdom hits home. When we give structure to our day, we don’t lose freedom—we gain it.
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An organized calendar gives us more time for what matters.
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A clean space gives us mental clarity.
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A focused task list keeps us from falling into the YouTube rabbit hole of “how to fold a fitted sheet” (we see you).
In short, order gives us the mental real estate we need to think clearly, act deliberately, and build a life with purpose.
How to Practice the Virtue of Order (Without Becoming a Control Freak)
You don’t have to alphabetize your spice rack or schedule your bathroom breaks (unless that’s your thing—no judgment). Practicing order is about small, sustainable habits that reduce friction in your life. Here are a few Franklin-approved strategies:
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Start with One Space
Whether it’s your desk, car, or that black hole of a junk drawer, pick one area and give it a sense of order. You’ll be amazed at how organizing your surroundings can boost your confidence and energy. -
Time Block Your Day
Divide your day into sections: morning routine, creative work, meetings, errands, and rest. Give each part of your business (and life) its own time. Bonus points if you leave room for interruptions—because life loves to test your plans. -
Simplify Your Systems
Use apps, planners, or even sticky notes (if you must) to track your to-dos. The goal is to reduce decision fatigue, not create another system that feels like a second job. -
Review and Reset Weekly
Franklin used a daily and weekly review to reflect and reset. A Sunday night check-in to plan your week ahead can do wonders for your sanity. It’s like giving your brain a GPS instead of wandering around aimlessly all week.
A Personal Compass Toward a More Ordered Life
In my book Moral Compass, I explore how virtues like Franklin’s can still guide us today. Order isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s a moral principle that helps us show up better in our relationships, work, and personal lives. When we honor our time and space, we’re better able to serve others, live with integrity, and pursue the things that matter most.
And yes, sometimes you’ll still hit snooze three times and forget where you put your keys. That’s called being human. But embracing the virtue of order gives us a path forward—one drawer, one calendar block, one intentional choice at a time.
Final Thoughts: Order Brings Hope, Not Just Schedules
Let’s be honest—most of us are one lost sock away from a breakdown. But Franklin reminds us that we don’t have to settle for disarray. Order is a gift we give ourselves: a way to anchor our days, lighten our mental load, and create margin for joy, creativity, and rest.
So go ahead—channel your inner Franklin. Give your desk a makeover. Block some focused time for your passion project. And remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about direction.
Because when all your things have their places—and each part of your business has its time—there’s room for something even better: purpose.
Looking for more practical wisdom and timeless virtues? Check out Moral Compass, where I unpack how principles like order, integrity, and perseverance can help you live a life worth following.
And if this post brought a little more order to your day, share it with a friend, subscribe to the blog, or leave a comment below. You never know who needs a little Franklin-style motivation today.
