Benjamin Franklin’s Virtue of Industry: How to Stop Wasting Time and Start Building a Life That Matters

Benjamin Franklin, that wise-cracking inventor of bifocals and big ideas, once said, “Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.” That’s his virtue of Industry in a nutshell—and let’s be honest, it might be the exact wake-up call we all need in today’s world of endless scrolling, binge-watching, and procrastinating under the noble guise of “research.”

In a time when Franklin was busy discovering electricity, printing newspapers, and founding the first public library, he made it a point to be industrious—not just busy. There’s a difference. Being busy can mean spinning your wheels in place. But being industrious? That means you’re building momentum toward something meaningful.

Let’s break down how you can apply Franklin’s wisdom to your modern life, boost your productivity, and maybe even recover those hours lost to TikTok rabbit holes.

What Does Industry Mean Today?

Franklin’s definition of industry isn’t about working 80 hours a week until you burn out. It’s about intentional productivity—using your time wisely and aligning your actions with your purpose. It’s the art of doing what matters and cutting out what doesn’t.

In today’s terms, it looks like:

• Focusing on high-impact tasks, not just checking emails all day.

• Saying no to distractions that don’t move you closer to your goals.

• Getting rid of “filler tasks” that make you feel productive but don’t create real results.

If you’ve ever found yourself reorganizing your sock drawer while avoiding a big project, Franklin’s ghost is probably shaking his head at you.

Why Industry Matters for Success (and Sanity)

Here’s the thing: without a sense of industry, we drift. We scroll aimlessly, put off dreams, and wonder where all our time went. Franklin wasn’t perfect (he’d be the first to admit it), but he understood that purposeful action creates a meaningful life.

Modern psychology backs this up. Research shows that people who set clear goals and actively work toward them experience more satisfaction, less anxiety, and even better health. The human brain loves progress.

So why do we so often waste time?

Because it’s easy. And it feels good—for a moment. But real success comes from compound progress, not convenience. Every moment spent on something useful—whether it’s writing a book, mentoring someone, or fixing that squeaky cabinet—builds internal confidence and external momentum.

Cut the Clutter: Franklin’s Timeless Time Hacks

Here’s how you can channel Franklin’s virtue of industry in practical, 21st-century ways:

1. Schedule Like a Founding Father
Franklin famously structured his day, asking himself each morning, “What good shall I do this day?” and reflecting each evening with, “What good have I done today?”
Try this: Before you open your email or scroll social media, write down your top three priorities. Then—here’s the revolutionary part—do them.

2. Create a “Stop Doing” List
We all have tasks that feel productive but aren’t. Tracking every step on your Fitbit isn’t progress if you haven’t moved forward on that big career goal. Cut the fluff. Every yes to a distraction is a no to your destiny.

3. Work in Sprints, Not Marathons
Franklin didn’t sit for 12 hours straight inventing the lightning rod. He worked in focused blocks, then rested. Use techniques like Pomodoro (25-minute sprints) or the “90/20 Rule” (90 minutes of work, 20 minutes of rest) to stay sharp.

4. Make Usefulness Your Filter
Before taking on a task, ask: Does this align with my purpose or mission? If not, delegate it, delay it, or delete it.

Industry Isn’t Just About Work

Franklin wasn’t saying we should be robotic taskmasters who never rest. He enjoyed music, conversations, long walks, and a good joke. Industry isn’t about never relaxing—it’s about not wasting time on what doesn’t nourish you.

Sometimes, the most “useful” thing you can do is play a board game with your kids, call your mom, or go outside and let your mind wander creatively. Purpose doesn’t always wear a suit and tie. But idleness—without rest or renewal—is what Franklin warned against.

So go ahead and rest—but rest with intention. Rest to recharge, not to avoid.

Finding Your Moral Compass (Literally)

This is why I included a whole chapter on industry in my book Moral Compass—because living a meaningful life requires direction. We’re bombarded with noise, notifications, and nonsense. But you don’t need more hours in the day—you need more intention in the hours you already have.

Franklin’s compass pointed toward usefulness. What does yours point toward?

If you’re not sure, take a moment to reflect on what makes you feel truly alive—then commit to spending more time on that and less on distractions disguised as obligations.

Humor Break: Franklin Wouldn’t Have Liked Cat Memes

Let’s be real—Ben Franklin was brilliant, but he probably wouldn’t have understood the humor in cat videos or why someone needs 14 different streaming subscriptions. But even he might’ve cracked a smile if he knew we’re still quoting him on the internet 200+ years later.

Still, he’d probably urge you to “close the tab and get back to work.”

Final Thoughts: Build a Legacy, One Intentional Action at a Time

Every great invention, every successful business, every impactful book—was built one hour at a time. Industry is not about perfection; it’s about consistent, meaningful action.

So next time you’re tempted to “just check your phone for a second,” remember Franklin’s advice: Lose no time.

Because your time is your life. And when you use it wisely, you don’t just succeed—you build a legacy.

For more wisdom on industry, values, and how to build a life worth living, check out my book Moral Compass. It’s available on Amazon—just search for Dr. Jerry Cunningham.