Franklin Planner
What is Franklin Planner?
The Franklin Planner is a comprehensive paper-based time management and productivity system, famous for its ring-bound notebooks and structured daily planning pages. Designed for ambitious professionals, students, and homemakers seeking to take control of their schedule and goals, its core philosophy is prioritizing tasks based on deeply held personal values, not just urgency. Also known as Franklin Day, Franklin Quest, or Franklin Covey planners.
Key Features
- Values-Based Prioritization: The system begins by having users define their core values and roles in life, ensuring daily tasks align with what matters most.
- The Time Matrix: A cornerstone of the methodology that teaches users to categorize tasks into four quadrants (Urgent/Important, Not Urgent/Important, etc.) to focus on important, non-urgent activities that drive real progress.
- Daily Planning Ritual: A structured process for each day that includes scheduling appointments, identifying top priorities, and tracking daily accomplishments.
Related Blog Posts
- The Ultimate Franklin Planner Review: My Tried and Tested System for Finishing Your Goals
- Analog vs. Digital Planning: Which System is Right for You? (coming soon)
- My Action Notebook
- 30-Day Paper System Challenge
Links and Resources
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey | Amazon
- First Things First by Stephen R. Covey | Amazon
- Advanced Day Planner User’s Guide by Hyrum W. Smith | Amazon
Favorite Quotes
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
— Stephen R. Covey
“Manage from the left brain, lead from the right brain.”
— Hyrum W. Smith (Franklin Planner founder)
Official Links
Tracy A
Tracy helps self-starters and project finishers find the tools, strategies, and confidence to complete the work that matters most. She shares actionable tips, book notes, reviews, and personal experiments to help you start strong and finish well.
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