These days I am learning a lot from dead men, particularly Ben Franklin and John Wesley.

Both of these men were world changers. They created organizations and put forth ideas that continue to influence our lives today:

• John Wesley – founder of the Methodist Church; emphasis on the doctrine of sanctification
• Ben Franklin – created the first library, fire station, etc.; one of

RANT: One of the beauties of reading dead men is that their ideas have been tested and proved. The danger of doing all of your learning from blogs and new books is that many of the ideas proposed have not been tested and proved over time. In other words, they don’t have a track record. I believe that the more things change, the more leaders need to be experts in things that don’t change, and that’s why reading the wisdom of the ancients is helpful. RANT OVER.

Ben Franklin shares this nugget in his autobiography:

I have always thought that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind if he first forms a good plan and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, makes the execution of that same plan his sole study and business.

Franklin essentially says, an average Joe who has an idea, a good plan, and a rigorous work ethic can create a wave of change.

You don’t have to be a superstar, have letters behind your name, make a lot of money, or know all the right people to make a difference. You have to have a dream, a good plan, and be committed to hard work and you can accomplish great things!

SOOOOOOO…

what’s your idea?

what’s your plan?

what are you willing to give up to accomplish your idea?

how hard are you willing to work?

Thanks Ben!