Yes or No?
Ready — Hyrum Smith, co-founder and CEO of Franklin Quest Co., dedicated his life to helping people do what matters most. Long before digital planners and productivity apps, Smith taught that time management is self-management, i.e., the art of aligning your daily actions with your deepest values.
Set — He believed true productivity begins not with a clock, but with a compass. The key principle: “When your daily activities reflect your governing values, you experience inner peace.” Managing time is about doing what matters most.
That happens as you . . .
Clarify Core Values. Smith urged leaders to identify what they value before they make another to-do list. Without clear priorities, activity becomes the enemy of accomplishment. When you know your “why,” your “when” and “how” naturally follow.
Plan with Purpose. Each day begins best when anchored in intentional planning. Smith’s daily planning method of reviewing roles, setting goals, and scheduling priorities helps leaders focus on what counts. He often said, “If you fail to plan your day, your day will plan you.”
Balance Urgency and Importance. Leaders get trapped in the urgent, reacting to the loudest demands. Smith challenged leaders to invest their energy in the important activities rather than the urgent ones to produce lasting fruit.
Honor Commitments. Integrity with time builds integrity in life. Smith taught that keeping small promises, such as, arriving on time, finishing what you start, and following through builds trust and confidence. Every “yes” carries a “no.” Choose both carefully.
Renew the Self. Even the most disciplined schedule collapses without personal renewal. Daily reflection, prayer, and rest are essential to sustained effectiveness.
Grow! — Time management is life management. The goal isn’t to fill every moment of your day, but to fulfill your mission. To live with purpose, not pressure to invest time where it counts rather than scattering it across endless activity.
Two Questions
Are your daily choices aligned with your deepest values?
What will you do this week to create time each day to plan, reflect, and renew?