In his Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin explains how he designed a Virtues Chart to track his progress on thirteen moral virtues, and this example was a big inspiration for me when I designed my own Resolutions Chart. Looking at Franklin's chart is fascinating: it shows what virtues Franklin valued most; it identifies some of the most essential goals for a happy life; and it also shows how time changes the conception of virtues (see #12) -- and also the conception of proper spelling!

1. Temperance. Eat not to Dulness. Drink not to Elevation.

2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling Conversation.

3. Order. Let all your Things have their Places. Let each Part of your Business have its Time.

4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality. Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing.

6. Industry. Lose no time. Be always employ'd in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.

7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful Deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. Justice. Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.

9. Moderation. Avoid Extreams. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Cloaths, or Habitation.

11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.

12. Chastity. Rarely use Venery but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another’s Peace or Reputation.

13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

When I thought about what virtues I wanted to cultivate through my resolutions, my list was very different from Franklin’s – but just seeing his list helped me envision what my list should be. If you’d like to see my Resolutions Chart, modeled on Franklin’s, for inspiration, just email me at just email me at grubin, then the “at” symbol, then gretchenrubin dot com. (Sorry about writing it in that roundabout way; I’m trying to thwart spammers.) No need to write anything more than “Resolutions Chart” in the subject line.

The days are long, but the years are short.