Franklin Planner

Overview

The Franklin Planner is a paper-based personal planning system created by Hyrum Smith, an influential figure in time management and productivity. It was later merged into FranklinCovey, which continues to offer planning products and training based on Smith's methodology.

Core Principles

• Governing Values: Users identify their core values and principles, which guide daily decisions and time allocation
• Daily and Weekly Planning: Structured daily pages with time slots, goal areas, and daily priorities
• Goal Integration: Long-term goals are broken down into daily, weekly, and monthly action items
• Roles-Based Planning: Tasks and goals are organized by life roles (e.g., family, career, health)

Methodology

The system emphasizes that time management principles have remained consistent for thousands of years, with technology only changing the speed at which tasks are completed. The planner is designed to help users:

• Define their governing values in writing
• Organize responsibilities by roles
• Plan each day and week with intentional focus
• Track progress toward long-term goals

History

Originally developed by Hyrum Smith, the Franklin Planner became one of the most recognized physical planning systems worldwide. It was eventually merged with Stephen Covey's company to form FranklinCovey, which expanded the methodology based on Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Availability

FranklinCovey continues to offer paper-based planners, digital planning tools, and professional training programs based on the original Franklin Planner methodology and Covey's time management principles.