What Would Ben Do?

I don't remember most things I'm forced to read for English class. But one little passage that I read during sophomore year somehow found itself a nice little nook in my brain, and I can't get it leave, nor do I want it to.

The passage had something to do with Benjamin Franklin and the founding fathers of the United States, but all I remember is the concept of Ben's 13 virtues. Ben decided that there were 13 different qualities that a "perfect man" should possess. He kept these virtues written in his journal and measured his own performance in comparison to these virtues on a daily basis. He would pick a virtue and work solely on that virtue for a week or more.

I'm strangely compelled and inspired by this concept. I remember thinking the first time that I read this, "Oh man, I could totally write down all the things that I think would make me a good person. And oh man, one a week doesn't sound too bad. I could do one every two weeks even, just to make sure I have it down pat. Man. Becoming a perfect person sounds.... easy."

I never pursued the idea further, until now.

It's cliche, but the coming of a new year is always a great time to find some motivation that gets wedged between trying to get enough sleep and cram-writing papers during the fall semester. The new year also happily coincides with the start of spring term, which is always a popular time for students to resolve to "get their act together."

I have a very impressive resolutions list this year. A very, very impressive list. But then again, I have a very, very impressive list every year. The difference this time is that I have a partner who on her own has independently composed an impressive list of her own. A very, very impressive one.

In the name of Benjamin Franklin (and his blessings, hopefully), we have decided to pursue a "virtue" of our own each week this year. Our goals this year range from the scholarly to the spiritual. But, the our ultimate goal is to pursue and cultivate a habit each week that will get us one step closer to the people we want to be. Some of our weekly habits will be mundane and simple like "don't press the snooze button." Some will be more ambitious such as "finish that novel that I've been meaning to read since 9th grade."

I'm just super excited to see what kind of students and people we'll be by the end of the year.