How to Be Proactive: Timeless Lessons from History on Leadership, Responsibility, and Personal Growth

Are you living intentionally — or simply reacting to everything life throws at you? In this episode, discover how history’s greatest leaders mastered personal responsibility, emotional control, and proactive decision-making to shape their destiny.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III is joined by Franklin Planner board member John Harding and historian and podcast host Misty Howard for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to be proactive.

Rooted in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the discussion explores how individuals can shift from reacting to circumstances to intentionally choosing their responses. The guests explain how language shapes mindset, why governing values create long-term stability, and how focusing on what you can control expands personal influence.

Misty brings history to life through compelling examples of Viktor Frankl, Abraham Lincoln, and Abraham Clark, demonstrating how courage, discipline, and principle-based living enable people to rise above extreme adversity. John connects these timeless lessons to practical application, emphasizing how daily habits and values-driven planning empower leadership at every stage of life.

Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to strengthen personal accountability, emotional control, and purpose-driven living.

04:30 – Acting vs. Being Acted Upon

09:15 – Language Patterns and Personal Responsibility

15:40 – Viktor Frankl and Choosing Freedom in Adversity

25:10 – Abraham Lincoln and Emotional Discipline

34:20 – Governing Values and the Circle of Influence

42:45 – Abraham Clark and Loyalty to Principles

50:10 – Invictus Poem and Personal Ownership

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Misty Howard

Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences.

Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.

Guest Resources:

Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III hosts an Exclusive Interview with Cardone, a renowned business expert and author.

Grant delves into his philosophy on achieving success, emphasizing the importance of self-respect, personal responsibility, and maintaining integrity in all affairs. He shares insights on his practical approach to growth, elaborating on his 10X rule, and discusses the significance of big vision and wealth as tools for broader goals. Grant also touches on the value of writing down goals as a daily discipline, the critical nature of completing tasks, and how his family integrates into his work life. Through anecdotes and personal examples, he inspires listeners to lead their lives actively, without excuses, and to hustle for opportunities in today's economy.

01:53 What Matters Most: Personal Responsibility and Integrity

03:56 The 10X Rule: Vision and Growth

12:46 Wealth and Success: Redefining Wealth

21:21 Daily Rituals and Personal Discipline

25:53 Blind Spots and Continuous Learning

28:43 Digital Overwhelm: Staying Focused

29:51 Avoiding Digital Distractions

30:58 The Power of Writing Goals

34:08 Leadership and Personal Responsibility

42:36 Creating a Balanced Life

47:29 Challenging Conventional Wisdom

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Guest: Grant Cardone

Grant Cardone is an American entrepreneur, real estate investor, sales strategist, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Cardone Capital, a real estate private equity firm with billions of dollars in assets under management, and the creator of the 10X philosophy, which focuses on massive action and goal achievement. Cardone is also a New York Times bestselling author of multiple business books, a frequent keynote speaker, and the host of popular business and entrepreneurship programs and events worldwide.

Guest Resources:

Website: https://grantcardone.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantcardonefan/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/GrantCardone

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcardone/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GrantCardone

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Ben Kjar. Ben, an American wrestler, international speaker, real estate investor, and motivational figure, shares his remarkable life story of overcoming Crouzon syndrome to become a NCAA Division One Wrestling All American and a world champion wrestler. Ben discusses the principles and daily rituals that have guided his success, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, involving supportive people, and maintaining a rigorous daily routine. The conversation also delves into Ben's upcoming movie 'Standout', which documents his journey and aims to inspire others to realize their potential and overcome obstacles. The film, releasing on January 23rd, aims to reach a wide audience to spread its powerful message. Ben's story and advice offer valuable insights for anyone looking to lead a successful and fulfilling life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Ben Kjar's Early Life and Challenges

01:44 Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success

04:52 The Power of Setting Goals

07:31 Support Systems and Accountability

18:40 Daily Rituals for Success

19:31 Morning Routine and Workout Priorities

21:07 The Crown Code: A Way of Living

22:23 Principles and Goals: A Personal Story

24:01 Overcoming Adversity: Wrestling Journey

30:59 The Impact of the Movie 'Stand Out'

36:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Guest: Ben Kjar

Ben Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done! He has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. Ben is Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American and has represented the USA team internationally. Ben is an international professional speaker and has told his story to millions around the globe, in front of crowds of up to 10,000 people!

Guest Resources:

• Website: https://www.benkjar.com/
• Instagram: @benkjar
• Facebook: Ben Kjar
• X (formerly Twitter): @benkjar
• LinkedIn: Ben Kjar
• Film Website: https://standoutfilm.com/

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/born-to-standout-ben-kjars-journey-of-courage-discipline-and-purpose/