Think about why you trust some people and mistrust others. Here are 25 ways to determine if someone Is trustworthy. | Continue reading
Do you find that there’s less dignity and grace today? There’s no escaping folks who rant on social media, flaunt their success, and rip you apart if you’re not in complete agreement with their views. What happened to folks with class — people who set high standards for themselve … | Continue reading
When I was a consultant, my desk was cluttered with stacks of paper that were piled to the sky. I had an unwritten rule: What I did in my personal space was my business. But the rule wasn’t valid in common areas because it would infringe on other people. I apply that principle to … | Continue reading
We perform several routines each day without even thinking about them. In fact, I wake up approximately the same time each morning, grab a cup of coffee (like my life depends on it), and check my email every few minutes. The problem is that some of our routine activities are coun … | Continue reading
Do you remember pearls of wisdom that you heard growing up? They were valuable lessons that were passed down from people who cared about you. In fact, I’m sure you imparted the same wisdom to others you know as well. Some of the expressions served as inspiration while others offe … | Continue reading
How much time do you waste on unimportant stuff? The truth is that many folks get excited when they buy a new toy, get a few likes on social media, or receive a compliment about how they look. In fact, buying something on sale or being told they don’t look their age can make thei … | Continue reading
Are you surprised when folks have good manners? While common courtesy was expected years ago, courteous behavior is scarce today. In fact, some say that decency and grace are more the exception than the rule. What does it take to pick up after yourself, be respectful of others, o … | Continue reading
It’s not easy to become a champion. After all, your courage will be summoned, your strength will be challenged, and your resilience will be put to the test. But one thing is clear: Making it to the top is tough. And while it’s one thing to lose to a competitor, it’s quite another … | Continue reading
You’re rich when you learn that the best things in life are free. Here are 10 factors, other than money, that contribute to your wealth. | Continue reading
This interview was first published by The Bookshelf Café August 2, 2022. Please meet author, Frank Sonnenberg. Would you work for no pay? You might if you were compensated by knowing that you’re making a difference. As Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life ar … | Continue reading
Have you ever taken a shower when one minute the water’s cold and the next minute it burns you? It’s unnerving. If you’re like me, you’re uptight for the rest of the shower because you’re afraid it’ll happen again. That said, do you know people who run hot and cold? They’re in a … | Continue reading
Just think how much parents give up for their children and what soldiers sacrifice for their country. A lot, right? So why do we pause only one day each year to express our appreciation? After all, do you think that saying thank you one day a year — Mother’s Day or Veterans Day — … | Continue reading
Some people think that having wealth, power, or status gives them the right to be rude. Other folks don’t know how to behave or simply don’t care how they treat others. Shame on them! The signs are too familiar. You have to wonder what they’re thinking or whether they’re even thi … | Continue reading
Never lower your standards, compromise your integrity, or dishonor your name. Your code of conduct defines you,. | Continue reading
Do you remember learning how to ride a bicycle? You probably first rode a tricycle and thought you were the king of the world. Then came the “big kid bike” with training wheels. WOW. But when those training wheels came off, it all came down to you. Yikes. If you were anything lik … | Continue reading
How much of your day is consumed by negative thoughts? Take this challenge. For the next week, there will be no complaining, no worrying, no judgement, no jealousy, and no self-defeating thoughts. That means that you must be optimistic, see the good in everything, and be a positi … | Continue reading
It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, powerful or weak, young or old — everyone has the same amount of time each day. What you do with that time is your choice and your choice alone. You can invest it or fritter it away. You can focus on priorities or waste it on meaning … | Continue reading
To My Readers: I’m honored to republish, with permission, Life Lessons: Become The Best Version of Yourself by Rodger Dean Duncan that first appeared in Forbes August 9, 2022. In it, he interviewed me about important life lessons. — Frank Sonnenberg Life Lessons: Become The Best … | Continue reading
Are you feeling blue? One of the culprits of being unhappy is the amount of negativity that you have in your life. The fact is, worrying, judging, fearing, complaining, envying, blaming, hating, and seeking revenge are destructive, debilitating, and emotionally draining. For illu … | Continue reading
If you want to buy a house, conventional wisdom says that you need to focus on three words — location, location, location. At the same time, if you want to lead a productive and meaningful life, three amazing words can change your life — do what’s right. Do you: Live with honor a … | Continue reading
Do you consider yourself a good friend or colleague? Before you answer that question, ask yourself, “Do I bring out the best in people?” After all, you can be a good friend — kind, dependable, and selfless — yet not bring out the best in others. Do You Inspire People to Be Their … | Continue reading
There are many ways to incorporate the precepts of the Golden Rule into your daily life. Here are 30 tips for living the Golden Rule. | Continue reading
Ancient Greek Philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, were among the greatest thinkers ever known. They laid the foundation for Western thought and continue to influence our world today. One of Socrates’ most valuable contributions — the Socratic method of teaching … | Continue reading
Why do people fall short of their goals? Is it their inability to overcome obstacles and bounce back from failure? Or is it something more basic? One telltale sign of trouble is how a person reacts to disappointment. Do they claim the setback is out of their control or do they ac … | Continue reading
Give this some thought. Never risk the things that’ll matter most to you one day because you feel the urge to satisfy yourself today. | Continue reading
How many times have you abandoned your New Year’s resolution? Do you often backpedal on a commitment, telling yourself you will “do it tomorrow” — but tomorrow never comes? You’re not alone. While you may have the best of intentions, your follow-through leaves a little to be desi … | Continue reading
We’re all human. That explains why we sometimes think in the short term, crave instant gratification, and yield to temptation. After all, nobody’s perfect. But although these behaviors may offer momentary pleasure, eventually we have to deal with the negative consequences of our … | Continue reading
Some folks are successful, but everyone knows how they achieved that success. Achieve inner peace — Be cool, calm, and collected. | Continue reading
How many times did your parents say, “What goes around comes around?” I’m sure they’re not the only ones who gave you guidance. Your doctor probably told you to exercise and eat well, your coach taught you to master the fundamentals, and even your conscience got into the act by t … | Continue reading
How far would you go to win acceptance? Would you lower your standards, mimic inappropriate behavior, or compromise your values to please others? Or are you unwilling to sacrifice your principles for any price? It’s easy to say that you’ll lower your standards, one time, to gain … | Continue reading
It takes a conscious effort to be a person of integrity. Here are 10 hallmarks of an honorable person — and how to stay on course. | Continue reading
Did you ever do something stupid and come to regret it? Acting, without thinking, can destroy your career. In fact, there are countless examples of people who threw away promising careers due to reckless behavior. Will you be added to the list? Consider this a fair warning. Here … | Continue reading
Everyone is searching for meaning in life, but few people know how to find it. The problem is that most people are seeking validation from others rather than living a life that makes them proud. You may be thinking, “Who cares? I’m too busy.” While that’s understandable, if you w … | Continue reading
Some folks achieve success…and then change overnight. It’s as though one moment you know the person, and the next moment they’re unrecognizable. Even though they look the same, the way they act, treat people, and view the world is completely different. It’s as if their ego seizes … | Continue reading
Everyone wants to win the praise and admiration of others. It’s only natural. That includes securing a solid reputation, being singled out for a job promotion, or earning the respect of folks “that matter.” But some people go to such great lengths to look good that they don’t rea … | Continue reading
Some folks believe that if you don’t know your weaknesses, you don’t have any. Are you blind to your flaws? | Continue reading
People like compliments. I get it. But what if you send the message that you only want good news and positive feedback? In fact, you want folks to tell you that your ideas are brilliant, your actions are flawless, and you’re as perfect as perfect can be, thank you. Unfortunately, … | Continue reading
It’s an age-old question: How do you motivate people to do what’s right? For instance, you want your employees to be industrious and effective contributors to your business and your kids to be thoughtful and productive members of society. But what’s the best way to achieve that g … | Continue reading
Everyone’s asked to do things they disdain. It may be attending a function with folks you don’t like, standing in for someone who’s on vacation, or eating food that you despise. But because you’re a grown-up, it comes with the territory. So, put on your big-boy pants and deal wit … | Continue reading
A life of honor offers abundant rewards; a life of dishonor comes at a very steep price. Do you ignore your conscience? | Continue reading
Everyone is born with the potential for greatness. What happens next is up to you. You get to choose which path you take, how high to set the bar for yourself, and how hard you’re willing to work to clear it. You get to decide how to spend your time, who to spend it with,... [Rea … | Continue reading
If you want to knock someone’s socks off, your actions must exceed expectations rather than just meet them. So, dazzle folks by your effort, pamper them with your care, and wow them with your commitment. Always give 110%. It’s the extra 10% that everyone remembers. You won’t rece … | Continue reading
Do you ever wake up thinking your day will turn out one way, and it ends up being completely different? Did you every ask yourself why? Is it because you become blindsided by events or because other people hijack your day with their priorities? It’s fine if it happens once in a w … | Continue reading
One drop of water doesn’t seem like much until you consider that a droplet of water, repeatedly beating down on a stone, can carve it and wear it down. Just think what you can achieve by remaining focused and steadfast in the face of adversity. That’s the power of perseverance. Y … | Continue reading
Some folks are obsessed with how they’re viewed, whether they’ll be accepted, and how they compare with others. The truth is that most of those things shouldn’t matter at all. Life is short. Why spend it on stupid stuff? What really counts is whether you have a strong sense of se … | Continue reading
I find it interesting when you call your cable provider to cancel your service and they drop the price before you finish your sentence. Along the same lines, why do some managers say, “What can we do to keep you?” only after a valued employee tenders their resignation? You must a … | Continue reading
How are you feeling? This post discusses something that far too many people are suffering from right now: unhappiness. But while there may be reasons that you feel frustrated or stressed out, happiness is within your control. Let me introduce you to my good friend, Sarah Hiner. S … | Continue reading
Most people learn life’s most valuable lessons too late in life. Here are 31 lessons that they fail to teach you in school. Never lower your standards. Never! People can’t make you do things without your permission. One of the true tests of integrity is your refusal to compromise … | Continue reading