{"id":1710,"date":"2023-03-21T05:49:34","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T09:49:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/terrible-role-models-make-great-teachers-frank-sonnenberg\/"},"modified":"2023-03-21T05:49:34","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T09:49:34","slug":"terrible-role-models-make-great-teachers-frank-sonnenberg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/terrible-role-models-make-great-teachers-frank-sonnenberg\/","title":{"rendered":"Terrible Role Models Make Great Teachers \u2014 Frank Sonnenberg"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Everyone knows someone who\u2019s a terrible role model. Some folks have <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/9-powerful-reasons-why-your-moral-character-matters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">character<\/a> flaws<\/em>; they\u2019re rude, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/selfish-people-are-losers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">selfish<\/a>, entitled, mean-spirited, or deceitful. Others exhibit<em> poor behavior<\/em>; they treat people like dirt, break promises at the drop of a hat, and refuse to accept <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/take-ownership-by-taking-responsibility\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">responsibility<\/a> for their actions. Terrible role models also <em>make bad choices<\/em>; they surround themselves with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/16-types-of-toxic-people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">toxic people<\/a>, live on the edge, or sell their soul to the devil. Last, some folks <em>have their priorities backward<\/em>; they\u2019re all work and no play, forfeit long-term outcomes to satisfy a short-term gain, and do anything to get what they want.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While it\u2019s easy to criticize terrible role models, it\u2019s better to learn from them.<\/p>\n<h3>25 Lessons from Terrible Role Models<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>There\u2019s more to life than increasing its speed<\/strong><strong>. <\/strong><\/span>Happiness is a result of balance rather than intensity.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Everything you do today will impact your tomorrow.<\/strong><\/span> Your life is determined by the sum of the choices you make.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Choices are easy <\/strong><strong>\u2014 the tough part is living with them.<\/strong><\/span> You have the freedom to choose, but you\u2019re not free from the consequences of those choices.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>People can\u2019t make you do things without your permission.<\/strong><\/span> Never lower your standards. Never!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Your job doesn\u2019t define you. <\/strong><\/span>Make a life while you make a living.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Make your priorities a priority.<\/span> <\/strong>You are <em>replaceable<\/em> at work, but <em>irreplaceable<\/em> to your family.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Everything worthwhile in life requires an element of sacrifice.<\/strong><\/span> Judge your successes by the sacrifices made to achieve them.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Those who love to find fault in others rarely find fault in themselves.<\/strong><\/span> Virtue isn\u2019t demanding more of others; it\u2019s expecting more of yourself.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Never win at the expense of a relationship.<\/strong><\/span> When everyone tries to gain the upper hand, we all lose hands down.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Invest in relationships to avoid the time repairing them.<\/strong><\/span> It\u2019s easier to treat people properly than to repair broken relationships.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Love doesn\u2019t have an expiration date.<\/strong><\/span> Never stop courting your spouse.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Trust takes a long time to develop, but it can be destroyed by a single action<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/span> It takes a lot <em>more<\/em> effort to rebuild trust than to establish it from the start.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Money should never become the cornerstone of your life, nor should it define you as a person. <\/strong><\/span>Know when enough is enough. It\u2019s not what you have, but who you are that counts.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>It\u2019s easy to lose sight of the things you can\u2019t see.<\/strong><\/span> Our most prized possessions don\u2019t always have a high monetary value \u2014 love, trust, honor, respect, and credibility are a few examples.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Words express what\u2019s on your mind, but your actions say what\u2019s in your heart.<\/strong><\/span> The true meaning of your words is <em>not<\/em> what you say, but what you do.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Appreciate what you have, while you have it, or you\u2019ll learn what it meant to you after you lose it.<\/strong><\/span> When you take things for granted, you diminish their importance and may even jeopardize their very existence.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Your reputation is like a shadow that follows you wherever you go.<\/strong><\/span> Protect your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/reputation-you-cant-run-from-your-shadow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reputation<\/a> like it\u2019s the most valuable asset you own. Because it is!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Ability determines if you can; attitude determines if you will.<\/strong><\/span> If you stop focusing on all the reasons why you can\u2019t do something, you just may surprise yourself to see what you can do.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Excuses proclaim an unwillingness to learn.<\/strong><\/span> Personal responsibility can\u2019t be delegated. If you look into the mirror and don\u2019t like what you see\u2026don\u2019t blame the mirror.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>It takes many years to become an overnight success.<\/strong><\/span> Hard work isn\u2019t a punishment. It builds character, provides a sense of purpose, and promotes confidence and self-esteem.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>You <em>don\u2019t <\/em>get what you want; you get what you deserve.<\/strong><\/span> People stop trying when there\u2019s no benefit for being exceptional and no consequence for being mediocre.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The journey is the destination.<\/strong><\/span> The greatest reward of success isn\u2019t the money or acclaim; it\u2019s the confidence and self-respect that success brings with it.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Live the way you want to be remembered.<\/strong><\/span> Parents give you life. Only <em>you<\/em> can give it meaning.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Some people will stop at nothing to get what they want.<\/strong><\/span> Follow your conscience. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Be a good person \u2014<\/strong> <strong>everything else is secondary.<\/strong> <\/span>Moral character is the DNA of success and happiness.<\/p>\n<h3>Learn from the Best \u2014 and the Worst<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, people do things they come to regret, such as taking foolish shortcuts, craving instant gratification, or selling their soul to the devil. Even though it may yield momentary pleasure, it may eventually come back to bite them. The truth is that mimicking a poor role model is like eating food past its due date. While it may look good on the surface, it\u2019ll ultimately make you sick. Therefore, focus your energy on learning from <em>good and bad<\/em> role models and adjust your behavior accordingly. Remember, people ultimately get what they deserve \u2014 that\u2019s karma.<\/p>\n<p>Check out Frank\u2019s latest book,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09VPTBF34\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>The Path to a Meaningful Life<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>What Have You Learned from Terrible Role Models?<\/h3>\n<p><b>Please leave a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/terrible-role-models-make-great-teachers\/#respond\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">comment<\/a>\u00a0and tell us what you think or\u00a0share it with someone who can benefit from the information.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Additional Reading:<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/whos-your-hero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Who\u2019s Your Hero?<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/13-ways-to-be-a-good-role-model\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">13 Ways to Be a Good Role Model<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/critical-lessons-that-they-fail-to-teach-you-in-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Critical Lessons that They Fail to Teach You in School<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/change-someones-life-and-you-may-end-up-changing-yours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Change Someone\u2019s Life and You May End Up Changing Yours<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/15-ways-to-pass-your-values-on-to-your-kids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">15 Ways to Pass Your Values On to Your Kids<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/11-ways-to-earn-respect\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">11 Ways to Earn Respect<\/a><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/blog\/live-by-example-and-inspire-others-to-do-the-same\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Live By Example and Inspire Others to Do the Same<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">If you like this article, subscribe to our blog so that you don\u2019t miss a single post. Get future posts by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/feed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">RSS<\/a> feed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.franksonnenbergonline.com\/subscribe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">email<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FrankSonnenbergOnline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>. It\u2019s FREE. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone knows someone who\u2019s a terrible role model. Some folks have character flaws; they\u2019re rude, selfish, entitled, mean-spirited, or deceitful. Others exhibit poor behavior; they [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-relationships"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1710"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1710\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}