It’s interesting that we’re often intrigued by how other people use their gifts and talents.
When we were building our family home, I enjoyed chatting up the framers, plumbers, electricians, painters, cabinet makers, trim carpenters and other crafts people. I reveled in plying them with questions. They probably regarded our exchanges as merely friendly conversations. Yes, they were that. But omit the word “merely.” Those conversations were also a form of stealth interview. I admired their work and I really wanted to know how and why they did what they did.
That same line of inquiry applies to the work of Frank Sonnenberg.
Frank is an unassuming guy who lives in a quiet hamlet in upstate New Jersey. He writes. Not novels and not tomes on politics, science, business, travel, or technology. He writes about character, personal values, and personal responsibility.
There’s nothing preachy or self-righteous about Frank’s writing. He simply dispenses wise counsel that’s applicable to anyone anywhere in any role at any stage of life.
Because he clearly understands the power of words, I suspect Frank may be familiar with a sentiment attributed to English poet Lord Byron: “A small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands—perhaps millions—think.”
Frank has certainly hit the millions mark. More than five million people are subscribed to his blog. And his books (a dozen and counting) reach people around the globe.
Here are some brief glimpses of what you’ll find in his latest book titled Values to Live By.
- “Moral authority is the invisible hand that guides ethical behavior, rooted in a person’s character, actions, and values.”
- “With approximately 8.1 billion people inhabiting our planet, envision a scenario where everyone crafted their own standards of acceptable behavior and pursued their own interests without regard for others. What if the loudest voice dictated outcomes, regardless of their position as a minority of one? As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
In addition to many chapters on specific issues related to human behavior and performance, Frank offers scores of brief (often single sentence) homilies worth pondering:
- “Listen with your mouth closed.”
- Quitting isn’t always a weakness; sometimes it’s a strategic choice to focus on more meaningful pursuits.”
- “It’s never too late to start being early.”
- “Great minds discuss ideas; greater minds deliver results.”
- “Optimism is the art of seeing the glass as refillable, not just half full or half empty.”
- “Throw kindness like confetti.”
- “If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, don’t blame the mirror.”
Do you like lists? You’ve come to the right place. Values to Live By includes dozens of thought-provoking inventories of specific, life-enhancing behaviors:
- 10 Guidelines for Making Informed Decisions
- 8 Practical Ways to Become More Adaptable
- 15 Ways to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
- 20 Ways Trust is Shattered
- 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Late Again
- 15 Ways to Spot a Lousy Role Model
- 20 Essential Principles for Nurturing Others to Thrive
- 21 Lessons to instill in Your Children
- 20 Life Lessons to Share with Your Kids
- Communicate Like a Pro: 25 Strategies for Success
- 23 Ways to Show Your Gratitude
- 20 Tips to Boost Follow-Through
- 20 Root Causes of Conflict
- 16 Traits of a Highly Productive Person
- 13 Key Ingredients of a Strong Work Ethic
Values to Live By is a smorgasbord you can enjoy in multiple servings. Or you might find it so captivating that you devour the entire thing on one of those quiet weekend afternoons. Either way, you will have done yourself a favor.