Some People Have No Shame

There are moments when you’re not at your best. You may be going through a tough time or having a bad day. I get it. But how do you behave the other 364 days of the year? Do you consider yourself a decent human being? We’re not talking about being a saint…just being a good person. After all, there are no dress rehearsals in life. Despite that, some people have no shame.

Every parent wants their child to grow up to be a happy and productive member of society. That said, no one can do that for you — you must do it for yourself. Your parents give you life. Only you can give it meaning.

15 Characteristics of a Lousy Role Model

Have you ever seen someone act like a complete idiot? If so, you probably shook your head in disgust. You’re not alone. These folks look down their nose at people, leech off folks rather than fend for themselves, and do whatever it takes to get what they want. Shame on them! The point is that you and you alone choose how to live your life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

If you looked up the definition of a lousy role model, you’d likely find 15 character traits:

Unkind. Some people are cruel and demeaning. They think they’re above it all and treat others like dirt. They don’t think about, nor do they care, how their actions affect others.

Unethical. Some folks will do anything to get what they want. To them, lying, cheating, and stealing is the price of doing business.

Selfish. Some people have a one-track mind. They think, What’s in it for me? They’re obsessed with how they’ll benefit every time they do something.

Entitled. Some folks are first in line to demand rewards, but last in line to earn them. They avoid hard work at all costs and expect others to shoulder the burden.

Envious. Some people view success with disdain and envy the achievements of others — regardless of the effort and sacrifice required to achieve it.

Unaccountable. Some folks convince themselves that the cards are stacked against them — so they stop trying. If you make yourself out to be a victim, you’ll eventually become one.

Immature. Some people never grow up. They run away from problems, are overly dependent on others, and expect to be bailed out for their bad choices.

Inconsiderate. Some folks make short-term decisions that benefit themselves today, knowing that others will have to pay the price tomorrow.

Hypocritical. Some people are hypocrites. They say one thing yet do another, make rules but don’t follow them, and live one way in public yet another in private. Shame on them!

Greedy. Some folks say that good relationships require give and take, but their actions are purely one-sided.

Unmotivated. Some people are the first to blame others for their circumstances — and yet they are so apathetic, they’re among the living dead. As Andrew Carnegie, the American philanthropist, said, “You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb.”

Intolerant. Some folks are highly judgmental and aggressively impose their values on others. People who prescribe tolerance should take their own medicine.

Unfair. Some people give unfair, preferential treatment to a person or group at the expense of another.

Absent. Some folks outsource their parental obligation to others instead of accepting the responsibility that comes with having children.

Toxic. Some people never think about how their behavior impacts others. If you set a poor example for your children, you’ll teach them to be just like you.

Avoid the Shame

You were born with the potential for greatness, but that won’t happen without hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Why throw the gift away? That would be an incredible shame. When you reflect on your life, will you be proud of how you conducted yourself or feel that you passed up the opportunity of a lifetime? It’s your choice, your destiny — own it! As George Eliot said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

Check out Franks NEW book, Leadership by Example: Be a role model who inspires greatness in others