3 Don'ts That Will Make You Excel

“Don't let what you don't know scare you, because it can become your greatest asset.  And if you do things without knowing how they have always been done, you're guaranteed to do them differently.”

– Sara Blakely

(1971- ) Businesswoman

One of the things I have learned in my time in Scouting is that the young do not understand the concept of impossible.  I hear the dreams of young men to do and be things that would be impossible to others.  I think of the words of the English historian, G.M. Trevelyan who said, "Never tell a young person that anything cannot be done.  God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing."

                Success-minded people need to be willing to believe not only that the impossible can be done, but it can be done by them.  You could well be the very person God has been waiting for to achieve things that others never even try to accomplish.  I believe there are three things that the person who will do the impossible must not do.

1)  Do Not Do What is Safe

                It is always disturbing to me that we tell young people they can be anything they want to be and then when they are old enough to achieve it, we say they have to be practical.  I know that many will discourage people from following their dreams because they do not want them to be hurt.  What they do not see is that by not launching out and taking the risk, they will achieve nothing in life.

                Scientist, Grace Hopper said, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."  The same is true for you.  You were built for greatness and to achieve the impossible.  You were never made to be safe and not to take risks.  If you venture out to achieve your dreams could you fail?  Yes.  If you take the risk could you get hurt?  Yes.  But you could also achieve the impossible and become the person of excellence you were created to be.  It is a worst fate to come to the end of life not knowing what you could have done than it is to try and fail.

2)  Do Not Do What is Common

                If you do what others have done you will get what others have gotten.  However, if you do what has not been done, if you take a chance and try what others fail to try, you will get different results than others got before.

                When I worked at the Henry Ford Museum we use to tell people that there were three great myths that people believed.  We let them know that despite what popular thinking was, the Wright brothers did not invent the airplane, Edison did not invent the light bulb and Ford did not invent the car.  They all just made them work.  They looked beyond what had been done and did something new.

                The great scientist, George Washington Carver put it this way, "When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world."

3)  Do Not Do What is not Yours

                Never, never, never allow someone else to define or create your dream.  You were created for a purpose and that purpose is inside you.  You can and must discover that for yourself.  People will try to tell you what you should do in life or what your "talents" are.  They may mean well but they do not know.  Only you know.

                When you discover what your purpose is and identify your own dream, you will find an excitement and power you never realized was possible.  I love the way Denis Waitley put it, "Get excited and enthusiastic about your own dream.  This excitement is like a forest fire - you can smell it, taste it and see it from a mile away."

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

How to Make a Gentleman

“Chivalry never dies.  The gentleman in most men did.  Being male is a matter of birth.  Being a man is a matter of age.  But, being a gentleman is a matter of choice.”

– Knights of the Free Company

Amateur Sporting team

The fifth point of the Boy Scout Law is: A Scout is Courteous.  To be courteous is more than just being able to say please and thank you at the right times.  To be courteous is knowing how to treat others with respect and kindness.  It is to be able to show caring for others and a willingness to go out of your way to be helpful.  In short, it is to be a gentleman.

                Some may think that the concept of being a gentleman is out dated and no longer applies to our present day society.  That is misguided thinking.  The need for real gentleman is more critical now than ever before.  The shortage of gentleman is not a matter of culture or social norms, it is that we do not teach this principle to our boys any more.  They have few examples to follow and many times are taught that you must first look out for yourself - which is the opposite of being a real gentleman.

                So how do we restore this quality in our young people and return to a more civil and caring society?  (I do believe it is possible to change society by changing the people in it.  We did not get to where we are by accident, it was a deliberate choice.  It will take a deliberate choice to change things for the better.)

Teach the Importance of Caring

                The key to good manners, acts of kindness and right behavior is nothing more than simple caring for and about other people.  When we care about how others feel and how we can help them to succeed, we cannot help but show good manners.  It is the Golden Rule put into action: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."  If we care we will do what is right.

Teach the Importance of Courage

                There are few men braver than a gentleman.  It takes courage to do what is right.  It is a brave man who will show respect and caring for others.  When you always show good manners and do what is right, some may criticize you and make fun of you.  However, the real gentleman is willing to stand for what is right, help others and ignore the heat.

Teach the Importance of Pride

                We tend to think that pride is an ego thing and something that must be avoided.  That is not the case.  To take pride in yourself is to understand that who is are and how you behave matters.  If you are proud of who you are and what you stand for you will have confidence and be willing to do far more than what is expected of you.  A gentleman is proud to be a servant to others, proud to be an American, proud to be a Scout.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

The Power of Books

“If the crowns of the world were laid at my feet in exchange for my love of reading,

I would spurn them all.”

– Francois Fenelon

(1651-1715) French Clergyman

Success-minded people are always looking for tools to add to their success tool kit.  They go to seminars, take classes, listen to audio programs, network and spend time on social media.  All this is good and can be extremely helpful, however there is one resource that is more powerful and useful than all the others combined.  That is the power of books and the exercise of reading on a daily bases.

                Any study of successful people will show you that they are readers.  I am amazed that so many people say they do not read because they do not have the time in their day.  Do you have the time to eat?  Do you have the time to sleep?  Do you have the time to clean up and get dressed?  Reading is just as important to the successful person.  It is necessary, not an option.

                Reading is often treated as if you can do it or not, it is really all up to you.  Reading is seen as optional and a matter of personal opinion.  This is where so many fail to learn and grow as they should and end up never achieving their dreams in life.  Reading, developing a love for books, is not a matter of opinion, but a solid reality to success and life in general.

                I am very passionate about reading and for people to see its importance to their life.  What saddens me is that so many people have all the excuses for not reading down but fail to see the value in taking the time to better themselves.  Science-fiction author, Ray Bradbury had it right when he said, "There are worse crimes than burning books.  One of them is not reading them."

                Make reading a part of your daily routine.  Even if you start with just 15 or 20 minutes a day.  I say start because you will find once you develop the habit your reading time will increase.  Find a book that is in your line of interest and that you can learn from.  It can be new and hot off the presses or an old classic that has gathered dust on the shelf.  Whatever you choose, take a bit of time each day and read what you can.

                To develop a love for books is the best habit any human can develop.  You can go anywhere, do anything and be any one you wish.  There is a magic in books that is beyond our understanding.  There is a joy in reading and knowing that you have the power to learn and grow.  No other creature on the planet has this ability.  Do not allow it to pass you by.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

The Strength of the Gentle

“The is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.”

– Han Suyin

(1917-2012) Author

There are times when it seems like the whole world is hard and unkind.  The people you pass on the street frown and look like they will bit your head off if you so much as whisper a "Good Morning".  The news is full of stories of all the mean and nasty things people do to each other.  No one has a kind word about anything or anyone.  Is there no hope left in the world?

                Now comes the Super Hero.  The one who smiles at everyone with that nuclear smile that melts the hardest heart.  This hero has the super power to say and do the kindest things with the ease of the preverbal hot knife in butter.  While the people around them are mumbling, they - our Super Hero - are humming a happy tune and ready to win the day for goodness.

                Okay.  I admit I have gone a bit extreme here.  However, there are times in this sad world that the person who is positive, kind and happy seems like a long awaited super hero.  Here is the best part.  Ready for this?  Are you sitting down?  You, my friend, are that hero!  Yes you.

                A positive mind set and a happy heart are nothing more than a choice we make every day.  They are not gifts from on high or things we must study for and earn our "Heroes" degree.  You just choose to be positive and to be kind to others.  In fact, when you act kind and happy toward others it really builds on itself and you become stronger and stronger with each passing person.

                The world needs as many heroes as it can get.  It seems like things and going down the toilet but the truth is there are many, many people who are happy, kind and do wonderful things for humanity.  Be that hero and make a difference in the lives of every person you come in contact with.  As the 19th century English critic, William Hazlitt said, "A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles."  Be one who accomplishes miracles.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

First Work, Then Reward

“I run on the road, long before I dance under the lights.”

– Muhammad Ali

(1942-) Fighter

The problem, and it is a problem, of instant gratification is far more than people seeking out cheap, quick thrills.  We live at a time when it is easy to get what you want, right now.  It takes no time at all to prepare a meal, do work around your home or gather information.  It is wonderful that we have the ability to create and develop such wonderful conveniences, however, fast and easy does not work with all things in life.  When it comes to success, you still have to work for it.

                I believe this kind of thinking has lead many into believing three common myths.  You have heard these before, maybe even believed them yourself.  Each is not only untrue, but can be highly destructive to the people who pursue them.

Get Rich Quick

                Anyone over the age of 18 most likely has been approached by someone, in person or through media of some kind, and told they can become rich in their spare time.  That is one of the most common lies that success-minded people have fallen for.  Everyone wants to be rich.  Everyone wants to be successful.  Everyone wants to do it with the least amount of effort and work.  Soon however, everyone finds that they get neither rich nor quick.

                If you want to become successful and to accumulate wealth, you had best understand and accept this fact: If you are not willing to work hard you will never achieve this goal.  A quick study of history will show you that anyone who has achieved success and wealth has worked - and worked hard - to get what they wanted.  Not in their spare time, because successful people do not have "spare time" as they work toward a goal.  Not quickly, for they were willing to do what it takes for as long as it takes to achieve their dreams.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

                Actor, Mike Rowe, from the TV show, Dirty Jobs, refers to this bit of advice as, "The worst advice in the world."  And I agree.  I do not oppose a good [I stress good] education.  What I do oppose is the idea that all you need is a diploma and you are on your way to easy street.  Reality is that the majority of people now graduating with a degree do not end up working in their field of study and the majority of them are not working at all.  Rowe also said, "We're lending money we don't have to kids who can't pay it back, educating them for jobs the no longer exist."

                What we all need to understand is that the only way to success is to work smarter AND harder.  Education is more than just attending classes.  Success-minded people know that they must be learning all the time.  Read books, take classes and be a constant student.  While you are doing that, work your butt off and you will see just how success is really achieved.

You Deserve It

                Nothing makes me more crazy than this constant bombardment of people tell us that we deserve it.  Deserve what?  According to our media and advertising agencies, you deserve to be rich, healthy, strong, well fed, have every convenience under the sun and to have a better mate than you have.  Here is the hard truth: Unless you are willing to work hard, do what it takes to develop yourself and put in the time, you deserve nothing at all!

                I know that sounds hard, but at least it is the truth.  Never be taken away by some snake oil salesman who tells you all that you deserve just because you live on this planet.  There is no free lunch in life.  Successful people know this and that is what makes them successful.  You deserve what you are willing to pay for in life; and by pay I mean to work for, invest in and learn.  You can have it all, you just can't have it for nothing.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Talk Is Not Cheap, It Can Cost You Everything

“Once a word leaves your mouth, you cannot chase it back even with the swiftest horse.”

– Chinese Proverb

We have all heard, and use the saying, "Talk is cheap".  What is usually meant is that most people talk more than they do.  That is true.  Mark Twain said, "Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often."  This fact should not cause our concern about our words to weaken.  The greater truth is that your word can destroy you faster than your actions.  Actions are often forgotten but words never are.

                Two of the principles in the Boy Scout Law is that a Scout is Kind and he is Clean.  When it comes to your words, these laws are of extreme importance.  There may be many things to look at when it comes to how we talk, but I would like to focus on these two for now in hopes that they start you to thinking before you start talking.

Kind Words

                Kids can be very cruel when it comes to the words they use.  They call each other names and say hurtful things without thinking.  The saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me", is a lie.  The truth is that names stay with us for life.  Broken bones heal in time, broken spirits never do.

                In teaching boys the Scout Law to be kind, we help them to see that what they say matters.  No one likes to be called names or made fun of.  Once a boy sees that their words can cause damage, many will pay closer attention to what they say.  Likewise, using kind and encouraging words can bring healing, confidence and friendship.

                As an adult you would think that we know better.  Sadly, adults can and often are as cruel as children.  They just do it in a more underhanded way.  They gossip, spread rumors and lie about others.  This shows a lack of integrity and character in a person and cause more harm to the one who speaks more than to the one who is spoken about.

Clean Words

                One of the struggles that Scout leaders have is teaching young boys that swearing and using harsh language is wrong and harmful.  Why is this so hard?  It is because they hear it at home and on TV as if it was just normal talk.  The fact that fewer people are repulsed by bad language does not mean it is now acceptable.

                Adults, at home, in business and in social settings must be aware that the use of foul language shows a lack of character and really makes you look less intelligent.  The person who cannot figure out what words to use that are not offensive is not the person you want in a place of authority and leadership.

                Be a person who knows how to use their words to encourage, show kindness and inspire.  The better your language and use of words the better and more professional you will look and be.  Let me end as I started with the words of Mark Twain, "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Born For Greatness

“God has placed within every boy a desire for greatness.”

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

Authors of Raising Boys by Design

Scouting gives a wonderful opportunity to see boys grow and discover who they are.  From the youngest Tiger Cub (age 6) to Eagle Scouts, there is in each one a desire to be great.  Scouting brings that out in boys.  It is not an ego thing or desire for power.  It is personal, deep inside each boy that tells them they can do something great.  They know early on that they have the potential to do anything they want.  This is why so many went on to become great leaders, astronauts and even presidents.

                Many of us were once told when we were young that we could be anything we wanted to be.  It seems to be what we tell children.  Then, around our high school years, we are told that we need to be practical, be realistic and stop walking around with our heads in the clouds.  The same people who told us we could be anything now restrict our dreams to what money can afford, time permit and talents achieve.  Sadly, many of us buy into this far quicker than when our dreams were to be a fireman, astronaut or school teacher.

                That ability to become anything you want has not been lost.  It is still there, hidden deep inside but still alive.  You know that every now and then it pops its head up and reminds you of "what could have been".  You can bring it into the sunlight if you choose.  It is not too late.  Oh, maybe you cannot become exactly what you hoped for, but the dream can be revived and take on a workable form.  You only need to choose to connect with your greatness once more.

                What is it that you want to do?  If you could do anything and know that you would not fail, what would it be?  What do you need to do to make that happen?  All these questions need to be answered.  To answer them will take courage and the ability to make decisions.  But for those who have passion, determination and real guts, anything is possible.

                Author, Zig Ziglar would always say that each one of us were, "designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness."  I believe that is true.  I believe that means you.  The dreams you had as a child many times are the dreams you have as an adult, why?  Because that is who you were created to be.  So be that person and be great.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Getting The Job Done

“Do the hard jobs first.  The easy jobs will take care of themselves.”

– Dale Carnegie

(1888-1955) Author / Speaker

One of the many important lessons that boys are taught in Scouting is to be self-sufficient.  This is not just learning how to find food in the woods, cook it on a fire you made with a few sticks without poisoning or catching yourself on fire.  To be self-sufficient is the ability to take care of yourself and not depend on others to do it for you.  Seems easy enough right?  The fact is a good many adults have never learned the lesson.

                To this day, there is no better way to be self-sufficient than to have a good job, earn your keep and be in debt to no one.  The good job part varies from person to person based on what your dreams are and what your skills are.  For some it is a career in business, law or medicine.  For others it may be farming, the skilled trades, or the arts.  If it is want you wish to do, do your best at and work hard it is a "good job".

                Success-minded people learn the secret to doing the best job is to be willing to work and do the difficult things first.  That will always put you ahead.  No matter what line of work you do, there will always be those who look for the easy way, the least amount of work.  If you are the one who steps up and does the hard work first you will always be in the front of the pack.  As Thomas A. Edison said, "There is no substitute for hard work."

                There is an important principle at work here.  Self-sufficient people know that with hard work comes freedom and reward.  People who complain about working too hard will always have to work too hard.  They will never find the freedom of doing what they love and earning a living that allows them to live as they wish.  Author, Zig Ziglar use to say. "Do more than you are being paid to do and eventually you will be paid for more than you do." 

                Never back away from hard work.  In fact, run to it, embrace it and do it well.  No one ever pays for mediocre.  Success-minded people, like Scouts, do their best because they are the best.  Not an ego thing, just reality.  Hard work is always welcome, it is always rewarded and it will always be rare.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Making The Most Of A Mistake

“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.”

– Dale Carnegie

(1888-1955) Author / Speaker

If I have learned anything from my involvement in the Scouts it is the old saying, "Leave it to the experts."  Who are the experts?  The boys are.  Scouting is meant to be a boy lead program.  I have seen many events, projects and games, lead by adults, fail miserably and end up not very fun at all.  I have also see young boys, some only between 11 - 15 years old, teach, lead and demonstrate difficult tasks and make them fun and exciting.

                So why is this true?  Is it because the boys make no mistakes and know exactly what they are doing?  Not at all.  In fact, the boys are likely to make many more mistakes than the adults.  Here is the difference, when a boy makes a mistake they learn from it, correct and are not afraid to go back and do it over.  They do not expect perfection from themselves nor is perfection expected from the boys they are working with.

                Adults on the other hand think we have to get it right every time.  It is important that everyone know we know what we are doing and to make a mistake is to show you are weak, lacking and dumb.  Where do we get these silly ideas?  For the Scout, the important things are learning something new, doing it right and having fun.  For the adult it is mostly ego and power.

                Success-minded people have much to learn from the young.  Those who are learning for the first time, those who are discovering their abilities and talents and those who are willing to fail in order to achieve the results they want.  Scouts learn that to do their best is more important than being the best.  A lesson we all need to apply to our daily lives.

                Spend time with kids and learn from them what really matters in life.  Learn that a mistake is only a lesson in doing things differently.  Learn that you can be the best by doing your best, not the other way around.  Learn that there is fun in every task, discovery around every corner and an adventure waiting for you each morning.  Do this and you will have true success in life.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Whistle A Happy Tune

“A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

Sometimes happy people can make you wonder.  There are those people who are happy all the time, no matter what is going on in their life.  What is up with that?  Some may think that these people have a screw loose or that they do not face reality.  The truth is, they really are the ones facing reality.  They know that whether they are happy or sad, it is their choice.  They choose to be happy.

                Facing the world with a attitude of happiness is not a denial that bad things are happening.  Happy people choose their attitude and take control of their lives.  People whose moods change as the circumstances they face change allow the world to control them.  It is easy to feel bad and to allow stress and sadness control your life.  You have to be strong to be happy.  Only those who believe that they have the power to control their feelings can face life with a song in their heart.

                How does one get this power?  First, you have to make the decision that you will not allow life to get you down.  Happiness is not a fleeting emotion, it is always a decision we make.  We are not happy that bad thing may happen, but happy in spite of it.  When you choose to see the positive in life you will be amazed at just how much positive there is to see.  Life is full of adventure, discovery and wonders that, when paid attention to, will thrill your heart.

                Another way to enjoy a happy life it to act like it.  Keep a smile on your face.  You can keep happy by developing the habit of standing up straight, look up and not down and keep a smile on your face.  Mark Twain once said, "If you keep smiling you will feel better and others will wonder what you are up to."

                Lastly, keep your thought positive and creative.  Face each day as a new opportunity to succeed and to move closer to your dreams.  In short, happiness is in your control.  Others cannot not give it to you, nor can they take it away.  Be happy just to be you.  Share that happiness with others and you will see it grow.  If you have the choice - and you do - choose to be happy.  It's more fun!

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

The Odd Balls

“There suddenly appeared in my world - I saw them first, I think, in 1908 - a new sort of little boy - a most agreeable development of the slouching, cunning, cigarette-smoking, town-bred youngster; a small boy in khaki hat, and with bear knees and athletic bearing, earnestly engaged in wholesome and invigorating games up to and occasionally a little beyond his strength - a Boy Scout.  I liked the Boy Scout.”

– H.G. Wells

(1866-1946) Author

I have always found it interesting that the harder we work at being different from everyone else the more we are the same.  I grew up in the 60's when the way we proved we were "non-conformist" was to conform to every other "non-conformist".  Even today, people claim they are not part of the pack and their own person, yet other than their name, you cannot tell them apart from the next guy.

                There are those who really are different and unique.  I like to call them success-minded people.  Rather than feeling they must prove their uniqueness by piercing every available part of their body to taking rudeness to the level of an art, these people just naturally be the best they can be.  Success-minded people are people who believe that character, integrity and doing the right thing is always the best way to go.  They understand that doing what is right and being truthful is not a case of following the crowd but of individual choice.  A choice they make with understanding and passion.

                Some where in this crazy society we started to believe that to be angry, rude, self-centered and displaying bad behavior was somehow cool or fashionable.  Success-minded people understand that if is in doing right and standing for right that we really become our own person.  Anyone can exhibit a bad attitude or wrong behavior.  As the late Corrie ten Boom once said, "Any dead fish can float downstream." 

                It is time that we make the decision to be different.  We choose to stand out from the crowd and be the example, not the attraction.  It takes courage and determination to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.  These are not the qualities you see encouraged in our schools or government.  It takes a person who can think for them self and have the guts to stand alone if they must.

                Be a different breed than the rest.  Be an example of what it means to not follow the crowd or to give up your ability to be you.  Be positive, pleasant and encouraging to all you meet.  They will take notice.  As Mark twain said, "Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

The Impossible Possibilities

“Scoutmasters need to enter into boy's ambitions.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

If I was to list all my assets that help me to succeed in life, at the top on my list I would have to put my nine grand-children and being a Cub Scout leader.  Why?  Because that much contact with children has revitalized my ability to believe in the impossible.  Children really do believe that they can become anything they choose to be and that the mysteries of life are theirs to discover.  It is when we "grow up" that we begin to think the impossible is really impossible.

                I first become a Cub Scout leader when my grandson entered Scouts as a Tiger Cub.  I have wanted him to be a Scout since the day he was born.  I love Scouting and believe in the program.  He is now a Webelos and I am too.  It is his burning goal in life is to be an Eagle Scout and to earn all 137 merit badges.  That is a big goal for a nine year old, but not impossible for him to achieve.

                Children are like that.  They have passion and the courage to dream big.  It is the adults in their lives that too often step on their dreams and convince them that they are impossible.  Have you ever wondered where we would be today if we never stopped believing in the impossible?  What could we have achieved as individuals or as a society?  The possibilities are endless.

                American poet, Theodore Roethke said, "What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible."  I fully agree and I desire to be one of those people.  The children in my life give me hope that I can be.  They believe that they will become great and do wonderful things.  I believe they will too.  I will work hard to be sure they never doubt that or stop believing in the impossible.

                Take some time and get into the thinking of a child.  Go visit some Scouts or pay more attention to the Scouts in your life.  Scouts are trained to believe in the impossible.  They are given the opportunity to become anything they choose to be.  One-hundred and thirty-seven merit badges is a lot of work, but we can do it.  Yes, I said we.  He has allowed me to take this journey with him and I will not miss a moment of it. 

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Getting the Size Right

“Scouting is a man's job cut down to a boy's size.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

When we look at the task before us in order to be successful in Scouting, business or life in general, we can quickly be overwhelmed.  Our dreams and goals should always be impossible so that we reach and grow in their pursuit.  At the same time, those impossible dreams can be more than we know how to handle.  This brings us to the old adage, "How do you eat an elephant?  One bit at a time."

                When we are pursuing any goal, it is always best to cut it down to size.  By that I mean to plan it in doable segments.  No matter how big the goal may be, you will get there one step at a time.  Never any faster than that.  So why try to do it all at once?  Tackle your goals just one step at a time.

                Here is a simple exercise you can do to help you grasp this process.  Sit down and write out your goal as clearly and in as much detail as you can.  Now answer this question: "What is the first thing I have to do?"  If this does not come to you right away, try working backward.  Look at the achieved goal and see what you did just before you achieved it, then what was before that and so on.

                When you have the first step written down, do that.  Then go to the next step and so forth.  Soon you will learn that anything is possible, one step at a time.  The full goal will always be, and should be, bigger than you can handle, but when cut down to size, it is a journey you will be excited to make.  As Dr. Robert H. Schuller, founding Pastor of the Chrystal Cathedral said, "Yard by yard everything is hard.  Inch by inch, every things a cinch."

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Creating Strong Leaders for the World

“I think that American leadership is vital to peace and prosperity and the advancement of democracy in the world, and that requires having strong leaders.  And I don't think there's any organization in the world, certainly not in the United States, that better prepares young men for leadership in this century than the Boy Scouts of America - in teaching leadership skills, in teaching values, in teaching importance of standing up for what's right.”

– Robert Gates

Former Secretary of Defense

In a conversation with a new friend I was asked how many grand-children I had.  Proudly I answered "Ten.  My oldest daughter and her husband have six and my youngest daughter (We only have the two) and her husband have three and one on the way."  My new friend got a concerned look on his face and said, "Don't you worry about kids growing is such a violent and nasty world as this?"  My response was quick and from the heart, "Not at all," I said, "They will make it better."

                I understand how when you look at the world we live in it can be a bit discouraging.  We have leaders in the highest offices lie and cheat.  We have crime everywhere and so much cruelty and hate.  However, believe it or not, it has been worse.  A funny thing about people, we look at our current times and believe it is the worst it has ever been; and in twenty years we see it as the "Good Old Days".

                Things are bad, there is no getting away from that.  We need a fundamental change to our society and behavior.  But how do we get that change?  It is not by making more laws and rules.  We already have so many laws and regulations that no one know what they can or cannot do anymore.  No, the way to change our world is to change the people in it.  One person at a time.  Sounds simple and impossible at the same time.  How do you change people?  How can we do anything really effective to bring about change for the good?

                Allow me to give you two basic and very important ways that you can make an effective and immediate change to the world you live in.

Change One:  Start With Yourself

                You do not have the power to change anything in life, but you do have the power to change you, and by doing that, you change it all.  "But I am not a bad person", you may say.  "I follow the laws, and am a nice guy and give to charity."  That is all very wonderful, but we can all be better than we are.  It is a simple case of doing the right thing - all the time - just because it is the right thing to do.  That sounds easy but it takes work and courage to pull it off.

                Sometimes doing the right thing is refusing to do the wrong thing.  It is taking a stand for what is right, even if you are the only one standing.  True character in a person is an active thing that shows in all areas of life; how we behave, how we deal with others and what we believe.  This is where the Scout Law can bring clarity and direction to our lives.  It helps us understand in 12 principles, what it means to be a person of honesty, integrity and faithfulness.

                If you start with you, you will have successfully changed one person for the better and thus, changed us all as a whole.  If each one of us did this there would be nothing, no matter how powerful or wicked, that could overcome us.  I love the words of writer, Thomas Carlyle who said, "Make yourself an honest man, then you may be sure that there is one less scoundrel in the world."

Change Two:  Teach Our Children How To Be People Of Character

                As a parent, grand-parent, relative, teacher, coach, Sunday school teacher or anything that puts you in contact with children, you have an awesome power and responsibility to shape a life.  Look at many of the problems we have with our youth today and ask, "Where did they learn this stuff?"  The answer is, from us.  We pour so much trash and wrong into their lives through movies, games, school, example and more.  They did not come up with bad behavior on their own, we taught them.

                This principle of teaching works the other way too.  We can, and many do, teach our children how to make right choices, do good deeds, study and work hard, be polite and to think of others.  As a Cub Scout leader, grand-parent and someone who is around kids a lot, I can tell you that there are many great and well behaved kids in this world.  I look at my Scouts and I am hopeful for tomorrow.

                Remember this, these kids you see today, whether your own or those you are in contact with, will be - not maybe, but WELL BE, the leaders of tomorrow.  They will one day run things and if we want a better world we best start with them.  When we invest our time and energy into children we are investing in our future.

                I get so put off by self seeking adults who claim they do all their underhanded and unethical acts for "the children".  You want do we something to help the children, start by teaching them honesty, integrity, hard work and justice.  How can we make the family better?  Start by showing our children what a family should be and how people in that family should act.  Want to feed a hungry child?  Start by teaching them the value of hard work, earning your way and to be self-sufficient.  We have a responsibility to teach our children to be the best they can be.

                I believe that one of the best tools we have in this country to help lead our children in the right direction is Scouting.  Do all those who were in Scouts turn out to be model citizens?  No.  But more do than do not.  Scouting is not a replacement to good parenting, it is only a tool that can help in the process.  It is up to us, the family members to help our children learn how to make good choices, do their best, love God, have good manners, discover the unknown and change the world.  In this, I am hopeful for tomorrow.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Finding True Purpose

“The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.”

– Boy Scouts of America vision statement

Author, Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) made this statement: "An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding; and it is not to be found in foreign lands, but in the heart itself."  Every person has a purpose to fulfill.  Every business, church or organization has a mission or purpose to achieve.  Human kind is made in such a way that without the awareness of our purpose in life, we become disorientated and discouraged.  Many have lost their will to live simply because they found nothing to live for.

                Have you ever written out a personal mission statement?  This is a short, yet descriptive statement of what you believe you are meant to do in life.  In business and in organizations, mission statements are common place, but even then, do people know what they are.  Think about it.  Can you, right now without searching for it, recite the mission statement of the company you work for, the church you attend or the organizations you belong too?  How can you achieve their goals if you do not know what they are?

                This is even more important when it comes to you personal purpose.  What is it that you believe you are here to do?  If you allow me, I would like to share my personal mission statement with you.  I designed this several years ago after attending a seminar where this principle was taught.  It took me many days to get it right, but I have not changed it and I strive to achieve it every day:

"To be a consistent example and teacher of personal excellence and leadership skills.  To live a life that will show the reality of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer."

                When I am setting goals, creating action plans and looking at my future, this is my starting point.  If I stray from this, I know I am heading in the wrong direction, no matter how good it may seem.  Your mission statement is your anchor, and your road map.

                If you have not made a personal mission statement, here are some tips on doing this.  First, please understand, you will not really do this in a few minutes.  This can take days, maybe months to get it right.  What is right?  Right is where you know inside that this is what you are meant to do.  It is creating something that is narrow enough to give you direction and guidelines, yet broad enough to allow you to be creative and expand in the future. 

What do you love to do?  Your purpose will not be something you hate.  It is your dream, your passion and your life.  You may not have been in a place to fully do this yet, but you still can.

What are your strengths?  Do not waste time trying to be strong in areas that you are weak.  Find where are you already strong and build on that.  What do you do well? 

How will this affect others?  Remember, your purpose is not just to make you feel good and give you the things you want.  You are here for others first.  If you mission does not make the lives of others better, you are missing the point.

                On your first try you may have a full paragraph or even a page to work with.  In the end you want to bring it down to one or two sentences.  You can use the two statements above (mine and the BSA) but do not copy them.  This must be your purpose, your statement.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey