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