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SUMMER READING

As the Scout year comes to a pause for the summer, give your Scouts a reading project that will last a lifetime. Get Scouting Out of Uniform at the discount price. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Got an Idea

One of the things I love about talking to boys at Scouts is that they are full of ideas.  Walking along on a hike or enjoying some downtime, you hear so many ideas of what they hope to be and what they plan to do in life.  I do not take these lightly like simple boy dreams.  Oh no, I see them as planning the future of the world I still intend to live in, so this is serious business.

                Ideas are powerful things.  It only takes one good idea to make a million dollars.  An idea can and does change the world as we know it.  The great industrialist and founder of Firestone Tires, Harvey Firestone once said, "What is important is ideas.  If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn't any limit to what you can do with your business and your life."

                So, what do you do when you have an idea?  Most of us think that our ideas are great and important, and they are, but we end up not doing anything at all with them.  So, what happens - they die.  I have four things you can do to keep them alive and who knows, they may be worth millions.

“A good idea is like a wheelbarrow; it will go nowhere unless you push it.”

– Unknown

Write Them Down:

                Always, I mean ALWAYS, have a pen and paper with you.  When you have an idea, write it down.  Do not think you will remember later because you will not.  How many of us have said, "I will remember this later", only to say, "What was that I wanted to remember?"  I like to encourage Scouts to write an idea down in as much detail as they can so when they look at it all will come back to them and they can use it as the foundation for a complete vision.

Take Action:

                After you have written down the idea, do something - anything - to begin the action process.  No matter how small or large, taking action will anchor the idea in your mind and the process to see it come to reality is underway.  Make sure that every idea you have and feel is worth going for, no matter how far out or impossible it seems has action behind it.  That action is the key to making this a reality.

Build Passion:

                Passion is the fire that drives us to our dreams.  It is seeing the vision as we want it to be.  This builds an excitement and enthusiasm that will keep you moving toward the achievement you desire.  Every day review the idea you have written down.  Feel the excitement and allow the fire of passion to build in you.  Now use all that energy to drive you to action and action will always bring success.

Be Persistent:

                No goal is ever achieved without hard work and persistence.  Success does not come overnight.  We have heard of overnight successes, but the reality is that is not true.  As you study the lives of successful people you will find that it took hard work and a deep determination to achieve the success that others think came overnight.

                Never dismiss your ideas as crazy or worthless.  Grab them as million dollar tickets and work them with all that is in you.  You may just have the one great idea the whole world has been waiting for.  Someone must come up with it, why not you?

                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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

REWARD YOUR SCOUTS

At your next Court of Honor, reward your Scouts by giving them a copy of Scouting Out of Uniform. Help them use what they have learned in Scouting throughout their life. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Learning from the Greats

Success-minded people are always looking for tools to add to their success toolkit.  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 daily.

                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 all up to you.  Reading is optional and a matter of 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."

“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

Those in the Scouting program are always encouraged to read. They have to read and study for their merit badges, there is even a reading merit badge. They read their handbook. The Boy Scout Handbook is not just there to answer questions. It is a collecting for everything a Scout needs to know to succeed in life. I suggest that every success-minded person pick up a copy and read it themselves.

                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 anyone 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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

LEARNING FROM A SCOUT

THERE IS A COPY FOR YOU

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A GREAT GIFT FOR YOUR SCOUT

The perfect gift for the Scout in your life. Give your Scout a gift that they will use long after their time as a Scout is done. Go to the website and get Scouting Out of Uniform at the discount price of $15.00. Get yours today!http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/p…/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Take a Chance

One of the things I have learned in my time in Scouting is that young people do not understand the concept of impossible.  I hear the dreams of young men who want 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 wishes 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 must 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.

“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 most important lessons stressed in Scouting is that of safety. We do not want Scouts getting injured or having accidents. We do not achieve safety by telling the boys to avoid high-risk situations, but by teaching them to be prepared, use wisdom and understand their limits. Boys were meant to be adventures and to take risks. To deny them this ability is to deny who they are as people. Safety does not come from avoidance but from being prepared.

                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 the 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.

                Scouts learn that many different areas of study through the merit badge program. Some, they will complete their requirements, get their badge and move on. They have learned important lessons; however, it may not be something that captures them. Other badges they will do with great excitement, achieve their badge and they take it farther on their own. That ability to choose their interest is what learning is all about.

                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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. Read more about the principles of Scouting in the new book, Scouting Out of Uniform. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF UNIFORM

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NOT NEW AND NOT A SECRET

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Gentlemen of Power

The fifth element 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 outdated and no longer applies to our present-day society.  That is misguided thinking.  The need for the 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 anymore.  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.

“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

                Scouting strives to help young men learn that being a person of good manners and one who practices kindness to all, is a place of power not of weakness. There is no shame in being a gentleman. The shame comes from causing hurt and damage to others when you can rather be a source of encouragement and kindness.

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 simply 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 care 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 touch the lives of others 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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE SCOUT IN YOUR LIFE

The perfect gift for the Scout in your life. Give your Scout a gift that they will use long after their time as a Scout is done. Go to the website and get Scouting Out of Uniform at the discount price of $15.00. Get yours today! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

THERE'S A COPY WAITING FOR YOU!

There is a copy waiting for you! Order your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform at the discounted price of only $15.00 (save over $4.00). Makes a perfect gift for the Scout in your life. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Gentle Giants

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 bite 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 enters the Super Hero.  The one who smiles at everyone with that nuclear smile that melts the hardest heart.  This hero has the superpower 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 - the Super Heroes - 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 superhero.  Here is the best part.  Ready for this?  Are you sitting down?  You, my friend, are that hero!  Yes, you.

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

– Han Suyin

(1917-2012) Author

                A positive mindset and a happy heart is 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 "Hero" 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.

                In the Scout Law, we see that a Scout is both kind and cheerful. That is not there just to keep the boys from fighting each other. Remember that the Scouting program is designed to help young people grow into better and successful adults. These principles are not there for the time they are Scouts. These are principles for life. That is why we can say, once a Scout, always a Scout.

                Think of Scouting as your hero education. You learn how to be your best, love God, have good manners, discover the unknown and change the world. You even get a hero’s uniform to do it in.

                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 encounter.  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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

IS SCOUTING AS WE KNOW IT OVER?

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Can’t Have One Without the Other

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, to do work around your home or gather information.  It is wonderful that we can 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 must work for it.

                I believe this kind of thinking has led 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.

                One of the lessons taught in Scouting is to help young people 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 and Eagle Scout, Mike Rowe, from the TV shows, Dirty Jobs, and Someone’s Gotta Do It, 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 most 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."

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

– Muhammad Ali

(1942-2016) Fighter

                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.  Scouts learn as they are working for the merit badges 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 crazier than this constant bombardment of people telling 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. There are no participation trophies in Scouting. If the Scout does not earn the award, they do not get 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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

NOW ON SALE

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LEARNING FROM A BOY SCOUT

REAL SCOUTS

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SCOUTS, SCOUTERS, AND FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

Scouts, Scouters, and friends of Scouting. As you know all too well, over the past few weeks there has been a lot of controversy and misinformation being passed around about the BSA. The truth is, it is not gender, skills, Troops or Packs or other groups that make a Scout - a Scout. It is the Scout Oath & Law. They are the true foundation of Scouting and they have not changed at all. In the book, Scouting Out of Uniform, I work to make clear just what the Oath & Law is and how, when followed can lead anyone to a successful life. I would like every Scout, Scouter, and anyone who is at all interesting in Scouting to read this book. Will you help me? I have rolled the price of the book from $19.95 to $15.00. Recommend this book to your friend and give it as gifts to Scouts you know. Let's get out the truth about Scouting and the great work it is really doing. Order your (and extra) today! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

The High Cost of Words

We have all heard, and use the saying, "Talk is cheap".  What is usually meant is that most people talk more than they act.  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 points 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.

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

– Chinese Proverb

                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 causes 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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey

ON KINDLE

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SUCCESS ISN'T KID'S STUFF

You may think the Boy Scout Oath & Law is for kids or just some old-fashioned idea. I can promise you this, follow these principles and your life will never be the same. Successful living guaranteed! Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform today and discover how to be your best! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Be Great When You Grow Up

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 permits and talents can achieve.  Sadly, many of us buy into this far quicker than when our dreams were to be a fireman, astronaut or school teacher.

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

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

Authors of Raising Boys by Design

                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 was, "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.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development 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 www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey