I once had
someone ask me once if I am writing about
the principles of Scouting, why do I talk about success. They said, "Scouting is about building
character, courage, adventure and living a good life." To this,
I respond: Isn't that what success is all about?
I believe over the years that
people get the whole idea of success confused and misrepresented. We see what has
been labeled as successful people and think that they define the word. When I see people like John Belushi, Kurt
Cobain, Bernie Madoff and countless others who have fame and fortunes, I do not
think of successful people. These are
people who were able to make money (anyone can do that), become famous (anyone
can do that) but have failed when it comes to living a good life and adding
something to the world they live in.
Scouting teaches that success is
the ability to have a dream, pursue your dream and achieve your dream. That dream is different for each of us and
does not always include wealth, popularity or power. If a person can live their life knowing they
have done what they were created to do; knowing they have added something good
to this world and have peace with themselves and their God, then they have
succeeded.
“If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.”
– Albert Einstein
(1879-1955)
Physicist
There are
three myths that people often connect to success:
1)
Success means wealth
Wealth can be a reward for
success but it is never the goal itself.
Many have become very successful through an idea they had or a talent or
skill. They have done something they
love to do and they have become wealthy doing it. That is a reward, their desire at first was
not the wealth but the idea.
There are also some very
successful people who have given their lives to a cause much greater than
themselves, changed the world and have not personally gained wealth or fame.
They too love what they do, believe they were created for the task they have
taken on and added great value to others. This is the principle of service and
a key part of what Scouting is all about.
2)
People become successful overnight
Among successful people, there is no greater joke than the idea
of an "overnight success".
Successful people know that it takes ages of hard work and dedication to
achieve success. Some may move quickly
once they come to a point in their journey to achievement, but they did not get
to that point overnight. Success takes
time and hard work, that is it. There is
no easy way or any shortcuts. If you want to be successful you have got to
be willing to do the work.
3)
Success is never fair
Success is really the only fair
thing we face each day. Anyone - yes, I
said anyone - can be a success in life.
You have the opportunity and the resources all there for you. However, if you are waiting for someone to
give it to you, make it easy for you, share it with you or do it for you, my friend
will never see success. Nor should
you. If you are going to be a success
you have got to do it yourself. That is
fair. That is right. That is the way it is.
Scouting teaches right from the
start that if you are going to achieve, you must do it yourself. From Cub Scout
awards to merit badges and ranks, the Scout must earn their advancements. There
are no participation awards in Scouting. As in life, the winners are the ones
who work to win. Nothing in life, or in Scouting is free except your ability to
succeed.
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
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