I knew a young man who had all the qualities of being a very bright student. He loved to read and had read far beyond the grade level. He had a wonderful ability to figure things out quickly and see details that many others missed. However, in school, he was a very poor student and was even held back a grade. If you asked what the problem was he would look you in the eye and quickly say, "It's because I'm stupid. I can't help it." The problem was he believed that to be true.
This boy, about 12 or 13 years old at the time, had parents that told him since he was small that he was stupid. When he got to school and these problems showed themselves in his inability to get homework done or work well with others, rather than looking into what he could do, the school sent home notes telling his parents what he could not do. This, of course, only reinforced the image that he was stupid and therefore the boy accepted it as reality. As with many, he believed what he was told.
“We are what we believe we are.”
– C.S. Lewis
(1898-1963)
Author/Educator
This type of thing is not strange to Scouting. Many times we find young people who feel they are inadequate or that they cannot do what others do. Some are from homes where this is driven into their heads and some have very low self-esteem. Whatever the reason, they soon find Scouting level ground. Not that all Scouts function at the same level or that things are lowered to the lowest common level. The opposite is true. The standard for Scouting is high. What is level is the encouragement and the belief that each and every Scout can excel at what they do. Adults believe in the Scouts and, more importantly, Scouts believe in each other.
Many of us are good at some things and not so good at others. I have always loved to read and write, however, I was (and still am) not so good at math. Growing up I was always criticized for my lack of skill at math but never encouraged about my reading and writing. I know many of you have had the same experience. As a society, we got into the thinking that we must work at our weaknesses and ignore our strengths. This is not only untrue but hurtful to the person involved.
Scouting is a program that builds on each individual Scout’s strengths. As they earn merit badges, Scouts find they may not like or find interesting as a particular badge. They still give it their best and then they move on. On the other hand, they discover things they not only love to do but they are good at. In Scouting, they have the opportunity to build on that and to excel long after a badge may have been achieved.
Do you have a young person in your life that believes they are less than they should be? Encourage them to be great. Encourage and build on the areas that they excel at and help them manage the areas of weakness. I am not saying to ignore an area of weakness, but by encouraging them to be the best at what they are best at, you help them improve in all areas of life.
Get a young person to believe they are a winner and you will have a winner. Help them to believe they can succeed in life and you will have a success. We are what we believe we are, therefore believe the best and you will be and have the best.
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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