KEEP FOCUSED

In the Scouting program, there are many opportunities to earn awards.  Some are of course more difficult than others, but all need attention and direct action for their achievement.  Moving from rank to rank is a constant effort and one that requires the boys to focus and work hard.  So it is in life as well; when we are on the road to achievement of our goals we must stay focused and not become distracted but all that is going on around us.

                So many people never achieve their goals in life, not because they do not have what it takes, but because they got distracted from their purpose and failed to follow through.  Have you ever started to do something, got distracted by another task and then never finish what you started?  This is a more common problem than some may think.  It is also one that can be easily overcome.

“Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.”

– LL Cool J

Actor

Know what you are trying to achieve

                So many get distracted on their journey to achievement simply because they did not know where they were going in the first place.  This is why I say so many times you need to have clear goals in writing.  This way you know exactly where you are going.

                Scouts have the advantage of their handbook. It tells them all they need to do to achieve the ranks they desire. The same is true with the merit badge program. They get a step by step outline of what needs to be done. This kind of aid to keep focus is a Godsend to an adolescent boy who has a hard time remembering to change his underwear every day.

When you start your task, have a plan

                It takes a few moments of time to write out a plan for achievement, but it saves hours of work and needless distractions.  A simple to-do list can make the difference between success and failure in achieving your goals.

                This principle of a todo list is something we try to get all our Scouts to practice. This way they will not forget something important along the way. I have seen Scouts carry a small notebook where they can note things they need, whether equipment for camp or a paper for a badge. This is an excellent idea.

If you find something interesting, make a note

                Many times as we move forward to achieving our goals we find something that catches our attention.  It may be an idea, a project or some information.  When this happens, make a note of it and put it away for later.  This way you can pursue it and still not be distracted from the task at hand.

                Discovery is not just a part of Scouting, it is a part of life. Encourage young people, as well as yourself, to pay attention to all that happens around them. Many of the greatest discoveries in the world came about while people were doing other things. As singer/songwriter, John Lennon (1940-1980) said, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.”

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