Strong Leaders

In a conversation with a new friend, I was asked how many grandchildren I had.  Proudly I answered "Ten.  My oldest daughter and her husband have six and my youngest daughter (We only have the two) and her husband have four."  My new friend got a concerned look on his face and said, "Don't you worry about kids growing is such a violent and nasty world as this?"  My response was quick and from the heart, "Not at all," I said, "They will make it better."

                I understand how when you look at the world we live in it can be a bit discouraging.  We have leaders in the highest offices lie and cheat.  We have crime everywhere and so much cruelty and hate.  However, believe it or not, it has been worse.  A funny thing about people, we look at our current times and believe it is the worst it has ever been; and in twenty years we see it as the "Good Old Days".

“I think that American leadership is vital to peace and prosperity and the advancement of democracy in the world, and that requires having strong leaders.  And I don't think there's any organization in the world, certainly not in the United States, that better prepares young men for leadership in this century than the Boy Scouts of America - in teaching leadership skills, in teaching values, in teaching importance of standing up for what's right.”

– Robert Gates

Former Secretary of Defense

                Things are bad, there is no getting away from that.  We need a fundamental change in our society and behavior.  But how do we get that change?  It is not by making more laws and rules.  We already have so many laws and regulations that no one knows what they can or cannot do anymore.  No, the way to change our world is to change the people in it.  One person at a time.  Sounds simple and impossible at the same time.  How do you change people?  How can we do anything really effective to bring about change for the good?

                One of the best tools we have to help young people become those good and honorable people we long for is to get them involved in Scouting. I am not saying that Scouts alone will make them better, however, we all need the right tools to create a successful life, and Scouting provides these tools and is a lot of fun as well. The Scout Oath and Law teach principles that, if followed will lead every person who follows them to a better more successful life.

                Allow me to give you two basic and very important ways that you can make an effective and immediate change to the world you live in.

Change One:  Start With Yourself

                You do not have the power to change anything in life, but you do have the power to change you, and by doing that, you change it all.  "But I am not a bad person", you may say.  "I follow the laws, and am a nice guy and give to charity."  That is all very wonderful, but we can all be better than we are.  It is a simple case of doing the right thing - all the time - just because it is the right thing to do.  That sounds easy but it takes work and courage to pull it off.

                Sometimes doing the right thing is refusing to do the wrong thing.  It is taking a stand for what is right, even if you are the only one standing.  True character in a person is an active thing that shows in all areas of life; how we behave, how we deal with others and what we believe.  This is where the Scout Law can bring clarity and direction to our lives.  It helps us understand in 12 principles, what it means to be a person of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.

                If you start with you, you will have successfully changed one person for the better and thus, changed us all as a whole.  If each one of us did this there would be nothing, no matter how powerful or wicked, that could overcome us.  I love the words of the writer, Thomas Carlyle who said, "Make yourself an honest man, then you may be sure that there is one less scoundrel in the world."

Change Two:  Teach Our Children How To Be People Of Character

                As a parent, grandparent, relative, teacher, coach, Sunday school teacher, Scout Leader or anything that puts you in contact with children, you have an awesome power and responsibility to shape a life.  Look at many of the problems we have with our youth today and ask, "Where did they learn this stuff?"  The answer is, from us.  We pour so much trash and wrong into their lives through movies, games, school, example and more.  They did not come up with bad behavior on their own, we taught them.

                This principle of teaching works the other way too.  We can, and many do, teach our children how to make the right choices, do good deeds, study and work hard, be polite and to think of others.  As a Scout leader, grandparent and someone who is around kids a lot, I can tell you that there are many great and well-behaved kids in this world.  I look at my Scouts and I am hopeful for tomorrow.

                Remember this, these kids you see today, whether your own or those you are in contact with, will be - not maybe, but WELL BE, the leaders of tomorrow.  They will one day run things and if we want a better world we best start with them.  When we invest our time and energy into children we are investing in our future.

                I get so put off by self-seeking adults who claim they do all their underhanded and unethical acts for "the children".  You want do we something to help the children, start by teaching them honesty, integrity, hard work and justice.  How can we make the family better?  Start by showing our children what a family should be and how people in that family should act.  Want to feed a hungry child?  Start by teaching them the value of hard work, earning your way and to be self-sufficient.  We have a responsibility to teach our children to be the best they can be.

                I believe that one of the best tools we have in this country to help lead our children in the right direction is Scouting.  Do all those who were in Scouts turn out to be model citizens?  No.  But more do than do not.  Scouting is not a replacement to good parenting, it is only a tool that can help in the process.  It is up to us, the family members to help our children learn how to make good choices, do their best, love God, have good manners, discover the unknown and change the world.  In this, I am hopeful for tomorrow.

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

Help your Scouts know how to use all the good stuff they have learned in Scouts. Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform today. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

A True Purpose

Author, Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) made this statement: "An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding, and it is not to be found in foreign lands, but in the heart itself."  Every person has a purpose to fulfill.  Every business, church or organization has a mission or purpose to achieve.  Humankind is made in such a way that without the awareness of our purpose in life, we become disorientated and discouraged.  Many have lost their will to live simply because they found nothing to live for.

                Have you ever written out a personal mission statement?  This is a short, yet descriptive statement of what you believe you are meant to do in life.  In business and in organizations, mission statements are commonplace, but even then, do people know what they are.  Think about it.  Can you, right now without searching for it, recite the mission statement of the company you work for, the church you attend or the organizations you belong too?  How can you achieve their goals if you do not know what they are?

“The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.”

– Boy Scouts of America Vision Statement

                Above you see the vision statement for the BSA. Every leader in the Scouting organization should know and follow this statement. A clear vision statement allows us to know where we are going and just how we intend to get there. As you can see, the BSA statement is a tall order, but it is one that can be achieved.

                This is even more important when it comes to your personal purpose.  What is it that you believe you are here to do?  If you allow me, I would like to share my personal mission statement with you.  I designed this several years ago after attending a seminar where this principle was taught.  It took me many days to get it right, but I have not changed it and I strive to achieve it every day:

"To be a consistent example and teacher of personal excellence and leadership skills.  To live a life that will show the reality of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer."

                When I am setting goals, creating action plans and looking at my future, this is my starting point.  If I stray from this, I know I am heading in the wrong direction, no matter how good it may seem.  Your mission statement is your anchor and your roadmap.

                If you have not made a personal mission statement, here are some tips on doing this.  First, please understand, you will not do this in a few minutes.  This can take days, maybe months to get it right.  What is right?  Right is where you know inside that this is what you are meant to do.  It is creating something that is narrow enough to give you direction and guidelines, yet broad enough to allow you to be creative and expand in the future. 

What do you love to do?  Your purpose will not be something you hate.  It is your dream, your passion, and your life.  You may not have been in a place to fully do this yet, but you still can.

What are your strengths?  Do not waste time trying to be strong in areas that you are weak.  Find where are you already strong and build on that.  What do you do well? 

How will this affect others?  Remember, your purpose is not just to make you feel good and give you the things you want.  You are here for others first.  If your mission does not make the lives of others better, you are missing the point.

                On your first try, you may have a full paragraph or even a page to work with.  In the end, you want to bring it down to one or two sentences.  You can use the two statements above (mine and the BSA) but do not copy them.  This must be your purpose, your statement.

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

1853 #14 A Success-Minded Person Honors God

Your Game Plan

When many people think of the Scout Law they think of young boys trying to do good.  The idea of "acting like a Boy Scout" is even used as a criticism.  Our social structure has gotten so off balanced that we now think that being good, following the rules and believing in character and integrity is outdated and odd.  Reality is, we are in need of these qualities more than ever before.  The consequence of not having them is evident all around us.

                The Scout Law, to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent, are all qualities that make for a healthy and strong person and society.  These are not just qualities you want to see in young people (although you do what them there), but in all of us and in every area of our life.  What does business not want someone who is honest, dependable and hardworking?  What area of life do you not need to be loyal, trustworthy, kind or friendly?  How much better would your daily experience be if you and all you met were cheerful, courteous and kind?

“Following the Scout Law sounds like a game plan that would give us all a better chance for success in life - and I mean every area of life.”

– Zig Ziglar

(1926-2012)

Author/Speaker

                Maybe it is because the Scout Law has been around so long and people have gotten used to it that we pay such little attention to it.  The Scout Law has the power to not only transform the world to a better place but even greater, to transform you. 

                Look over the Scout Law.  In fact, write out all the qualities listed there.  Now honestly, mark the ones that you show on daily basis.  I will say that if you are reading this blog you most likely have more than the average person.  However, you will find that you do not display as many as you thought you would.  This is not to point out where you may have failed, but rather to show you an opportunity to become better.

                One of the development goals I gave myself back in 2013 was to assign one of the qualities of the Scout Law to each month.  All during the month, I would work at developing that quality in my life.  I found it very helpful and the practice made me a stronger person.  Have I achieved all of the qualities in my life by now?  Not even close.  I have to check myself every day to become more and more of the person I someday hope to be.  What it did do is make me aware of where I can improve and how I can enrich the lives of others through the Scout Law.

                Do not see the Scout Law as something restrictive and difficult.  It is really very freeing and exciting.  When you live right you have nothing to hide or to escape from.  It is like what Mark Twain said, "When you always tell the truth you do not have to remember anything." 

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

Does your Scout know how to live the Scout Oath & Law when they are not Scouting? Do you know how? Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform and learn how to make Scouting a way of life. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

BEING A CITIZEN

Some of you older readers may remember a day when it was encouraged to be a good citizen.  I can even remember when you got a good citizenship award in school (now that dates me).  Now you are fortunate to find a person who can even tell you what a good citizen is.

                The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community.  These "qualities" are like those of good manners, you know them when you see them but you don't see them a lot.  Too often people are too busy looking out for their rights, their entitlements, and their stuff to worry about the rights of others.  But like good manners, citizenship is all about others first, not me first.

                One of the personal lessons I was not really prepared for as a Cub Scout leader was finding that most boys did not understand what citizenship was.  The idea of protecting the rights of others, following the Constitution and the order of law were concepts they were not taught in school or at home.  Yet, without good citizens, we have no country.

                Being a good and productive citizen is something each Scout must strive to achieve. This is, of course, a lesson we should all strive for.  There are many ways we can accomplish this.  One is to follow the laws and to do what is right, not because there is a penalty if you do not, but because it is the right thing to do.

“The Scouting Program fosters development in youth and helps them become good citizens of their communities and loyal adherents to their religious heritage.”

– Rabbi Binyamin Walfish

American Rabbi

                Another important part of being a good citizen that far too many have allowed to fall aside is to be involved in government.  I am not talking about complaining about the government or posting your political views on social media.  To be involved means that we are taking an active part in our local, state and national government.  Run for office, volunteer or work in a position that will cause change and promote good citizenship. And most importantly, vote. It is not just our right but our responsibility as good citizens.

                We could go on forever talking about the wrong there is in our government today (and there is great wrong).  How they are dishonest, lack integrity and that our rights as citizens are being taken from us.  But all that talk, no matter how right it is, means nothing if we do not make the changes needed.  We still have a government chosen by the people.  So, how do we make it better?  We become the people who hold the offices.

Scouts are taught to know the Constitution and Bill of Rights for this great country of ours. They not only say the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of every meeting, they know what it means. I believe that this is why so many Scouts have gone on to be political leaders in our government. For the Scout, being a good citizen is not what you think you know it is what you do to make life better for others as well.

                The days when we believed that anyone could become President are not over.  It can happen if we insist that it happens.  Good citizens do not sit back and give up, they fight for the right.  Good citizens do not wait for change, they make the change.  We can change our city, state, and country for the better.  By doing so, we teach those youngsters coming up that they too can make a difference.  Remember, the future belongs to them.  Let's make it better now so they can make it great once more.

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

Go the extra mile for your Scouts. Give them a copy of Scouting Out of Uniform. Prepare them for life. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

1852 #13 A Success-Minded Person is Neat & Orderly

The Deeper Purpose

As Scouts and Scouters, we are motivated people.  Scouting breeds the kind of thinking that keep people moving toward their goals and achieving all the time.  We have ranks to achieve, merit badges to get and the rewards of becoming or helping some young man to become an Eagle Scout.  All this achievement and drive is good, but let's not forget what the deeper purpose of Scouting is, to become people of character and courage.

                As wonderful as the Scouting program is, without the ultimate objective of forming a good and purposeful life, it is just another youth program and nothing more.  Scouting's end result is not the Eagle rank.  Scouting's end result is to create people who are leaders of integrity, decency, and honor.  We who are part of the Scouting program should have our sights on making a better world not just making an awarded Scout.

“The Scout movement is a world leader in educating youth.  Scouting inspires patriotism, sound moral values, courage, character-building, self-reliance and community awareness.  It also motivates our young people to achieve their full potential.”

– Nelson Mandela

(1918-2013) 

Former President of South Africa

                This reality is not something that we hope Scouting will someday achieve.  Scouts have gone on to become successful business leaders, great scientists, and Doctors; they have walked on the moon and been Presidents.  Scouting has for over a century developed great and honorable leaders that have achieved the impossible, discovered the unknown and changed the world.

                As we work to follow the Scout Law and the principles of Scouting, let us not forget that it is more twelve rules to follow, it is the force that can change the world.  Scouts are what I call success-minded.  That means they believe in their ability to do good, to create and achieve wonderful things.  Those who have learned the power of the Scout Law and the things taught in Scouting go on to be a success in all they do. 

                Success-minded people know that if they are going to achieve success in life, it is up to them.  No one is going to give it to them and no one is meant to take care of them.  They are self-reliant and hard working.  The word impossible just means it might take a bit longer to do.  Their honesty and integrity stand firm and they will not give in to the pressures of forces around them to lessen their values.  The fact is, Scouting, in any form and by any person, takes courage.

                Achieve all you can with enthusiasm and excitement.  Just keep in mind that there is a greater goal than awards and ranks or promotions.  The only thing that matters, in the end, is the person you become. 

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 Scouts of today are our leaders for tomorrow. Prepare them with a copy of Scouting Out of Uniform. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Making the Difference

One of the many things I liked about Steve Jobs, was that he knew how to live.  One of the reasons he knew how to live was that he knew he was going to die.  Jobs suffered from cancer for a long time and he was well aware that in the end, he would lose the battle.  That only made him more determined to win at life.  He knew what he wanted and worked at it till his last breath.  He did leave him "ding" in the universe.

                How many people do you know (yes, I want you to count them) who have stopped living long before the time came to leave this world?  It is heartbreaking to see people, young and old, who have given up on their dreams and resigned themselves to lives on emptiness and mediocrity.  We all have so much to live for and to contribute to this world. 

“I want to put a ding in the universe.”

– Steve Jobs

(1955-2011)

 Inventor/Businessman

                In Scouting, death is not one of our main topics. Young people seldom think about dying and coming to the end of their lives. The young tend to think of them as immortal. However, one topic we do think a lot about is living. Scouting is all about making your life count. It is all about, making a difference.

                "For the past 33 years," Steve Jobs said, "I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."  How would you answer this question?  If today was your last day, are you doing what you want to do?  The next question is, why not do it now?

                Let me be frank with you, the only reasons for "why not" are excuses; and excuses will get you nowhere.  "But it is not that easy to do what you want in life" some would say.  No, it is not easy - that is the point.  You have to make it happen, you have to work hard, be committed and never quit.  You have to keep at it till you have made your "dig" in this universe.

                This is one of the things I love about Scouts. Not only do they think about making a difference, but they also want to make a big difference. Young people are ready to rock their world. Scouting helps them to see that it is possible for them to do the impossible, discover the unknown and to really change tier world for good. The amazing thing is, so many of them do it.

                People like Steve Jobs should be reminders that there is a reason for living every moment we have.  You do not know when it will be taken away, but you can know that when the time comes, you will have left your mark and the world will not be the same because you fulfilled your dream.

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

KEEP POSITIVE

You can help your Scouts understand how to keep a positive attitude no matter what is going on in their lives. Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform today. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

1851 #12 A Success-Minded Person has Courage

CROSSING THE BRIDGE

I have been asked why the Scouting program is so regimented.  You have a uniform to wear, you must learn the Scout Law (by heart) and other important beliefs and statements of Scouting.  There are many ranks and awards to achieve with specific processes to go through in achieving them.  In short, to be a Scout - a good Scout - you must learn what it is to have discipline in your life.

                Self-discipline is one of the key principles taught in Scouting, as it must be in life.  To be successful in any area of life, one must learn how to be disciplined.  Discipline is not correction or punishment, or even just following the rules.  Discipline is the ability to focus, to do what needs to be done and the ability to stay with it until the goal is achieved.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

– Jim Rohn

(1930-2009)

Author/Speaker

                The lack of discipline has been the downfall of many a person who could have been successful.  Thomas A. Edison said, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."  It was not their lack of skill, lack of knowledge, lack of money or lack of support, it was a lack of discipline which leads to them giving up.

                Scouts learn early on that if they are going to achieve the badges and ranks they desire, they have to work at it and work hard. Nothing in life comes easy. Young people, and all of us really, are tricked into thinking that success is something you can achieve in your spare time. That is such a lie. Successful people did not just happen upon their success. I know it can look easy from the outside, but for the person who is achieving success, it is never easy.

                Discipline is more about what you believe and desire than what you do or feel. The disciplined person believes that if they stay with it, they will achieve their goals. The un-discipline person gives up because they are tired, discouraged and feel alone. The successful person feels all the same things with one exception, they do not allow any of those feelings to cause them to quit. They do not give up.

                The road to success is hard and full of challenges, however, for the success-minded person who understands the principle of discipline, it is a road they will travel all the way through.  All you need for the journey is a dream, a plan to achieve the dream, the willingness to work hard, stay focused and never - I say - never, give up. 

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

INVEST IN SUCCESS

Help Your Scout succeed. They know the information in the Oath & Law, now help them know how to use it. Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform today! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

BE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

Scouting is all about goals.  Young people are taught that there are many things to strive for, badges, ranks, and achievements.  Everyone in the Scouting program must learn how to set goals, have plans for the achievements of those goals and following that plan through.  The principle of goal setting is a key part of the whole Scouting program.

                Success-minded people love to achieve their goals.  After all, that is what achieving success is all about.  We know what we want and then we create a plan to achieve it and work hard at that plan until the prize is ours.  The achievement of a goal is a wonderful feeling that energizes the success-minded person to head off to the next - even bigger - goal.  As author and speaker, Les Brown said, "If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you."

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you

become by achieving your goals.”

– Henry David Thoreau

(1817-1862)

Author

                However, there is an element of the principle of goal setting that is greater than the goal itself.  It is more important and will create more results than any prize we have put our eyes on.  That is the person we become by the process of goal setting.  No one can pursue a goal without it making changes in your life.  As success expert, Jim Rohn uses to say, "If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us."

                Success-minded people know that to achieve a goal you must know the person you must be to live in that reality.  Once you know what kind of a person you must be to live in your goals, become that person.  Goals do change us.  I have heard many people say that if they were successful, wealthy, productive or influential, they would not change.  "I will always be me."  I am sorry to tell you that is not true.  Success in our life changes us.  The problem is that people tend to think that change will be for the worse where in fact it is to the better. 

                The achievement of a goal develops confidence, hope, and courage.  Once you know that you can succeed, you are braver when facing challenges in the future.  You learn more, grow more and believe more as you move through the process of achieving your goals.  You, in fact, become a different person than when you started and that person is better, stronger and has far more to offer to others.  Do not fear change, pray for it.  If you stay the same you will never advance in life farther than where you are.  You have far more to offer than that.

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

KNOWING HOW TO SERVE

Help your Scout to understand the Scout Oath & Law and become the best they can be. Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform today! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

1850 #11 A Success-Minded Person is Responsible

TAKING A STAND

One of the key qualities taught in Scouting is that of self-reliance.  Self-reliance is more than just being able to survive in the woods, it is being able to do what is right, even when you are the only one doing it.  We live in a day when you are the outsider if you stand for what is good, right, moral and true.  Compromise is the word of the day and those who will not compromise their moral code are seen as hard, unfair and mean.  The fact is, they are really the kindest of all.

                It takes courage and conviction to be willing to stand alone for the right.  These people are the heroes of the day and as with all heroes, they face the challenges of life with a brave and determine spirit.  Others can give in to social pressures and allow themselves to be bullied into doing what they know is wrong, but not those who are willing to stand alone if needs are before they will compromise the truth for a lie.

“To be able to lead others, a man must be willing to go forward alone.”

– Harry Truman

(1884-1972)

33^rd U.S. President

                Scouts take an oath to do their best to do their duty to God and country. They promise to obey the Scout Law, and that is not a simple promise. That means they will be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. These are the qualities of one who does what is right because it is right. That takes courage and personal strength. Traits that are developed in Scouting.

                There is no greater lesson for young people to learn today than that of truth and principle.  Winston Churchill once said, "A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality."  To teach our young people to be moral, right and principled, is to teach them to be brave, courageous and heroic.

                Never allow others to give you your convictions and beliefs in life.  We all know right from wrong; good from evil.  Follow what you know is right and stand alone if you must to see that it happens.  The world needs more heroes and you are just the one to fill the need.

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

PREPARED TO LIVE

Help your Scout be prepared to live life to the fullest. Get your copy of Scouting Out of Uniform today! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

BEING A HERO

"Scouting will open many doors to learning for you."  States the Boy Scout Handbook.  "As a Scout, you'll meet people who have interesting careers.  While training in first aid, you might meet medical professionals and emergency responders.  While hiking in parks and forests, you'll meet rangers, wildlife experts, and others who are doing exciting work you might like to learn."  There is an exciting difference between knowing about a career and seeing it in action.

                I have heard it said many times that young people cannot know what they want to do as a career because they are too young.  I disagree with this thinking.  I believe we are all born with our purpose inside of us.  There is a principle called the Law of Attraction, that causes us to be drawn to those who are doing the things we were also created to do.  The truth is, many young people are attracted to several different things only because they see them.  If this should touch upon an area of interest, wonderful things happen.

“The ordinary man is involved in the action; the hero acts.  An immense difference.”

– Henry Miller

(1891-1980)

Author

                Why do you think it is that children go through times of wanting to be a fireman, trash collector or policeman (all excellent careers by the way)?  It is because they see these people all the time.  They do not hear about them, they see them, the heroes in action.  What do you think will happen if they are exposed to many kinds of active career people?  The chances of them discovering one that clicks with them is far greater.

                This is where groups like Scouts can be of great value.  In Scouting young people are exposed to many different careers in life.  Not just to the work but to the workers, the people who actually perform the tasks.  Young people see and talk with these people and they become interested in what they are doing.  The more people a young person is exposed to the more opportunity they have to choose the right career for them.

                If you have a young person in your life, expose them to many hard-working people of all different types of careers.  Not just to the people, but to the people actually doing their jobs.  If you are a professional or have a career you love, be open to talk with young people and show them just what it is you do.  Hard, productive work is catchy.  Spread it around.

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