The sale is coming to an end. The sale on Sir Robert Baden-Powell: Taking the Scout at His Words will be over on Monday, March 11. You still have a chance to get this book at the sale price of only $8.00 before it goes back to its listed price of $10.95. Act now and don't miss out. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/…/sir-robert-baden-powell…/

Breakfast of Champions

Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts said that the motto of "Be Prepared" means that a Scout should never be taken by surprise.  This is not only true for those in Scouting but for all success-minded people who are working to achieve their goals and dreams.  The best way to be ready for problems is just to be aware they will come.  There are many uncertainties on the road to success, the reality of problems coming our way is not one of them.

                Knowing that we will face problems is a way to be ready for them when they come.  Some problems can be expected.  Let's say that you are in sales, you know that one thing you will face daily is the problem of "no's".  Some people will always tell you "no" when you try to present your product or service.  However, if you know that this will happen you can prepare and be ready for it.  There is much training and material available to help those in sales overcome the "no" they will face.

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.”

– Alfred A. Montapert

1906-1997

Author

                No matter what business, service or occupation you are in, there will always be certain problems unique to your profession.  Take the time and identify them, prepare for them and solve them before they even happen.  Only a foolish person will think that they do not need to be ready for problems or that they will not face those issues.  Again, problems happen; it is never a case of "if" they happen but "when" they happen.

                The reality of facing problems is not a negative issue.  In fact, the problems make us better.  If you are to be prepared to deal with the problems that will arrive, you must learn and grow before facing the problem.  Anything that helps us to learn and grow makes us better.  Problems help us to think, solves issues and strengthen us in character.

                What are the problems that you may face today?  Are you ready for them?  If not, how can you get ready for them?  We know that there is a solution to every problem, the trick is to know that solution before you face the problem.  Knowing that will build confidence, give you the upper hand and bring you quickly to the threshold of success.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

Good things come to an end at some time. The sale on Sir Robert Baden-Powell: Taking the Scout at His Words will be over on Monday, March 11. You still have a chance to get this book at the sale price of only $8.00 before it goes back to its listed price of $10.95. Act now and don't miss out. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/sir-robert-baden-powell-taking-the-scout-at-his-words/

SOU 1917 Know What You Believe

Follow Me

Everyone knows the complaint of people who live lives of "Do as I say not as I do".  Ask anyone you meet and they will tell you two things: 1) They know someone who does that very thing. 2) They believe it is wrong to think and act that way.  However, they, or even us, maybe that person and we do not even realize that we are doing it.

Parents, often are guilty of this behavior.  We want our children to grow up to be good and honorable people, we make sure they go to school, church and even groups like Scouts so they can learn how to behave.  The greatest influence on our young people is the one we think the least about - our influence.

                Let's face it, it is easy to forget that what we say and do is always being watched and listened to.  You may think that others do not notice what you say and do, but that is not the case.  How often do you take notice when someone is rude or shows bad manners?  How about when others lie, cheat or steal?  Don't you notice every time someone is unkind or treats you or another person badly?  Of course, you do; and others notice when you do it as well.

“Respect is ultimately about service, and boys need to see it modeled, to a great extent, by men.”

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

From the book: Raising Boys by Design

                Success-minded people should make their life an example to all.  I am not just talking about what we do in front of children, but what example we set for everyone.  Success-minded people must live lives of honor and truth.  This is the bases for the Scout Oath and Law. It gives a foundation that not only guides the Scout but all who see them as well. This is why, when people would refuse to compromise their values or to behave badly, they were said to acting like a Boy Scout.

                Setting the example is more than the right behavior.  It is living a life that touches others for the good.  When people talk about someone who is loyal, trustworthy, kind or polite, your name should be the first on their lips.  It is a great feeling to be given that kind of respect, but that kind of respect must be earned. 

                Just telling your children, co-workers, friends, family or anyone, that they should behave in a kind and proper fashion is never enough.  Mark Twain had it right when he said, "Actions speak louder than words, but not nearly as often."  We must show others what it means to be a person of integrity and solid character.  When you do, you impact the world for the better.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

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SOU 1916 Just as Good

This weekend we celebrate the birthday of Boy Scout Founder, Sir Robert Baden Powell. To celebrate, I have a gift for you all this weekend. Go to the website and buy a copy of Scouting Out of Uniform and I will give you a copy of my new book, Sir Robert Baden-Powell: Talking the Scout at His Words for FREE. This special deal is only for this weekend so you have to get your books before Monday, Feb. 25th. Don't miss out on your free book, only on the website. Get yours today!! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/p…/scouting-out-of-uniform/

Being There

Do you ever feel like life is passing you by?  I think we all have at some point.  It is that feeling that we are stuck and for some reason, we have missed everything that has been going on around us.  I am not talking about missing some fun, but life.  When you find yourself in this state it is time to take some decisive and direct action.

Turn Off the Machine

                Success-minded people are hardworking people who are heading to a goal in life.  This is good until that striving starts to make you into a machine rather than a person.  This happens when every day is just like the one before it.  You get up at the same time, get ready the same way, travel to work by the same route, do the same things at work and go home at the same time and same way. The worst part is that every day becomes the same as well and there is no progress in that.

                It is time to unplug the machine and pay attention to the world that is all around you.  Do things differently.  Start off the day with something inspiring and helpful.  Go to work by a different route a few times a week.  Even if it means that you must leave early, leave early.  Change the routine and change your life. Make each day new and different and you will not only move forward, but you will enjoy the trip.

“If you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can talk.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of The Boy Scouts

Add Beauty to Your day

                I know this may sound corny but believe me it can make all the difference in the world.  Every day listen to some good music that uplifts and inspires you.  Look at some art.  Pay attention to what is on your wall and the walls around you.  Read a poem or something that will inspire and lift you up.  Take a walk in the park or the country.  Many of us miss the beauty that is in the world simply because we do not take the time to add it.  There is no shortage so it is up to you.

                The great German writer and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisely said, “A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” 

Connect with Others

                When you are around other people listen to them - really listen.  Keep in mind that every person you meet has something great to add to your life.  If you start by believing that every person is a divine appointment, you will find that you are enriched more by just listening to them than by talking at them.  Humanity is wonderful and extremely entertaining.  Enjoy the people in your life for a change.

                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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

Today is the birthday of Boy Scout Founder, Sir Robert Baden Powell. To celebrate, I have a gift for you all this weekend. Go to the website and buy a copy of Scouting Out of Uniform and I will give you a copy of my new book, Sir Robert Baden-Powell: Talking the Scout at His Words for FREE. This special deal is only for this weekend so you have to get your books before Monday, Feb. 25th. Don't miss out on your free book, only on the website. Get yours today!! http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/scouting-out-of-uniform/

SOU 1915 Giving Up

One of Many

There is a great balancing act that goes on in our world.  On one hand, we need and desire to be one of the group.  Teams can get more done than a person by them self.  We all have the need to be a part, to be accepted and to have others in our life.  On the other hand, we can easily feel that we are just one of many.  We do not feel that anyone knows or cares about us as a person.  All people need to know that they are unique and special in some way.  To find balance in this is not an easy task.

                The best way to deal with this is not to change other people and get their thinking right, it is to change your thinking and how you connect with others.  Success-minded people need to understand that they are indeed special.  They have talents and strengths that make them uniquely equipped to fulfill their purpose.  The danger here is the whole issue of pride.  The fact that you are special does not mean you have more value than others.

“Scoutmasters deal with the individual boy rather than with the mass.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of The Boy Scouts

                The secret to real success is to understand that every person is special and unique in their own way.  There is not another like them, or you, in the whole universe.  Each has their own gifts and talents that they bring to the group and into our lives.  This gives them a great value.

                We were not created as a group.  When God in His great wisdom decided to put you on this planet He did so as He looked at you as the individual, not as a group.  God has no quota to fill and there is no one who is here by mistake.  That means that you can see others as special and worth caring for.  Every person you meet has something to add to your life as you have something for them.

                It is when we each see our value that we see the value of others.  We are not competing with others for success, we are cheering each other on.  We focus our energy on being the best we can be and helping others be the best they can be.  When you succeed, I succeed and when I succeed you succeed.  One of the best ways to discover the greatness in you is to help others discover the greatness in themselves.

                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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1914 Don't Stretch it

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What is Not Possible

An airplane with 500 people on board heading nonstop from New York to London.  Impossible.  A family of four getting into their car and driving 200 miles to visit family and then returning home on the same day.  Impossible.  Electric lights, central heating, the internet, movies on demand, cell phones with the ability to do hundreds of different tasks, all impossible! 

                You may be saying, "What are you talking about?  All of this is not only possible but part of our daily life."  That is just the point.  All this and so much more were thought of as being impossible not that long ago.  In fact, most everything that we use today was thought of as impossible only a short time ago by the greatest minds of the day.  What this shows us is that there is no such thing as impossible.

“What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.”

– Theodore Roethke

1908-1963

American Poet

                Here is what I find amazing.  After living in a world filled with the impossible, we still tend to think that many things are indeed impossible.  A cure for cancer or other deadly illness many believe is impossible.  Humans traveling to other planets and living there is thought of as impossible.  The creation of reusable energy sources is thought to be impossible.  The list is still long and the belief that things are impossible is just as strong.

                This is one reason I love talking to young people.  They have the rare ability to believe that anything is possible.  It is only after the adult population has drilled fear and impossibility into their heads do they stop believing.  The sad thing is we get them to stop believing in the impossible just when they can do something about it.  A ten-year-old who believes that they can fly without a plane can do nothing to prove that to be true.  When that child is in his twenties and can do something great, they have been robbed of the vision and convinced it is all just the fantasy of childhood.

                Poet, John Andrew Holmes 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."  This ignorant person could be you.  Why not?  If someone is going to make a new discovery, create a new product, explore the unknown or change the world for the better, why not you?  Believe that you will do the impossible and you will be amazed at how you will.  It is always done by someone.  Let that someone be 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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

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SOU 1913 Imagin That

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Doing Matters

We hear it from politicians all the time.  Their talk is filled with all the wonderful things they are going to do, how our lives will be better and things will change once they start to work.  The thing is, they never start.  It is not unique to them either.  Many people will tell you all they plan to do.  They have great plans and will achieve great things, but the reality is, nothing seems to happen.  Maybe the problem is too much talk and not enough action.

                Success-minded people are people of vision, not words.  You will find that those who achieve the most are the ones who talk the least.  They are too busy doing things to spend their time talking to others about what they will "someday" do.  Success-minded people know that the only day you have is today.  There is nothing you can do about yesterday and that someday never seems to get here.  Honestly, have you ever found “someday” on a calendar? I never have.

“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.”

– Peter Marshall

1902-1949

Former Chaplin of the U.S. Senate

                I believe that one of the problems some people face is that they see the small stuff as small stuff.  Listen to what is being said and you will quickly discover that it is all big and grand.  Nothing small or common about their plans.  But the reality of life is that nothing big happens without first doing the small.  It is the small, seemingly insignificant things that change the world.  They are where all the real action happens.  The so-called big stuff is just the result of the small stuff.

                Even in the Scriptures in Zechariah 4:10 we are told not to look down on small beginnings.  Nothing great starts off great.  Not even you.  Zig Ziglar always said, "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."  You will never achieve your dreams in life if you wait for it to all happen from the top down.  You need to do the small things that are seldom noticed before you can do the great things that everyone sees.

                When we see the quiet, hardworking person who is doing what needs to be done, we can be sure that they will one day achieve far greater things than the one who talks a good game.  I am not against planning, we all know that you must have a plan of action to get to your goals.  The problem comes in when our planning is all we do.  There must be a point when the planning, the talking and the thinking stop and the action begins.

                The Scout motto is, "Be Prepared."  You need to be prepared to act.  To be prepared does not mean that you just know what to do.  That is good, but it is far less than the actual doing.  Get out there and be willing to do the small stuff.  Be willing and active in taking care of the little details so that one day you will have a big dream.  It is in doing the little that we become prepared for the big.

                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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1912 Tell the World

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Happy 109th Birthday to the BSA!!

Ready, Set, Go!

There is something special about success-minded people. These people are the dreamers and achievers of our world.  We do not like to let the grass grow under our feet.  Success-minded people are always thinking and coming up with new ideas.  Some of those ideas are reasonable and useful; some are wild and crazy.  The thing that they all have in common is the desire to get them done.

                Many times, this burst of energy to get things going is met with a reasonable, and steady person saying, "Hold on now. Don't make any rash decisions. These things take time."  Soon the energy filled, idea machine is put off and nothing happens at all.

“A boy on joining wants to begin Scouting right away.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of the Boy Scouts

                The thinking is this: Good decisions are made slowly and changed quickly as needed.  That statement my friends is wrong thinking.  Look at the lives of successful people, and many studies have proved this as well, that the best decisions are made quickly and changed slowly.  Real creativity does not flow into the brain like a gentle stream and slowly fill it with ideas.  True creativity - creativity that makes things happen - bursts like a dam in a thunderstorm, filling the brain like a flood of ideas that must be dealt with.

                I know that many of you know exactly what I am talking about here.  You have great ideas and struggle with what to do with them.  Here is your answer: Go! Go! Go!  Yes, some things take time to develop and become reality, however, that is not the decision process.  You will never develop or form a dream if you spend ages just deciding if you will do it.

                Here are three easy steps to follow when you are struck with a creative idea:

1) Write It Down

                Right then and there write it down in as much detail as you can.  Never be without a pen and paper.  You can even have a note app on your phone.  No matter how you decide to capture the idea, do not let it go till later.  You will forget if you do not capture it and it may never come to you again.

2)  Start Creating a Plan of Action

                Once you get to where you can look at what you have noted, start to create a plan of action.  What do you need to do to make this happen?  It may be to do some research or find someone who has done this before.  List all the things you know to do, quickly and without making corrections.  Once the list is done you can go back, put it in order and remove things that were not really needed.  You have a plan.

3)  Do Something in the Next 24 Hours

                Do not allow an idea to pass without doing something to start you on your way.  It can be simple or complex, just get started.  Research has shown that people who allow just 24 hours to pass before acting on an idea are 75% less likely to do anything at all.  75%!  Start something and you will be more likely to succeed.

                Do not listen to those who would say that you are moving too fast.  They care about you and do not want to see you fail, but they can also keep you from your dream.  Yes, you may fail.  Chances are good you will make many mistakes along the way.  That is okay.  The risk is part of success and we learn from every mistake.  Think of it this way, would you rather make no mistakes in life and be safe but without a dream or would you risk safety and suffer a few bruises but have all you ever wanted?  I say, get out the Band-Aids - there is going to be some scraped knees on some successful people.

                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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1911 The Real Teacher

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Learning What Matters

Here is a truth that we all know but we seldom think about.  Everything you know you learned from someone else.  From learning to feed yourself to driving a car, you learned it from someone.  The same is true that the older you get the more you teach.  Like it or not, you set an example for others.  You teach those close to you directly or indirectly, but you do teach.  Knowing this, shouldn't we desire to learn from the best and to be the best to teach others?

                We hear a lot about natural talent.  We do each have strengths that cause us to excel at certain things, however, what we learn to excel at is not always clear.  I have seen some very talented people who are excellent at what they do.  Some do great good and succeed in business, the arts, education and many other areas of life.  Some, just as talented, excel in crime, cheating, and destruction of property.  What makes the difference?  The difference is who is teaching them.

                One of the things I love about Scouting is that it takes young men, helps them discover their talents and skills and teaches them how to use it for the good of all.  The goal of Scouting is to help young people become excellent adults.  It helps them learn that they can be and do anything with character and integrity.

“As a Scout, I learned how to set goals and achieve them.  Being a Scout also taught me leadership at a young age when there are few opportunities to be a leader.  Scouting values have remained with me throughout my life, in my business career and now as I take on new challenges.”

– Steve Fossett

1944-2007

Explorer

                We all have two simple questions to answer: 1) What are you learning? 2) What are you teaching?  There is no greater teacher than example.  People who set our example inspire us, amaze us and create a desire to be like them.  This works for the good or for the bad.  As an adult, you make the choice to follow those who set a good and wholesome example.  As a young person, you follow those who pay attention to you and make you feel you belong.  Sadly, that does not always happen from those setting a good example.  Therefore, we need programs like Scouting where a young person can feel they matter and they belong.

                Be the best example you can be.  Teach those in your life, your family, friends, co-workers, and others, that there are great joy and satisfaction in developing a good character and working hard at your dreams.  Learn from the best as well.  Find those who excel at what they do and who add value to the world they live in.  Follow them and learn what they do.  Remember, success leaves clues.

                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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

We learn from the thoughts and teachings of others who have been successful. Sir Robert Baden-Powell created the greatest youth movement in history. How better to learn his thought than by his own words. Get your copy of Sir Robert Baden-Powell: Taking the Scout at His Word today. For only $8.00 you can afford to get one for a friend or that Scout in your life. This price is for a limited time so act now. http://www.johnpatrickhickey.com/product/sir-robert-baden-powell-taking-the-scout-at-his-words/

SOU 1910 A Person of Character