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 often used as a criticism.  Our social structure has gotten so off-balanced that we now think that being kind, following the rules and believing in character and integrity is outdated and odd.  Reality is, we need 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 every area of our life.  What business does not want someone 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 more significant, to transform you. 

                Look over the Scout Law.  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 these 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 burdensome.  It is very freeing and exciting.  When you live right you have nothing to hide.  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 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 1966 Try Try Again

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1965 What Have You Done

The Deeper Purpose

As Scouts and Scouters, we are motivated, people.  Scouting breeds the kind of thinking that keeps 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 result is not the Eagle rank.  Scouting's 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 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 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 1964 Lost Opportunities

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 in 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 had 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.

                One of the things I love about Scouts is that 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 to do the impossible, discover the unknown, and change their 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 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

Crossing the Bridge

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 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 1962 Innovation

Be Your Greatest Achievement

Scouting is all about goals.  Young people learn 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 a 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 it is for, 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 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 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 1961 Educate Yourself

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 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 bullied into doing what they know is wrong, but not those who are willing to stand alone before they 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.

                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 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 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 1960 Light Other's Candle

Being a Hero

"Scouting will open many doors to learning for you."  The Boy Scout Handbook says,  "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 could not 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 attracted 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 when young people are exposed to many kinds careers?  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 see many different careers in life.  Not just to work but to the workers, the people who 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 sees 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 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 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 1959 Time

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?  Distractions are a more common problem than some may think.  It is also one that can be 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.  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. Scouts get a step by step outline of what they need to do to earn the badge. 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 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.

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 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 1958 Be Your Best

Believing

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.  These comments only reinforced the image that he was stupid, and therefore the boy accepted it as reality.  As with many troubled young people, he believed what others said about him.

“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 achieve what others can achieve. Some are from homes where their lack of achievement is constantly pointed out. Whatever the reason, they soon find Scouting level ground. Scouts do not all function on the same level. Scouting does not lower expectations to the lowest level. The opposite is true. The standard for Scouting is high. What is level is the encouragement and the belief that 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 type of thinking is not only untrue but hurtful to the person involved.

Scouting is a program that builds on each 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 can excel. In Scouting, they have the opportunity to build on that and to move on to the next challenge

                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 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 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