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