Prepared

Most of us are familiar with the Boy Scout motto, Be Prepared. Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powell defined it this way: “A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.” Do you know what to do when the unexpected happened? Know this: the unexpected always happens.

Scouts and Scouters do not stumble on success; they prepare for it. They do not bump into opportunities to serve others; they are ready at all times to step in. Few people know more about preparing for the unexpected that former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani. As the city’s mayor during the attack on the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001, he had to use all the knowledge he had in a moment. No one had ever seen a disaster like this nor did we ever expect it, but Mayor Giuliani and his team wasted no time getting into action.

“You can claim to be surprised once; after that, you’re unprepared.”

Old Saying

In his book Leadership, Mayor Giuliani said, “Your success will be determined by your ability to prepare.” You cannot get lost in the thinking that says, “Prepared for what?  What do I prepare for?” Being prepared is not a step by step by step list of what to do in a situation; it is a state of mind. Being ready means you can think fast, make decisions and do what you need to do without hesitation.

Scouts are always learning and reaching out to new areas so they can be ready. To be mentally prepared tomorrow will be too late. John Maxwell said, “The only adequate preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today.” It is what you are ready for today that matters most. Putting things off is never a good idea. You do not know what will happen tomorrow, what opportunities will come up.  You would hate to miss something great because you are doing things that could have – should have – been done yesterday.

Be ready for the unexpected. As I said, the unexpected will happen. It will all depend on whether you were prepared or not. It could be a great opportunity that will pass your way only once, could be a monumental disaster like 9/11. Whatever the case, be ready and you will enjoy the success that only the prepared know. As Louis Pasteur said, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.”

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor,

sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

2 Timothy 2:21

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU033020 How to Serve God

Duty to Country part 2

What do you do when you love your country and fear your government? That is a difficult question. America is a wonderful country and the land of the free. However, many times our government, those who hold public office, do what is immoral, illegal, and against what we know the Constitution stands for. As a government of the people, for the people and by the people, we cannot allow this to stand.

A good citizen will not sit back and accept that they know is wrong by their government. There are several things that we the people can and must do. John Stuart Mills said, “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends than that good men should look on and do nothing.”

“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”

George Washington

1732-1799

First U.S. President

The first thing every American must do is vote. The right to vote gives the power of government into the hands of the people. Those who do not vote have no place to complain. Voting is not just a right; it is a responsibility given to all who live free. Remember this, when you find a person in political office who is dishonest and fights against your rights; they were put there by the people if you want to see them out of office, vote to remove them.

You also can make your thoughts and ideas heard. Violence and disorder is never an acceptable way for free people to express themselves; however, sitting quietly and allowing evil and evil people to rule is not acceptable. Your duty to your country is to be the best citizen you can be and nothing less.

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU032520 Reverent

Duty to Country part 1

To say we live in turbulent times is a bit of an understatement. From our countries leadership down to the most common of citizens, you not only hear differing political views but passionate ones. Sports figures and celebrities take a knee during the countries national anthem. Politicians degrade our dear country and demand its downfall. For those of us who love our country, it is disturbing to say the least.

One of the key principles of Scouting is to learn how and to practice being a good citizen. Our first loyalty is to our God and the second is to our country. Here is a hard statement but one that needs to be said, any Scout that tears down his country are not worthy of the uniform he/she wears.

“Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government when it deserves it.”

Mark Twain

135-1910

Author

Now, let me clarify a few key things. When I am talking about loyalty to the country, I am not speaking about its government. When you say that people should not talk bad about our country and disrespect it, the first yell is always, “I have free speech and can say whatever I want.” That is true. However, always remember that just because you can do something does not mean it is something you should do. Duty to the country is a deliberate act, like all the principles of Scouting. You choose to be loyal; you do not have to be forced to be.

To question the government is not the same as disrespecting the country. We live in the greatest nation in the world. There is no place as free, prosperous, and welcoming than the United States of America. Where else can you disagree with the government and be allowed to state that publicly? It is not just a right; you have it is a responsibility. American statesman Benjamin Franklin said, “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.”

We will look at this a bit closer in the next blog. For now, I want to stress that a Scout is above all a good American. We will stand by our country, defend our country and do our duty to our country. Nothing less will ever do.

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU032320 Duty to God

Humility

When Benjamin Franklin had his list of 13 virtues that he tried to make a part of his life, he always said the 13^th was the hardest to fulfill. That virtue was humility, and Franklin said each time he realized he achieved it, he lost it. Building humility in our life is like trying to hold a live fish; it is forever slipping out of our grip.

Really, what is humility?  Nineteenth-Century evangelist Charles Spurgeon said, “Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self.” For the Scout or Scouter, filled with confidence and a good self-image, that can be hard at times. However, as I have pointed out before, humility is not feeling bad about yourself. Remember what Rick Warren said, “Humility is not thinking less about yourself but thinking about yourself less.” That is why it is so important to be focused on others. You cannot be self-centered and focused on others at the same time.

“I believe the first test of a truly great man is in his humility.”

John Ruskin

1819-1900

Author

Those who think about how great they are or how they can keep promoting themselves are shallow and of little use to a successful job. Seventeenth-Century English clergyman Benjamin Whichcot said, “None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.” Again, this does not mean that you think wrongly of yourself. You cannot add value to others if you do not believe you have value to add.

Scouts learn that they have strengths and gifts that have value. They know where they are strong and what they do well and are willing to be the best at what they do. They also recognize that they have weaknesses, areas where they need help. Scouts know that others have their strengths, and they are willing to help others to use their strengths as well. On a team there is no competition, you all do what you do best and together you enjoy the win. When you can rejoice with others for their successes, step aside to allow someone who can do a task better than you to do it, and always work for the good of all, you have achieved a level of humility.

French philosopher Charles de Montesquieu said, “To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.” A humble leader works with his team and gives the team credit when they win. A humble worker also works with the team and loyally follows their leader to the win. Scouts learn that you bring value and strength to others and openly receive value and strength from them.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

 and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:29

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU031820 Do What Counts

Sacrifice

We hear a lot these days about sacrifice. A few years ago, when we were facing a bad economy and high unemployment, we were asked by those in high office to sacrifice along with the country. The problem is they did not know the meaning of the word sacrifice. For too many, cutting back or going without some personal comfort or treat is sacrificing. That is only an inconvenience or denial at best. Sacrifice is not giving up something of little meaning but taking on something that costs a high price. Author and philosopher James Allen said, “He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”

Scouts learn the law of sacrifice, not from those who lose nothing but from those who give their all for others. Many sacrifices daily all around us. They are willing to give up all possessions, family, comfort and even their lives for the betterment of others. I can think of no other group that exemplifies this better than those in the military. These men and women give their all for us every day. They fight our wars, keep us safe, and help in times of need and so much more.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

Albert Einstein

1879-1955

Physicist

The U.S. Army Leadership Field Manual puts it this way (This applies to all branches of the Armed Services), “Selfless service means doing what’s right for the nation, the Army, your organization, and your people – and putting these responsibilities above your interests.” This does not mean that every Scout must serve in the military, but they are the ones to look to for an example.

Scouts learn that sacrifice is always a key component to success. Not just giving something up, but rather doing something for others that will, in the end, cost you something. Napoleon Hill said, “Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.” When we talk about the Scouts serving others, we do not mean helping out when it is convenient or doing something to show how caring you are. Scouts and Scouters will sacrifice what they must to help others to succeed and be the best they can be. Sacrifice is never easy or comfortable but it is incredibly satisfying.

“Offer the sacrifice of righteousness and trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 4:5

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU031620 Secret Help

A Good Turn

As a Scout, you need to remember that you do not do good deeds for pay. This is not saying that you work for free. The services you render for a job are different. You should be paid for the time you work, and you should always provide the best service you can. However, each day we are presented with opportunities to do a good turn for others, and that should always be free.

Americans have a “tipping” mentality. We think that whenever someone does something for us, we should tip them. The sad thing is many feel they should be tipped something for their kindness. Once you bring money into a kindness it is no longer a kindness. You did a job and were paid for it. That is not a good turn. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Scouts should be making a life by doing a good turn daily.

“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone

who will never be able to repay you.”

John Wooden

1910-2010

Coach

The best part of giving is when we give to those who cannot give back to us. This means we need to look at giving and serving differently. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. said, “Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.” Scouts and Scouters should be excited at the opportunities we have to add value and help into the lives of others. Your good turn could change the course of someone’s life.

There are several ways we can do a good turn for others who cannot pay us back. First, you must remember that giving is not always a money thing. Yes, there are times we can help someone financially who are in need, but there are more productive ways. You can give your time to someone, or help them with a task or open a door for someone. It is not a complicated thing. The key is to do it and not expect something in return – ever.  

To do a good turn for others is to show grace. Grace is always a gift and has great value attached to it. Don’t think that grace is just something God gives. We are to give grace to each other as well. Scottish Preacher Alexander Whyte put it this way: “Grace, then, is grace, - that is to say, it is sovereign, it is free, it is sure, it is unconditional, and it is everlasting.” Grace is the one thing we can give to one another that cannot be repaid because it is priceless.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all

sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed.”

2 Corinthians 9:8

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU031120 Help for Free

Serving Others

There are two very different views of service in the world today. The person with a self-centered worldview sees it as being a slave. Others have the power to tell them what to do. The Scout sees it as a position of strength. They chose to work at helping others so that things are better for all. They in fact are in control.

Eighteenth-Century evangelist John Wesley said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” To live as a servant is a full-time process but a gratifying one. Servants are not slaves but people who care about others and know that they have the power and ability to make a difference.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.”

Charles Dickens

1812-1870

Author

Scouts learn that serving others can be as simple as opening a door for someone, helping carry a heavy load, or babysitting a child. Servants look for ways they can help others and lighten their burdens. Serving others, by helping them to succeed or to make things a bit easier, is an act that allows us all to live a happier and more comfortable life. Sir Winston Churchill said, “If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave peacefully and helpfully toward one another.”

Service is a pleasant thing as well. The more thoughtfulness you show to others, the more they will show to others as well. It is simple acts of service that will make all the difference — keeping your eyes open for opportunities to help someone every day. That will not be hard to do, and you will, I am sorry to say, be in the minority doing it. As football great Roger Staubach said, “There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.”

Scouts know that to serve and help others is not just a good idea; it is our duty. Part of the principles of Scouting is to be helpful to others. It is our way to do a good turn daily. The more we succeed the more responsibility we have to serve. It is as Albert Einstein said, “It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” 

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU030920 Help at Home

Considerate of Others

There is a trap that all Scouts and Scouters must avoid at all costs. That is the popular thinking of “looking out for number one.” Let me make this clear from the start, you, my friend, are not number one. The world does not and never will revolve around you. Leadership expert Dr. John C. Maxwell puts it clearly: “With the exception of one, the world is made up of other people.”

The reason this is such a common trap for Scouts is that we are people who go after what they want. We know that if we are to achieve our dreams, we must do it our self. The mistake is when we think we do not need others to do that. You can never succeed on your own. You need others, and others need you. Scouts are concerned about the dreams of others as they are their own.

“You don’t live in a world all your own.  Your brothers are here too.”

Albert Schweitzer

1875-1965

Medical Missionary

Writer and Editor Elbert Hubbard pointed out that, “Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: The only way to help yourself is to help others.” The selfish, “me first” attitude that our society has embraced is one of the most destructive behaviors we have. It leads to greed, crime, addictions, and corruption on every level. When people think only of themselves, there are no moral limits on what they can do. They feel justified in being dishonest or cheating because it is helping them get what they want. This is a dangerous place to be.

Scouts learn that by thinking of others and helping them, you are protecting yourself. Author and speaker Jim Rohn said, “One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” When we take the focus away from our own needs and look to the care and assistance of others, we put up a guard from that selfish spirit that has caused so many to fail.

Even Christ Himself did not come for His good but ours. He came to serve not to be served. He came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Yet, He fulfilled His purpose and His desire to reconcile man to God. If Christ as able to unselfishly serve others, who are we to think we have to look out for ourselves first? Isn’t He the example to follow?

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”

Romans 12:10

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU030420 Can I Help

Being Helpful

You know by now that I love quotes. This one from Zig Ziglar is not just a quote for me; it is a statement I live by. I believe it is so true. Scouts learn that the more value you can add to people, the more value they add to you. It is a simple yet profound principle of life as Les Brown states, “Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.”

Scouts and Scouters need to ask themselves, “What am I doing to help others?” The answer to this question can show you if you are moving toward your success or not. Author and speaker Brian Tracy said, “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’” Look for those opportunities where you can give help and guidance to someone on their quest for success.

“You can have anything in life you want, as long as you help enough people get what they want.”

Zig Ziglar

1926-2012

Author

Unsuccessful people see any help they give to others as taking away from themselves. They see it as a burden and a distraction from their success. Scouts learn that each time you help others to succeed, you are depositing into your success account. Yes, you cannot help everybody at once, but you can help those the Lord has placed in your path. Former President Ronald Reagan said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Focus on those you can help and trust God to do the rest.

One of the things I love about being involved in Scouting is that I can help young people to succeed in life. Each time I have seen a Scout who I had the privilege to help achieve their dream, I feel the satisfaction of success myself. It is as author and Christian counselor Alan Loy McGinnis said, “There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being – to help someone succeed.”

You don’t have to be a Scout leader or counselor to be helpful to others. Businesspeople, clergy, those in the medical professions, arts, law, and education all can help those who are looking to succeed in your area of work. Take others under your wing, encourage, guide, and give advice to others on how they can be the best. Never feel they are competing with you. When you help others to succeed, you always end up the winner.

“…for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:12-13

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU030220 Helpful