Acting Like a Grown-Up

I believe, by far, the biggest curse that has come upon society is that people do not take responsibility for themselves. Parents are not responsible for raising their children, people do not work because they feel the world owes them a living, and criminals receive therapy rather than punishment. Our social structure is collapsing, and it is all because no one wants to be responsible.

Scouts and Scouters know that their life is their responsibility. Do things right, and you will be blessed. Do the wrong thing, and YOU must deal with the consequences. Our mistakes are ours as much as our victories are. You cannot blame your folks, society, the government, or God for the problems in your life. The time has come to grow up and be responsible. It is the doorway to freedom. Singer/songwriter Bob Dylan put it this way: “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes.

 That’s the day we truly grow up.”

Dr. John C. Maxwell

Author

A Scout learns that every day they will face responsibilities. They have a duty to their job, a family to care for, or tasks to complete. There is no delaying responsibility; you must deal with it. President Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot escape the responsibilities of tomorrow by evading it today.” Scouts know that their goals and dreams will never come to reality if they do not take full and total responsibility for them.

Responsibility is not a bad word or something to fear. The Scout who takes responsibility for their life is in charge of their life. They are not at the mercy of others who want to take them places they may not want to go. Responsibility is a power to the one who receives it. As Winston Churchill would say, “The price for greatness is responsibility.”

The time has come to be an adult, to grow up and take charge. If your life is less than what you desire for yourself, don’t fuss and moan and blame others. Take responsibility for yourself and make it different. Stand up straight, take a deep breath, and decide what needs to be done to make things better…then do it! This is what it means to be success-minded.

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