SOU022620 Call to Duty

The Battle for Me

 

When my girls were growing up, one of their favorite cartoons (and I confess to enjoying it too) was Pinky and The Brain. Pinky and The Brain were two comical lab rats who would find themselves in all kinds of silly situations. The leader of this dual was The Brain. He was the smaller of the two, but his goal was always the same, “To Take Over the World!!” Where I am not about to compare Scouts to cartoon characters – although at times that would not be much of a stretch – I will say that they share a common goal, to take over the world.

 

One of the great joys of working with the young and inspired is that their vision is so big. Ask them what they want to be and do, and they will not disappoint you. None of this successful businessperson or educator for them, they want to walk on the moon, be President of the United States, earn a Billion Dollars, or find the cure for cancer. None of this small stuff for them, they want greatness and nothing less.

 

 “Before we can conquer the world, we must first conquer the self.”

J. Oswald Sanders

1902-1992

Author

 

I have always found it odd that we tell our children when they are small that they can be anything they want to be. Of course, that is when they want to be the trashman or a fireman (both excellent occupations, by the way). But when they get a bit older, like in their teens and they talk about a career in the military, being an FBI agent or starting their own company, we tell them to be practical and settle down. This is the time we should encourage them to go for it. I have always held to the words of twentieth-century poet John Andrew Holmes who said, “Never tell a young person that something cannot be done. God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that thing.”

Scouts and Scouters learn the importance of the Scout Oath & Law is to prepare them for just such an adventure. By following the Oath & Law, they develop the character to be the person who can succeed when all others fall by the wayside. Scouts learn that it is not just what you know that helps you to achieve your goals but who you are. Once you have conquered yourself, you are ready to take over the 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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey

SOU022420 Doing Your Duty

 

I Don't Care

 

Most people today will tell you that our youth are in crisis. As to the nature of that crisis, you will find many different opinions. Some may think it is a lack of proper education. Students are programmed more than they are taught. They are told what to think rather than thinking for themselves. Still, others will tell you that it is the highly negative culture we live in that has robbed them of and sense of caring or concern for others. Or perhaps it is a mixture of the two, as singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett said, “Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know, and I don't care.”

 

It has long concerned me that young people are so apathetic about life. Whether that is due to the changes of the teen years, the negative culture (which does bombard them daily), or the hopelessness that has infiltrated our education system can be debated. One of the goals of Scouting has been to help young people become healthy and active citizens who care about their country, community, neighborhood, and themselves.

 

 “Science may have found a cure for most evils, but it has no remedy for the worst of

 them all – the apathy of human beings.”

Helen Keller

1880-1968

Author

 

Apathy is an illness that has devastating effects on its victims. It robs us of all joy and positive thoughts. Apathy brings with it a sense of hopelessness that destroys ambition and hinders those who suffer from it from any self-improvement. The harmful effects of apathy are intensified in the young and, if not combated, can lead to lives of depression, addiction, and even suicide.

 

It is easy to see the Scout Oath & Law as simple guidelines for good little boys and girls; however, it is far more than that. When young people build a sense of personal pride in their behavior and care about what is right and wrong, they quickly learn to care for others and the state of the world they live in. That caring is the cure for apathy. Those who care about others and themselves never are apathetic. You cannot care and not care at the same time.

 

Teaching our young to have good character and maintain a healthy value system is more than keeping them out of trouble. It is helping them see a sense of purpose. We teach them that caring for others is more than a way to keep the peace; it is a way to help people survive. The next time someone tells you they don’t care, listen to what they say. Our response can never be, “If you don’t care, then I don’t care.” Let them know that you care very much, and perhaps that will help them to care as well.

 

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

SOU021920 Doing Your Best

Hope for Tomorrow

 

The Scout and Scouter have something so powerful and so dynamic that no person or thing can take it away. No law can be passed to remove it, no army can fight it, and no thief can steal it from them. That treasure is the hope for a brighter tomorrow. It has the power to move you forward, fight the battles ahead, and to do the impossible every day. The secret is that when you know you will win, there is no worry about losing.

Too many people do not achieve their dreams because they do not believe they can. They look to the past and see where they fell short before. They look to the present and see they lack in so many areas right now. They look to the future as if it was some black hole that may be nothing but an empty pit to fall in. Their fears are all should of’s and could of’s. It reminds me of the old Mark Twain saying, “I’ve been through some terrible things in my life, a few of which actually happened.”

“Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has no remedy for the worst of

 them all – the apathy of human beings.”

Helen Keller

1880-1968

Author

 

Scouts learn that hope for tomorrow is not wishful thinking but is based on fact. The principles of success have been tried and tested for thousands (yes, thousands) of years and proven to be true. You have the Creator of the Universe on your side that can do all things. He has called you to a purpose, and it has always been His intent that you fulfill that purpose. You have a creative and curious mind that can solve problems as they come. What more do you need to know that tomorrow is going to be great?

Be grateful for all God has given you and all He has planned for you to do. Brian Tracy said, “Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step towards achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” Every day you are closer to the goal. Every day you are better than the day before, you know more, experienced more and done more. 

Be hopeful, my friends. You are a Scout, and you will not fail in the pursuit of your dream if you stay the course, follow the Scout Oath and Law, do not quit, and remember that you can do this.

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

SOU021720 Dealing With the Disloyal

 

SOU021220 A Loyal Friend

Likeability

 

We all like to be encouraged, and we want to encourage others, but the most encouraging people in the world are those who are just friendly and kind. People want to be around people they like. Likable people make us feel good about ourselves and the world around us. Things seem more natural when you are with someone friendly and kind…likeable.

In author Tim Sanders’ book, The Likeability Factor, he talks of the advantages of being a likable person. “Regardless of a person’s position or age,” Sanders says, “being likable greatly increases his or her chances of having a happy, fulfilled life, both professionally and personally. Likeability is not just an accident of nature; however, it is a set of skills that can be learned, practiced, and perfected.” It is not a case that some people are likable and some not. We all can learn the skills to be likable.

“All things being equal, the likable person wins.  But all things not being equal,

the likable person still wins.”

Old Saying

 

Scouts and Scouters should strive to be liked by as many people as they can. One of the goals of the Scout is to influence others. That will not happen if you are not likable. 

One of the best ways to improve your likeability factor is to care for others. When we learn to love and accept others for who they are, not who we think they should be, we become more likable. One of the most likable people there was, the late Fred (Mr.) Rogers said, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” 

Scouts learn that caring for people and being friendly is never based on if we think a person deserves it. Businessman, Bo Bennett said, “Be friendly to everyone. Those who deserve it the least need it the most.” Many people who were trapped in unhappy and dead-end lives were shown a better way by someone who chose to be friendly to them. A little kindness can go a long way to making someone like you, then trust you and then follow you.

The well-known steel magnate Charles M. Schwab once said, “Lead the life that will make you kind and friendly to everyone about you, and you will be surprised what a happy life you will lead.” Likeability is one of life’s greatest riches. Treasure it more than money, and you will be wealthy beyond your dreams.

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

SOU021020 Loyal to the End

 

The Million Dollar Question

 

Have you ever talked with someone who thinks they have all the answers? Chances are, you may be that someone. We live in a society that teaches us not to ask questions in fear that you look stupid. The truth is, only intelligent, learning people do ask questions. Author James Thurber pointed out, “It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”

Scouts and Scouters must be learners, and you cannot learn if you do not ask questions. Not just questions for questioning sake, but ask good, informative questions. Author and speaker Tony Robbins said, “Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” Scouts who ask questions desire to learn something. They listen to the answers and then ask another question.

“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, and never

know too much to learn something new.”

Og Mandino

1923-1996

Author

 

Right questions come from being curious. Curiosity is a gift from God to help us grow and become all we can be. I love how Ralph Waldo Emerson described it: “Curiosity is lying in wait for every secret.” As a child, we asked lots of questions. Everything is new and an adventure for us. We found endless fascination in everything from the stars in the sky, bugs crawling on the ground, and the goldfish in the bowl. As we grew, we were told that we should not ask “silly” questions, and we were told what to believe. Education (and I believe in good education) has become more of telling kids what to think rather than educating them to discover. Albert Einstein said, “It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.”

Scouts need to understand that to move forward in life and to achieve your goals; you must be a constant learner. To do that, you have to ask questions. You must be curious as to why things are as they are and what you can do to change or improve them. If you do not ask questions, you will only go as far as your knowledge, and that is not far. You are not smarter because you act like you have all the answers. Charles Steinmetz had it right when he said: “No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.” 

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

SOU020520 Loyality is Not Blind

We Need a Good Laugh

 

There are few things I like more than a good laugh. Laughter lifts our spirits, keeps us positive, and is just downright good for you. Comedian Milton Berle said, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” There is little argument that we all need to laugh more. 

One of the great things about Scouting is that both Scouts and Scouters love to laugh. To those who pay attention to life, you soon discover that there is plenty to laugh about. I am so thankful I grew up in a time of great comedians. I know there are many today as well, but give these greats a try.

 “Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.” – Mark Twain

“A celebrity is a person who works hard all his life to become well known, then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized.” – Fred Allen

“All my life, I always wanted to be somebody.  Now I see that I should have been more specific.” – Lily Tomlin

“All of us have had moments in our lives that tested our courage.  Taking children into a house with a white carpet is one of them.” – Erma Bombeck

“I am not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” – Woody Allen

“I don’t care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members.” – Groucho Marx

“                                                                                                       “ – Harpo Marx

“Did you ever walk in a room and forget why you walked in?  I think that’s how dogs spend their lives.” – Sue Murphy

“My only problem is I keep forgetting to take my ginkgo balboa.” – John Patrick Hickey

“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose.” – Garrison Keillor

“Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.” – Dave Barry

Scouts know that a day without laughter is a day with little progress. Make it a point to laugh long and hard. If you are unfamiliar with some of the names here, go on YouTube and look them up. I promise you some good laughs. Need something more to laugh at? Look in the mirror. God is great at telling jokes.

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

 

The Joy of Believing

 

I have studied success and those who teach success principles for several decades now, and I can tell you that there is one common theme they all share, that of a positive attitude. Scouts and Scouters need to be among those who have discovered that a positive attitude is a key to winning in life. As Coach Pat Riley said, “Great efforts spring naturally from a great attitude.”

Here is a simple fact: Success is hard work. No one succeeds overnight, and it is never just thrust upon them. We succeed at whatever we do through hard work, determination, and skill. You cannot put forth that kind of effort with a rotten attitude. I know that we can all point to someone who seems to have achieved success and are a highly negative and nasty person. I would remind you that success is not based on wealth or power. If you have achieved money, a title, and power or fame and live a life not fit for a junkyard dog, you have failed my friend.

“Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than mental capacities.”

Walter Scott

1771-1832

Author

 

Why would you wish to live a negative life filled with fear and anger? I love what Sir Winston Churchill said, “I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.” Scouts should look at success as something more than just wealth and a title. They know that their whole life is involved here. They desire it all, wealth, achievement and happiness, freedom, and love. That will not happen without a positive attitude. With a positive attitude, they know they can do anything they desire to do. There is an old Japanese saying, “If you look up, there are no limits.”

Positive people see their attitude as a tool to move forward. Thomas Jefferson said, “Nothing on earth can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” Scouts learn that if they allow negative thinking and attitudes to take root in their heads that they will lose any ground they have gained in their quest to succeed. The Scout comes to understand that his or her attitude is the essential tool they own. They protect it, they feed it, and they enjoy it.

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

 

SOU020320 Loyal

Your Secret Weapon

 

I believe that there is nothing more important to the Scout or Scouter than a positive attitude. I am not talking about some unrealistic, pie-in-the-sky type of thinking that refuses to see problems or difficulties. People with a genuinely positive attitude see the issues and challenges, but they know that there are answers to everything. You need to be open to finding solutions. The hugely successful businessman W. Clement Stone said, “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”

A positive attitude gives us hope for tomorrow and power for today. Scouts must learn that you cannot move forward with a negative attitude. It takes a positive belief in your dream and your ability to achieve that dream, that gives you the power and energy to go on. Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” The positive person knows – not hopes or wishes – but knows they will succeed. That fact gives them the ability to do what they must to achieve their dream.

“Possessing a great attitude is like having a secret weapon.”

John C. Maxwell

Author

 

A positive attitude takes work and effort. It is easy to be negative and worried about life. You must choose to be positive and to be hopeful. It is a decision you make every day. It is not dependent on our circumstances or what is going on in the world. You alone hold power to your attitude. Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, a man who went through the horrors of the Nazi prison camps, kept a positive attitude as his last real freedom. “The one thing you cannot take away from me,” Frankel said, “is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”

Scouts must be positive people at all times. They look at solutions not at problems; they see the best in people, not their difficulties. It is the dreams of the positive person that is achieved. They are the ones who realize that every day is a gift, and their gratitude for that gift seems on their face and hears in their words.

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