Waste not Want not

 

Scouts learn that thrift is not just a matter of money. To be frugal means you do not waste things like money, goods, or time. How we spend our time is the most decisive factor in the attainment of wealth. People who sit around waiting for wealth and good fortune to come their way never attain wealth. Dave Ramsey, author and financial advisor says, “The average millionaire can’t tell you who got thrown off the island last night.”

People waste their time in many ways. Some are lazy and sit around doing little to improve themselves. Some are fearful and refuse to step out and go after their dream in fear that they will fail. Author Gary Ryan Blair said, “Creative risk-taking is essential to success in any goal where the stakes are high. Thoughtless risks are destructive, of course, but perhaps even more wasteful is thoughtless caution which prompts inaction and promotes failure to seize opportunity.”

“Waste neither time nor money, but make the best of both. Without industry and frugality,

nothing will do and with them everything.”

Benjamin Franklin

1706-1790

American Statesman

 

Scouts and Scouters understand that they are only given so much time on this planet. No one knows precisely how long that is, so every moment counts. As coach George Allen Sr. said, “Every day you waste is one you can never make up.” That means you have to start right now, making the most of your time. Deal with it wisely and with purpose. That doesn’t mean you can never rest again; rest is a fair use of time when correctly done. You only need to understand that your days are indeed numbered, and that number only goes down.

As a Scout, you must plan your days, know your goals, and where you are going. Use time wisely and do not waste it. Your time is more incredible wealth than money. You can gain money and lose it and gain it again. Time can only be used once, it cannot be saved, and you will never gain one minute more. The great thing, however, is that God gives you enough time to do what He has created you to do. No need to fear or worry; you have all the time you need if you use it with thrift and purpose.

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