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Most of the time, we think of selfishness in terms of giving and possessions. We do not think of courage and bravery as an alternative to selfishness – but they are. The counterbalance of being selfish is to be selfless. It takes courage to be selfless. That is why so few care to do it. Selflessness means sacrifice and putting others before yourself. It means you are willing to face an inconvenience to help someone else succeed. Scouts and Scouters understand what Tony Robbins meant when he said, “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy. True fulfillment.”

Some teach that to be successful; you must look out for number one. It would be best if you did all you can to be sure you come in first in the race of life, and no one should be able to get past you. Scouts know that the real winners in life are those who have helped others to win first. Scouts see the truth in the statement by English writer Richard Whately who said, “A man is called selfish not for pursuing his good, but for neglecting his neighbor’s.” The pursuit of your dream is essential, and you must and should give all to its achievement; however, giving all is never at the expense of others' good. Scouts and Scouters can do both.

“Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.”

Napoleon Hill

1883-1970

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It takes real courage to be selfless. Throughout history and even in the current news, you will always find brave deeds are done from a spirit of selflessness. Those who give their life for others, those who risk all to make life better for others, those who teach and care for others to help them improve their lives, not to stay where they are. These are all acts of the most extraordinary bravery.

The achievement of your dreams will make the world better. You may be building a business that will employ others and produce a product that makes life better. You may be an educator who teaches valid values and character to others to make them better citizens of the world. There is never anything that the Scout does that does not help and change others' lives. Our focus is always on helping others, but that does not mean we put our dreams aside. The better you are, the better we all are. That takes courage!

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