Learning From The Best

“As a Scout, I learned how to set goals and achieve them.  Being a Scout also taught me leadership at a young age when there are few opportunities to be a leader.  Scouting values have remained with me throughout my life, in my business career and now as I take on new challenges.” – Steve Fossett

Here is a truth that we all know but we seldom think about.  Everything you know you learned from someone else.  From learning to feed yourself to driving a car, you learned it from someone.  The same is true that the older you get the more you teach.  Like it or not, you set an example for others.  You teach those close to you directly or indirectly, but you do teach.  Knowing this, shouldn't we desire to learn from the best and to be the best to teach others?

                We hear a lot about natural talent.  We do each have strengths that cause us to excel at certain things, however, what we learn to excel at is not always clear.  I have seen some very talented people who are excellent at what they do.  Some do great good and succeed in business, the arts, education and many other areas of life.  Some, just as talented, excel in crime, cheating and destruction of property.  What makes the difference?  The difference is who is teaching them.

                One of the things I love about Scouting is that it takes young men, helps them discover their talents and skills and teaches them how to use it for the good of all.  The goal of Scouting is to help young people become excellent adults.  It helps them learn that they can be and do anything with character and integrity.

                We all have two simple questions to answer: 1) What are you learning? 2) What are you teaching?  There is not greater teacher than example.  People who set our example inspire us, amaze us and create a desire to be like them.  This works for the good or for the bad.  As an adult, you make the choice to follow those who set a good and wholesome example.  As a young person, you follow those who pay attention to you and make you feel you belong.  Sadly, that does not always happen from those setting a good example.  This is why we need programs like Scouting where a young person can feel they matter and they belong.

                Be the best example you can be.  Teach those in your life, your family, friends, co-workers and others, that there is great joy and satisfaction in developing a good character and working hard at your dreams.  Learn from the best as well.  Find those who excel at what they do and who add value to the world they live in.  Follow them and learn what they do.  Remember, success leaves clues.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey