Scouting Out Of Uniform: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Simple Miracles

“It is always the simple that produces the marvelous.”

– Amelia Burr

(1831-1919) Writer

Do you believe in miracles? I do. I have seen too many wonderful things in my life not to. There are those who do not. They try to explain away anything they do not understand. Life can be very dull for these dear people. They miss out on the wonder and beauty that surrounds them every day. They go through life more intent on explaining all that happens rather than enjoying life.

Success-minded people understand that among all the miracles of life, the greatest are really the most simple. There is no miracle more exciting in all the universe than birth. I have had the massive privilege to witness the birth of both of my daughters and all but two of my grandchildren. There is nothing I have seen that can compare to the wonder and marvel of birth.

There is another birth that I find marvelous. That is the birth of a dream. It happens in the moment when a person realizes what they were created to do. Mark Twain put it this way: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

I have seen it so many times in the eyes and faces of those success-minded people who suddenly are awakened to their dream. It is as if all the lights go on. They know in their hearts that this - whatever "this" is - is what they were born to do. It is never disappointing or fearful, but a wonderful sense of discovery.

Do you know why you were born? There is a reason; no one is here to fill space or by mistake. It is also not a mystery that is hidden from you. It is there in your heart. What is it that you have always longed to do? If you could achieve anything and know you will not fail, what would it be? Find that and embrace it and you will know the miracle of your existence.

Miracles really are very simple. They happen all the time. Yet their simplicity and commonness does not take away from their wonder. You were born for a purpose that only you can fill. You were given a dream, not to torment you or make you feel incomplete, but to make you sore and be a true force in this world.

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

You Are That Hero!

“Heroes have good character and strong self-discipline. These heroes are and can be our sons.”

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

from the book: Raising Boys By Design

Do you remember when it was cool to have a hero? Heroes were always the good guys. They were honest, steady, kind but tough and they always won. Everyone wanted to be like the heroes. I am not talking about make believe super heroes like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman, I mean the flesh and blood heroes like law men, astronauts, soldiers and sailors. Where have all the heroes gone? They are still there, it is us who got blinded by our age.

So what makes a hero? In their great book, Raising Boys By Design, authors Juntz & Gurian give a wonderful, working definition of the word HERO:

Honor: adhering to truth, values, compassion, and principles beyond self.

Enterprise: working at important things, whether they seen small or large.

Responsibility: carrying important people and things throughout life.

Originality: being a dreamer, a thinker, and explorer in the world.

This is why I love applying the Scout Law to life. The principles there are the elements that make up heroes. As we teach them to young people it is not with the intent of making them better children, but making them better adults. The principles taught in the Scout Law are to be carried thorough life and in fact are by many.

Success-minded people need to get this clear. It is not the time to sit around and long for the days of heroes. It is the time to rise up and become heroes. It is up to us to be the heroes the world needs to get it through this very difficult time. Yes, the mission is impossible. Yes, it does look hopeless and we are far outnumbered. But isn't that the stuff that makes heroes? You do not need a hero to do the possible, only the impossible. You do not need a hero to correct mistakes, you need them to fight evil.

We need to be the heroes of today and teach our children to be the heroes of tomorrow. The thing is, there will always be wrong and evil in the world. There will be difficult times and impossible problems to face. There will always be the need for a hero. You are that hero!

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.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Learning Beauty

“Let the youth be taught to look for beauty in all he sees, to embody beauty in all he does, and the imagination will then be both active and healthy.”

– Orison Swett Marden

(1850-1924) Author / Publisher

There is a beauty you find in a walk in the woods that cannot be compared. For the minds and hearts open to true beauty, it can be found everywhere they go. There is great beauty in art, music, poetry, a good book, play or even a conversation with a friend. Sadly, people are in such a rush and busy with the cares of the day that they miss so much that is beautiful. Even sadder, they miss the opportunity to teach this beauty to our young.

How do you teach beauty? It is not like you can force others to see the beauty you do. One of the reasons I believe so many people miss beauty all together is that they were never taught that it was there.

Success-minded people need to share an appreciation of beauty with other, especially the young. This appreciation is something that cannot be rushed or lightly touched on. It is that walk in the woods, where you can be quiet and listen to the rustle of leaves and the moving of the wind. It is the time it takes not to look at a tree, but to study it. Helping others to see its majesty and strength as it stands among the army of its peers, branches weaving through each other like one great hug.

Beauty can be shared by seeing more than a painting or work of art, but teaching others to see the soul of the artist. They learn to pause and see that art really does imitate life and that life is a beautiful thing. They learn to hear and touch what is around them for more than just noise and comfort. Learning to be a part of a great piece of music or the dance that moves the inner you to the core.

One of the greatest tools to help other discover beauty and to stimulate the imagination is to teach them to read. Learning to read is more than the ability to make out words on paper, it is to experience life and adventure and learning through the words of another. There is no greater gift one person can give to another than the ability to read. To teach another to really read is to give them the universe as their own.

Take time for beauty. Take time to share it with those you love and those who you have had the honor of sharing with. Not only is this an opportunity to improve the life of someone, it is you opportunity to change the world for the better.

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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Looking For Adventure

“See things from the boy's point of view.”

– Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

One of the things I love about being a Scout leader, especially a Cub Scout leader, is the sense of adventure these boys give to everything they do. Each project is a new challenge with all the excitement and expectation of a quest to discover hidden treasure. It is in the nature of boys to want to be heroes and adventures. How tragic it is that just as they get to the age where they really can discover the unknown, they are taught the word, impossible.

Success-minded people can learn many great things from boys (and girls). If we are willing to jump down from our superior mindset that we are the adults and therefore know better, we could really learn a thing or two. Children can teach us that behind every creature is a story. They know that love and goodness walks close to evil and danger. Children can teach us that all things are possible and that, if you look for it, there is still magic in the world.

We, know-it-all adults spend more time complaining and fussing than a room full of children. I worked at a major museum for several years. There were many events for adults and many for children. I always said, give me a dozen children's events to one adult event. Adults complained, got angry over every little thing and never seemed to have a good time. Children on the other hand were just happy to be there. They laughed, ran in circles and just had fun all day long.

A study done several years ago found that the average child laughed over 300 times a day. The average adult laughed less than 20 time. Now tell me, is there nothing we can learn from children? If adults started to see adventure and magic in all they do; if they laughed and had a bit more fun, what a world we could create. Life is too short to be a fussy, tired and grumpy old adult. Let's learn from the experts. Get with a group of children and allow them to teach you for a change.

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.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Looking Like Success

“Show me a poorly uniformed troop and I'll show you a poorly uniformed leader.”

– Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

Back in 1988, author John T. Molloy put out the popular book, Dress For Success. At that time people worked at looking their best for business. Since that book came out, our business "dress code" has become more and more slack. First the idea of wearing a tie to work was put aside. After that we entered into "casual Fridays". Today, it is do whatever you feel like for most businesses. Rather than dressing up we have focused on dressing down.

Let me start by saying that I am not pushing the idea that everyone wears a three price suit to work each day. However, I do believe that our lack of care to how we look has caused an effect on the quality of work we do. When you do not see the value in yourself to look good, you do not see the value to do good work.

It does not take a research team or a government funded study to see that along with the casual attitude people have with dress, comes a casual attitude with the appearance of our workplace, and the quality of our products. When one does not care how they look, they do not care how they perform. That attitude of, "This is my life and I can do what I want" penetrates every area of our work and personal life.

People work better, feel better and care more when they take pride in how they look and act. I work from home most of the time. Yet, every day I make sure I am clean and dressed for work before I start to write. No, I do not wear my bow tie every day, but I do make sure that I look presentable for the workplace. The idea that those who work from home can sit at their computer in their underwear only says that they really do not care about the quality of work that they produce.

I know that many will not fully agree with this view, that is okay. But I do challenge you to try a little experiment. For one month, dress you best each and every day. See if you do not feel more confident, positive, work harder and do better. I bet you will find that just dressing up a bit; taking pride in how you look will change your attitude to the better and therefore your work to the better.

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.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The Fanatic

“Good habits are worth being fanatical about.”

– John Irving

(1942- ) Novelist

I have been called a fanatic about many things. I confess, I am a fanatic. I am a fanatic about the principles of Scouting because I think it is good for a person to possess the character described in the Scout Law. I am a fanatic about good manners. I believe that the recapturing of good manners will improve and transform our society. I am a fanatic about my Christian Faith. I believe that there is nothing better than to know the only one God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, I am a fanatic!

The key here is that when we can develop habits and beliefs that make us better as people, better our society and help others to succeed, how can we go wrong? Let's look at the principles that are in the Scout Law. For a person to work at being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent is a wonderful thing. What can you honestly find wrong in the list of qualities?

I know that there will be someone out there who feels that the ask someone to be a person of character is asking too much, but then we have always had to give way to fools. Who can be against some one being kind or honest or giving or cheerful? There are no down sides to this. I see the same in those who have good manners. What can be wrong with a person treating others with respect and grace?

We live in a time when some think that being a fanatic is a bad thing. If you are a fanatic toward bad behavior or habits, then it is wrong. Common sense (which we all know is not so common any more) tells us the difference between right and wrong. You do not need laws or rules to tell you what decent and good behavior is.

Success-minded people do their best to daily live what is right and good. They know that bad habits and bad behavior bring destruction and hurt. There is no success when dishonesty and injustice is in play. Because of this, success-minded people work hard at being the best they can be. They enrich the lives of those who are around them and they stand for what is right.

There are time that standing for what is right and living your life by good principles is a lonely road. However, if the only person who I have to answer to is me, I always want to be honorable and know that I am doing my best.

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.

Monday, March 10, 2014

It's All A Matter Of Trust

“The more responsibility the Scoutmaster gives his Patrol Leaders, the more they will respond.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

I have seen it over and over again. The leader, employer or parent who gives a responsibility to someone and then hovers over them, "making sure they do it right". They micro-manage it so much that the person doing the job looses all interest in doing it right, they just want to be done. Then, the leader, employer or parent complains that they cannot understand why their worker or child has no interest in doing what they are given to do.

Here is a fact of life: No one likes to be micro-managed - NO ONE! When someone is watching over your shoulder all the time it tells you that you are not trusted. It says that the person in charge thinks you are incompetent and unable to do the work you are given. This, more than any problem a person may face, sucks the life out of those expected to do the task. The result is that the person in charge gets exactly what they are looking for, failure.

There are some rules that all leaders must follow to get the best out of others:

Leave Them Alone

When you give a job to be done or a task to manage to someone, allow them the freedom to be responsible. Leave them alone! Allowing them to do the task without your oversight will show they you trust them. We all want to be trusted and have someone believe the best in us. The person who feels trusted to do a good job will give their best to do a good job. We want to please those who honor us. We do not give our best to those who do not believe we have the best to give.

You Get What You Expect

There is an old saying, "Want a bad kid, tell them they are a bad kid." People will give us just what we expect of them. Those who micro-manage tell others they expect them to do a poor job or to fail. They may not say so in direct words, but that is the clear and direct message they give. When trust is given you tell others that you believe in them. You allow them the power to be the best they can be and with that, they will give back just what you expect - excellence.

Seek Results, Not Power

Let's face it, most people who micro-manage do not want good results, they want control. For those who understand that success come from a team working together, not from who is in control, they will allow others to do it their way. We are all different and have different styles of learning and achieving. When giving a task to be done, be clear on the results you want, not on the steps to do it. Allow those doing the task to do it their way, as long as the needed results are achieved, there is no worry about the methods.

Success-minded people know that the best way to get excellence from another person is to expect it and allow it. Let those you are working with, no matter on what level, do their best and you will have the success you seek.

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.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

A Powerful Breakfast

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.”

– Alfred A. Montapert

Author

Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts said that the motto of "Be Prepared" means that a Scout should never be taken by surprise. This is not only true for those in Scouting but for all success-minded people who are working to achieve their goals and dreams. The best way to be ready for problems is just to be aware they will come. There are many uncertainties on the road to success, the reality of problems coming our way is not one of them.

Knowing that we will face problems is a way to be ready for them when they come. Some problems can be expected. Let's say that you are in sales, you know that one thing you will face daily is the problem of "no's". Some people will always tell you "no" when you try to present your product or service. However, if you know that this will happen you can prepare and be ready for it. There is much training and material available to help those in sales overcome the "no" they will face.

No matter what business, service or occupation you are in, there will always be certain problems unique to your profession. Take the time and identify them, prepare for them and solve them before they even happen. Only a foolish person will think that they do not need to be ready for problems or that they will not face those issues. Again, problems happen; it is never a case of "if" they happen but "when" they happen.

The reality of facing problems is not a negative issue. In fact, problems make us better. If you are to be prepared to deal with the problems that will arrive, you must learn and grow before facing the problem. Anything that helps us to learn and grow makes us better. Problems help us to think, solves issues and strengthen us in character.

What are the problems that you may face today? Are you ready for them? If not, how can you get ready for them? We know that there is a solution to every problem, the trick is to know that solution before you face the problem. Knowing that will build confidence, give you the upper hand and bring you quickly to the threshold of success.

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.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Do As I Do

“Respect is ultimately about service, and boys need to see it modeled, to a great extent, by men.”

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

From the book: Raising Boys by Design

Everyone knows the complaint of people who live lives of "Do as I say not as I do". Ask anyone you meet and they will tell you that is wrong and people should not act that way. However, it is still the behavior of many people, especially parents. We want our children to grow up to be good and honorable people, we make sure they go to school, church and even groups like Scouts so they can learn how to behave. The greatest influence on our young people is the one we think the least about - our example.

Let's face it, it is easy to forget that what we say and do is always being watched and listened to. You may think that others do not notice what you say and do, but many people do. How often do you take notice when someone is rude or shows bad manners? How about when others lie, cheat or steal? Don't you notice every time someone is unkind or treats you or another person badly? Of course you do; and others notice when you do it.

Success-minded people should make their life an example to all. I am not just talking about what we do in front of children, but what example we set for everyone. Success-minded people must live lives of honor and truth. Not only will it be an example to others but you feel a whole lot better about yourself as well.

Setting the example is more than right behavior. It is living a life that touches others for the good. When people talk about someone who is loyal, trustworthy, kind or polite, your name should be the first on their lips. It is a great feeling to be given that kind of respect, but that kind of respect must be earned.

Just telling your children, co-workers, friends, family or anyone, that they should behave in a kind and proper fashion is never enough. Mark Twain had it right when he said, "Actions speak louder than words, but not nearly as often." We have to show others what it means to be a person of integrity and solid character. When you do, you impact the world for the better.

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.