Four Things You Need to Know to Do One Thing Well

“Give me a man who says this one thing I do, and not those fifty things I dabble in.”

– D. L. Moody

(1837-1899) Evangelist

One of the marks of Scouting is that the boys are taught to do many different things.  As they earn their merit badges (over 130 in all), they learn skills from bugling to wood working.  This is designed to help the Scout be prepared for any event in life.  They are not however, expected to be an expert at each of these skills.  The broad knowledge helps them be become focused and prepared for the one career they will eventually enter into.

                It can be fun and interesting to be able to do many things, however, the person who just dabbles and never learns to focus is of little use to themselves or the rest of the world.  We have all heard the old saying about being "A jack of all trades and the master of none."  Success-minded people know that achievement comes with the ability to focus and do one thing well rather than many things okay.  Here are four things you need to know in order to do one thing well.

1)  Know your strengths

                We all have things we are good at and things the we are okay at.  A strength is not the ability to do something, a strength is something that makes you strong.  You could be very good at math, but being a bookkeeper could make you want to jump off the building.  Know what it is that you do that you love.  What makes you feel the best when you do your best at it?

2)  Know your heart

                Every one of us was created for a purpose.  That purpose is the dream that is in your heart.  It is that thing you have always wanted and think about all the time.  Know what your dream is and then design your life to achieve that dream.  What do you need to do?  What must you learn or become better at?  Do what it takes to be all you were created to be and you will know what it is to live a dream.

3)  Know your stuff

                If you are pursuing your dream, be the best there is at what you do.  Never, never settle for mediocre or to just get by.  You were created to be great, so be the best you can be.  Learn all there is to know and work at your skills every day.  Always look to improve and be the very best you can be.

4)  Know your end

                This does not mean the end of your life, it is the thing you were created to achieve.  Success-minded people know that your ability to improve will be there as long as you live.  Never let it go.  Throughout your life, as you achieve one goal move on to the next.  As C.S. Lewis said, "You are never too old to dream a new dream or set a new goal." 

                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