One of Many

There is a great balancing act that goes on in our world.  On one hand, we need and desire to be one of the group.  Teams can get more done than a person by them self.  We all have the need to be a part, to be accepted and to have others in our life.  On the other hand, we can easily feel that we are just one of many.  We do not feel that anyone knows or cares about us as a person.  All people need to know that they are unique and special in some way.  To find balance in this is not an easy task.

                The best way to deal with this is not to change other people and get their thinking right, it is to change your thinking and how you connect with others.  Success-minded people need to understand that they are indeed special.  They have talents and strengths that make them uniquely equipped to fulfill their purpose.  The danger here is the whole issue of pride.  The fact that you are special does not mean you have more value than others.

“Scoutmasters deal with the individual boy rather than with the mass.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

1857-1941

Founder of The Boy Scouts

                The secret to real success is to understand that every person is special and unique in their own way.  There is not another like them, or you, in the whole universe.  Each has their own gifts and talents that they bring to the group and into our lives.  This gives them a great value.

                We were not created as a group.  When God in His great wisdom decided to put you on this planet He did so as He looked at you as the individual, not as a group.  God has no quota to fill and there is no one who is here by mistake.  That means that you can see others as special and worth caring for.  Every person you meet has something to add to your life as you have something for them.

                It is when we each see our value that we see the value of others.  We are not competing with others for success, we are cheering each other on.  We focus our energy on being the best we can be and helping others be the best they can be.  When you succeed, I succeed and when I succeed you succeed.  One of the best ways to discover the greatness in you is to help others discover the greatness in themselves.

                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.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey