The Power of a Good Deed

It is easy for the pursuit of success to become a very self-centered journey.  One of the key elements of achievement is to have a burning passion for your goal.  It is what you think about, work for and plan your life around.  Because of the strong attention we give to achieving, we can forget that there is another key, without which we cannot arrive at real and lasting success, that is others.

                It is a paradox of life, but very true, that the more you give the more you get.  It is in helping others to succeed that we can truly succeed in our own life.  Selfishness and self-centeredness will not lead to a successful life no matter how hard you try. One of the great truths which I try to base my life on is from the noted author and speaker, Zig Ziglar who said, “You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help other people get what they want.”

                This truth is stressed in the Boy Scouts through their slogan: Do A Good Turn Daily.  The Scout Handbook defines it this way: "That means doing something to help others each day without expecting anything in return."  That ending is key, "...without expecting anything in return".  Success-minded people are to help others, do good deeds and not expect to gain from it.  As coach John Wooden used to say, "You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who can never repay you."

“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”

– Napoleon Hill

(1883-1970) Author

                Success-minded people should keep their eyes open to opportunities around them each day to do something for those they meet.  This can be as simple as opening a door for someone or giving an encouraging word to a person who is struggling or it can be as involved as being a mentor to a young person or helping on a project.  The size and scope of the deed is not the issue, it is the intent and attitude that makes the difference.

                The act of doing good deeds will soon become a good habit in your life.  You will find that you do kind things for people without really thinking about it.  This will transform your life for the better and bring success on a level that you never thought possible.  There is no getting away from it, the more you give the more you get.  It is a law of nature and does not 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.

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