Be Great When You Grow Up

Scouting gives a wonderful opportunity to see boys grow and discover who they are.  From the youngest Tiger Cub (age 6) to Eagle Scouts, there is in each one a desire to be great.  Scouting brings that out in boys.  It is not an ego thing or a desire for power.  It is personal, deep inside each boy that tells them they can do something great.  They know early on that they have the potential to do anything they want.  This is why so many went on to become great leaders, astronauts, and even presidents.

                Many of us were once told when we were young that we could be anything we wanted to be.  It seems to be what we tell children.  Then, around our high school years, we are told that we need to be practical, be realistic and stop walking around with our heads in the clouds.  The same people who told us we could be anything now restrict our dreams to what money can afford, time permits and talents can achieve.  Sadly, many of us buy into this far quicker than when our dreams were to be a fireman, astronaut or school teacher.

“God has placed within every boy a desire for greatness.”

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

Authors of Raising Boys by Design

                That ability to become anything you want has not been lost.  It is still there, hidden deep inside, but still alive.  You know that every now and then it pops its head up and reminds you of "what could have been".  You can bring it into the sunlight if you choose.  It is not too late.  Oh, maybe you cannot become exactly what you hoped for, but the dream can be revived and take on a workable form.  You only need to choose to connect with your greatness once more.

                What is it that you want to do?  If you could do anything and know that you would not fail, what would it be?  What do you need to do to make that happen?  All these questions need to be answered.  To answer them will take courage and the ability to make decisions.  But for those who have passion, determination, and real guts, anything is possible.

                Author, Zig Ziglar would always say that each one of us was, "designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness."  I believe that is true.  I believe that means you.  The dreams you had as a child many times are the dreams you have as an adult, why?  Because that is who you were created to be.  So be that person and be great.

                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