Moving Forward

You were born with a purpose.  That purpose is yours and yours alone.  You were created to do something special, to be something special.  Scouts are taught this principle in knowing they must do their best. Not be the best, but to always do their best. Success-minded people also come to understand this reality.  This is not an ego thing or meaning you are better than the rest of humanity.  In fact, to understand your divine appointment on this planet is to understand that every other person has their own destiny to fulfill and they too are special.  I am reminded of the words of an anthropologist, Margaret Mead, who said, "You are unique and special, just like everyone else."

                Knowing that you have a purpose is only part of your journey to achievement.  You must get there too.  It is up to you to move forward and to achieve your purpose and to be your best in the process.  It will not happen on its own.  Here are four important keys that you must use to move forward in your journey.

“I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.  I determined never to stop until I have come to the end and achieved my purpose.”

– David Livingstone

(1813-1873)

Missionary Doctor

1)  Know where you are going

                The great baseball star, Yogi Berra used to say, "If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?"  Your purpose is not some hidden secret that you are never to discover.  It is there with you all the time.  You were born with this purpose inside you.  We call it, our dream.  What is it that you have always wanted to do?  When you have time to sit and think or daydream, what do you keep thinking about?  That is your dream.  Know what you wish to achieve in life.  You do not have to know all the details right now, just the goal.  Write it down and start moving towards it.

                In Scouting, many of the experiences are designed to help young people taste many different things so they know what they like and what they do not like. Many a Scout has discovered their careers through the process of earning a merit badge. When something clicks, you pursue it. When it does not, you have gained another experience before you move on.

2)  Know why you want it

                Just as you can know where you wish to go, you can know why you have been called to go there.  Is it to make the lives of others better?  Is it to start a business that will create a product that can transform the lives of others?  This can take some time to work on I know.  It is not because you don't know why it will be that it can be hard to put into words.  This, however, is a very important step because once you know why the how will be easy.

                When a Scout reaches the rank of Eagle, they must do a project before they can fully hold the rank of an Eagle Scout. This project is a service project. It is designed, by the Scout, to serve others and be of value to the world they live in. Not only do they have this project to do, but they must be able to explain why they are doing it. This process may seem like a lot of work to the outsider, (and it is a lot of work), however, the lessons in this final project teaches lessons that can transform a young man into a responsible and useful adult.

3)  Know how you will get there

                This is the plan.  Every goal must come with an action plan.  The action plan is made up of the steps you will need to take to achieve the goal.  Do you need more education?  Do you need to improve on a skill or talent you have?  What is the first step you must take?  Sit down and write this all out and then start to follow the plan.  The key is to take action.  Remember, nothing happens without action.

                One of the requirements of the Eagle project is for the Scout to have a written plan as to the details of the project. What will he need to do the project? When will he get it? Who needs to help him and what will they need to do? How long with this take? The Scout must have an action plan before they can carry out the project.

4)  Know when you will do this

                There are two key elements to your timeline.  First is when do you start?  Here is a principle that is key to your success: Take action within 24 hours of setting the goal.  No matter how big or small, do something within 24 hours.  Second is to understand that a goal without a deadline is nothing but a wish.  Be reasonable and work it out, but set a deadline for yourself.  Will it take a year, a month, five years?  Whatever the time frame, set a deadline and start moving forward.

I am always impressed by Scouts who complete an Eagle project. Why? Because I know the amount of work they had to put into it to get it done. The Eagle project is, and deliberately so, an education that no school or university could offer a young man. Therefore, there is no such thing as “I use to be an Eagle Scout.” Once you are an Eagle Scout, you are always an Eagle Scout. 

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