Good Education

Here are a few myths we have about education:

#1.  All education comes from school.

#2.  You have to have a degree to succeed.

#3.  The more schooling you have, the better educated you will be.

#4.  If you get a degree, you will get a good job.

#5.  What you don't learn in school you don't need.

                I do not need to explain to you how wrong every one of these myths is.  Success-minded people know all too well that they have learned more out of school than in school.  Even the great Albert Einstein said, "Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school."  And of course, the classic Mark Twain who said, "Don't let schooling interfere with your education."

                Scouting is an education all on its own. I believe that one of the best educational tools that a young person can have is the merit badge program. It is a solid source for learning a wide verity of skills and career options. Each badge leads the Scout into not all styles of learning. They read information, discuss that information, and experience hands-on learning.

                Now I know that it sounds like I am opposed to higher education, and I promise you that I am not.  We should all get as much schooling as we can.  The thing I do oppose is the thinking that all education comes from school.  School or formal education is good for acquiring specialized knowledge.  But it is you who will give you the education that will bring you to success.  It is your responsibility, not that of schools, the government or some teacher.  You are responsible for your education.  Here are a few things you can do to assure that your education is solid and productive.

“Formal education will make you a living.  Self-education will make you a fortune.”

– Jim Rohn

(1930-2009)

Author/Speaker

1)  Educate yourself through reading

                I believe that the most important habit we can form in life is the habit of reading.  It is through the reading of books and other material that we can stimulate our brains into thinking and become more creative.  Here is another mistake many people make: they think that you only read books in school.  Studies have shown that 33% of High School graduates and 42% of college grads never read another book once they leave school.  That is beyond disgraceful.  The greatest tool you have is to read and to read often.

2)  Educate yourself through the people you meet

                Everyone you meet has something to teach you.  Success-minded people know that they must always be aware of who they are with so that they can learn in some way.  Sometimes it is what not to do as well as what to do.  Charlie "Tremendous" Jones used to say, "You will be the same person you are today, five years from now except for two things, the books you read and the people you meet."  Meet the people that can help you move in the direction you want to go.  Where do these people congregate?  Go there and meet the right people.  You never know what opportunities this can open up for you.

3)  Educate yourself with deliberate learning

                What I mean by deliberate learning is taking classes or going to seminars that will move you toward your goals and dreams.  Seek out the courses you need to achieve your goal and take them.  See the time and expense as an investment in your education.  Learn from those who have gone before you.  Never be foolish enough to think you can go it alone, and you know what you are doing. 

4)  Educate yourself by having a growth plan

                If you want to grow and to gain the knowledge you need to succeed, you will need a plan.  Know where you are going - have a clear goal.  Ask yourself, "What do I need to know and do to reach my goal?"  Now, set a plan to get that information and keep moving to success.  It takes a bit every day to achieve a goal.  It will not happen all at once, nor will it happen now and then.  Know what you need to do every day to make your journey to achievement.

5)  Educate yourself never to give up

                The person who succeeds is not the one who is the smartest, fastest, most talented, or who have the best resources.  The winner will always be the one who never gives up.  Most failures come from people who get tired and just quit.  It can be a rough road.  There is no getting around it, success is hard work, but it is the only way it comes.  For those who stay with it and do what they need to do to learn and grow, there is no limit to the wonderful things they can achieve.

You matter!  You matter to the world and 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