Making the Difference

One of the many things I liked about Steve Jobs was that he knew how to live.  One of the reasons he knew how to live was that he knew he was going to die.  Jobs suffered from cancer for a long time, and he was well aware that in the end, he would lose the battle.  That only made him more determined to win in life.  He knew what he wanted and worked at it till his last breath.  He did leave him "ding" in the universe.

                How many people do you know (yes, I want you to count them) who had stopped living long before the time came to leave this world?  It is heartbreaking to see people, young and old, who have given up on their dreams and resigned themselves to lives on emptiness and mediocrity.  We all have so much to live for and to contribute to this world.  

“I want to put a ding in the universe.”

– Steve Jobs

(1955-2011)

 Inventor/Businessman

                In Scouting, death is not one of our main topics. Young people seldom think about dying and coming to the end of their lives. The young tend to think of them as immortal. However, one topic we do think a lot about is living. Scouting is all about making your life count. It is all about making a difference.

                "For the past 33 years," Steve Jobs said, "I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."  How would you answer this question?  If today was your last day, are you doing what you want to do?  The next question is, why not do it now?

                Let me be frank with you; the only reasons for "why not" are excuses, and excuses will get you nowhere.  "But it is not that easy to do what you want in life" some would say.  No, it is not easy - that is the point.  You have to make it happen; you have to work hard, be committed and never quit.  You have to keep at it till you have made your "dig" in this universe.

                One of the things I love about Scouts is that not only do they think about making a difference, but they also want to make a big difference. Young people are ready to rock their world. Scouting helps them to see that it is possible to do the impossible, discover the unknown, and change their world for good. The amazing thing is, so many of them do it.

                People like Steve Jobs should be reminders that there is a reason for living every moment we have.  You do not know when it will be taken away, but you can know that when the time comes, you will have left your mark, and the world will not be the same because you fulfilled your dream.

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