Book Power

I have the great privilege of being the counselor for several different merit badges. One of the ones I love to work with Scouts on the most is reading. I know that it is one of the least involved ones they have. After all, most of it is reading. But that is the thing that is the greatest part. I love to introduce young people, any people really, to reading. There is no greater gift you can give someone.

Success-minded people are always looking for tools to add to their success toolkit. They go to seminars, take classes, listen to audio programs, network and spend time on social media. All this is good and can be extremely helpful, however, there is one resource that is more powerful and useful than all the others combined. That is the power of books and the exercise of reading on a daily bases.

                Any study of successful people will show you that they are readers. I am amazed that so many people say they do not read because they do not have the time in their day. Do you have the time to eat? Do you have the time to sleep? Do you have the time to clean up and get dressed? Reading is just as important to the successful person. It is necessary, not an option.

“If the crowns of the world were laid at my feet in exchange for my love of reading,

I would spurn them all.”

– Francois Fenelon

(1651-1715)

 French Clergyman

                Reading is often treated as if you can do it or not, it is really all up to you. Reading is seen as optional and a matter of personal opinion. This is where so many fail to learn and grow as they should and end up never achieving their dreams in life. Reading, developing a love for books, is not a matter of opinion, but a solid reality to success and life in general.

                In the reading merit badge lessons, a Scout must read different types of books. Biographers, fiction, non-fiction, history and the like. This helps them not just to learn about different things but to help them find the types of books they like. I have found that young people who believe they have a reading problem, it is only that they have not read a book they liked. Ones you open this door, they will never close it.

                I am very passionate about reading and for people to see its importance to their life. What saddens me is that so many people have all the excuses for not reading down, but fail to see the value in taking the time to better themselves. Science-fiction author, Ray Bradbury had it right when he said, "There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them."

                Make reading a part of your daily routine. Even if you start with just 15 or 20 minutes a day. I say start because you will find once you develop the habit your reading time will increase. Find a book that is in your line of interest and that you can learn from. It can be new and hot off the presses or an old classic that has gathered dust on the shelf. Whatever you choose, take a bit of time each day and read what you can.

                To develop a love for books is the best habit any human can develop. You can go anywhere, do anything and be anyone you wish. There is a magic in books that is beyond our understanding. There is a joy in reading and knowing that you have the power to learn and grow. No other creature on the planet has this ability. Do not allow it to pass you by.

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