I have
always thought that there should be a “Patience” Merit Badge in Scouting. Besides being a much-needed skill to learn, it is something that Scouts find they
cannot get away from learning. They have to work through all their badges, step
by step. They face things like learning to start a fire without matches or fire
starters, putting up shelters from things they find in the woods, and cooking the
food they caught themselves. Instant gratification
is not part of the Scout’s world.
The problem and it is a problem, of
instant gratification, is far more than
people seeking out cheap, quick thrills. We live at a time when it is easy to
get what you want right now. It takes no time at all to prepare a meal, does some work around your home, or gathers information. It is wonderful that we can
create and develop such wonderful conveniences; however, fast and easy does not
work with all things in life. When it comes to success, you still have to work
for it.
I believe this kind of thinking
has lead many into believing three common myths. You have heard these before,
maybe even believed them yourself. Each is not only untrue but can be highly destructive to the people who pursue them.
“I run on the road, long before I dance under the lights.”
– Muhammad Ali
(1942- 2016)
Fighter
Get Rich Quick
Anyone over the age of 18, most
likely has been approached by someone, in person or through media of some kind,
and told they could become rich in their spare time. That is one of the most
common lies that success-minded people have come to believe. Everyone wants to
be rich. Everyone wants to be successful. Everyone wants to do it with the least
amount of effort and work. Soon, however,
everyone finds that they get neither rich nor quick.
If you want to become successful
and to accumulate wealth, you had best understand and accept this fact: If you
are not willing to work hard, you will never achieve this goal. A quick study
of history will show you that anyone who has achieved success and wealth has
worked - and worked hard - to get what they wanted. Not in their spare time,
because successful people do not have "spare time" as they work toward
a goal. Not quickly, for they were willing to do what it takes for as long as
it takes to achieve their dreams.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Actor, Mike Rowe, refers to this
bit of advice as, "The worst advice in the world." And I agree. I do
not oppose a good [I stress good] education. What I do oppose is the idea that
all you need is a diploma and you are on your way to easy street. The reality
is that the majority of people now graduating with a degree do not end up
working in their field of study, and the majority of them are not working at
all. Rowe also said, "We're lending money we don't have to kids who can't
pay it back, educating them for jobs that no longer exist."
What we all need to understand
is that the only way to success is to work smarter AND harder. Education is more
than just attending classes. Success-minded people know that they must be learning
all the time. Read books, take courses and be a constant student. While you are
doing that, work your butt off and you will see just how successful you can become.
You Deserve It
Nothing makes me crazier than this constant bombardment of
people tell us that we deserve it. Deserve what? According to our media and
advertising agencies, you deserve to be rich, healthy, strong, well-fed, have
every convenience under the sun, and to have a better mate than you have. Here
is the hard truth: Unless you are willing to work hard, do what it takes to
develop yourself, and put in the time, you deserve nothing at all!
I know that sounds hard, but at
least it is the truth. Never be taken away by some snake oil salesman who tells
you all that you deserve just because you live on this planet. There is no free
lunch in life. Successful people know this, and that is what makes them
successful. You deserve what you are willing to pay for in life, and by pay, I mean to work for, invest in and learn. You
can have it all; you can't have it for free.
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
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