Being Helpful

You know by now that I love quotes. This one from Zig Ziglar is not just a quote for me; it is a statement I live by. I believe it is so true. Scouts learn that the more value you can add to people, the more value they add to you. It is a simple yet profound principle of life as Les Brown states, “Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.”

Scouts and Scouters need to ask themselves, “What am I doing to help others?” The answer to this question can show you if you are moving toward your success or not. Author and speaker Brian Tracy said, “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’” Look for those opportunities where you can give help and guidance to someone on their quest for success.

“You can have anything in life you want, as long as you help enough people get what they want.”

Zig Ziglar

1926-2012

Author

Unsuccessful people see any help they give to others as taking away from themselves. They see it as a burden and a distraction from their success. Scouts learn that each time you help others to succeed, you are depositing into your success account. Yes, you cannot help everybody at once, but you can help those the Lord has placed in your path. Former President Ronald Reagan said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Focus on those you can help and trust God to do the rest.

One of the things I love about being involved in Scouting is that I can help young people to succeed in life. Each time I have seen a Scout who I had the privilege to help achieve their dream, I feel the satisfaction of success myself. It is as author and Christian counselor Alan Loy McGinnis said, “There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being – to help someone succeed.”

You don’t have to be a Scout leader or counselor to be helpful to others. Businesspeople, clergy, those in the medical professions, arts, law, and education all can help those who are looking to succeed in your area of work. Take others under your wing, encourage, guide, and give advice to others on how they can be the best. Never feel they are competing with you. When you help others to succeed, you always end up the winner.

“…for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:12-13

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.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey