Believe in Others

Scouts and Scouters believe that they can and will succeed. The challenge is in believing that others can. We, as humans, tend only to believe what we see. You cannot see the dreams and desires of others. When we are told what they want to do we look them over and judge if we think they can do it. We may forget that the power to succeed is not on the outside but in the heart of a person.

I believe that every human being ever born or will be born has the potential to succeed. God has created each of us for a purpose, and He intends that we fulfill that purpose. I can’t tell you how He does that; it is one of those mysteries that we may never understand. It reminds me of the saying from St. Augustine: “If you understand it, then it is not God.” This is what faith is, believing in what you do not understand. Yet, there is evidence of that faith.

“Every child should be taught to expect success.”

Orison Swett Marden

1848-1924

Author/Publisher

Scouts learn to see all around them those who succeed in life who, from the outside, seemed to have all the cards against them. What they do have is the ability to be success-minded and the drive to believe in their dream. Author and motivator Earl Nightingale said, “We tend to live up to our expectations.” If we expect to succeed, we will.

It does take more than belief in yourself; others must believe in you too. That is what Scouts do; they believe in the abilities of others to become the best they can be. I love the opening quote by Orison Swett Marden. Just think of how the world would change if we taught all of our children to expect success. If parents and grandparents truly believed in their children’s potential to be excellent. The belief that these young people can achieve great things is what Scouting is all about.

I have always told my daughters that they could pursue and achieve whatever their dream was. They are doing just that, and I am so very proud of them. Now I have ten grandchildren who I expect great things from. I want them to know that no matter what the world may tell them, I believe with all my heart that they were placed here to achieve great things. 

Mark Twain said, “Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions.  Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.” Scouts are to be those who help others believe that they can and will become great. You do not hold the key to someone’s success; you are the key.

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