Following the Rules

How many times have you been told to break the rules? I am sure it has been hundreds of times. I will be the first to say that some rules need breaking. These are usually the ones we create ourselves, follow because “it is always done this way,” or are there to have a rule. However, I will also say that breaking the rules just because they are rules is foolish.

There are many rules or principles in life that are there to be followed. Not to be restrictive, but because they work. There are rules of the road for driving, rules or directions for cooking food, so you don’t poison yourself. The world has many rules that are wise and important to follow. Author T.S. Eliot wisely said, “It’s not wise to violate rules until you know how to observe them.”

“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a teamwork,

 a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Vince Lombardi

1913-1970

Coach

 

Scouts understand that there are rules for success that need to be followed. These rules, as all ethical rules do, leave a great deal of room for you to adapt them personally, but the basic principles are the same. Albert Einstein said, “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” How can you succeed at anything if you do not know the rules of success? It is both useless and foolish on your part to attempt to.

Every area of endeavor has its set of rules that make it successful. Novelist Truman Capote said, “Writing has laws of perspective, light, and shade just as painting does, or music. If you’re born knowing them, fine.  If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.” Scouts learn that there is great freedom in rules. We understand that by following the principles, you can achieve your goals with the least effort and most effectiveness.

Remember that the rules for success are not made up along the way. Author Dale Carnegie said, “The ideas I stand for are not mine. I borrowed them from Socrates. I swiped them from Chesterfield. I stole them from Jesus. And I put them in a book. If you don’t like their rules, whose would you use?” Excellent question, whose would you use. Want to be a successful person? Listen to successful people.

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