Beyond Talent

 

Scouts and Scouters learn to have a belief in themselves to succeed. People are often limited because they think they need talent to succeed. Talent is nice, and you can use your abilities (everyone has them) in your particular area of achievement, but that is not all it takes. You have to be a person of action, and action does not take talent.

Dr. John C. Maxwell, in his 2007 book, Talent Is Not Enough, said, “The first and greatest obstacle to success for most people is their belief in themselves. Once people figure out where their sweet spot is (the area where they are most gifted), what often hinders them isn’t a lack of talent. It’s a lack of trust in themselves, which is a self-imposed limitation.” When you see yourself as limited, you stop trying. You stop taking action, and without action, nothing will get done.

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

Dale Carnegie

1888-1955

Author

 

We have been looking at the Scout Law. A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent; none of these qualities take talent. These are things every Scout and Scouter choose to be. The same is correct with action. You do not need talent to be a person of action; you only need to get things done.

Scouts are determined to live their dreams. Sadly, they often know what they want but find a dozen reasons why they cannot have it. They see limitations all around them. There is not enough money, education, experience, knowledge, support, too old, too young, too sick, too weak, and the reasons go on and on. The only thing you need is the desire for your dream and the guts to go for it.

Scouts must understand that to live their dream is a privilege that most people miss. You have the chance to be all you were created to be, to have all you ever wanted, and to live life and not just fill a space. John Irving said, “If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.”

No one is going to do this for you. You have to have to courage to move forward and do what must be done to achieve your dream. You know what it is, you know what you must do, you understand the cost. Now go for it.

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