Risky Business

 

For many people, the biggest obstacle they face to pursuing their dreams is found in two little words – “What If!” The “What If’s” of life has defeated far too many people before they even get started. “What if I fail?” “What if something happens?” “What if no one likes what I am doing?” You can “What if” yourself into failure every time. 

It takes courage to go after your dream—the courage to face the unknown. Courage to take risks. Courage to be willing to fail on your way to success. As Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them.” 

“No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being,

to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause.”

Theodore Roosevelt

1858-1919

26^th U.S. President

 

Scouts learn that you can plan for the future, but you cannot see it. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. This is why you need to be prepared for tomorrow. Being prepared is to be ready so that nothing will catch you by surprise. If you are looking to have some assurance of success or outcome, you will never move forward. Earl Nightingale had it right when he said, “All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.”

As a Scouter, you realize that there is a risk in all you do. God, in His wisdom, has not given you the ability to see all the pitfalls and roadblocks ahead. Many of us want to see them, but the truth is, if we knew what was coming, we would never try to achieve our dreams. To believe in your vision, you must have a faith that God will see you through, and a determination that you will never give up is what gives you the power to achieve. Too much knowledge of the future is a dangerous thing. That is why we are told in Scripture not to look into the future. Taking the unknown risk is the element of life.

Study the lives of those who have succeeded, and you will find men and women who were courageous enough to take risks. Singer/Songwriter Dolly Parton said, “You’ll never be a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” The Scouters of the world know as did Helen Keller that life is “a daring adventure,” and they will not miss a moment of 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