Born For Greatness

“God has placed within every boy a desire for greatness.”

– Gregory L. Juntz & Michael Gurian

Authors of Raising Boys by Design

Scouting gives a wonderful opportunity to see boys grow and discover who they are.  From the youngest Tiger Cub (age 6) to Eagle Scouts, there is in each one a desire to be great.  Scouting brings that out in boys.  It is not an ego thing or desire for power.  It is personal, deep inside each boy that tells them they can do something great.  They know early on that they have the potential to do anything they want.  This is why so many went on to become great leaders, astronauts and even presidents.

                Many of us were once told when we were young that we could be anything we wanted to be.  It seems to be what we tell children.  Then, around our high school years, we are told that we need to be practical, be realistic and stop walking around with our heads in the clouds.  The same people who told us we could be anything now restrict our dreams to what money can afford, time permit and talents achieve.  Sadly, many of us buy into this far quicker than when our dreams were to be a fireman, astronaut or school teacher.

                That ability to become anything you want has not been lost.  It is still there, hidden deep inside but still alive.  You know that every now and then it pops its head up and reminds you of "what could have been".  You can bring it into the sunlight if you choose.  It is not too late.  Oh, maybe you cannot become exactly what you hoped for, but the dream can be revived and take on a workable form.  You only need to choose to connect with your greatness once more.

                What is it that you want to do?  If you could do anything and know that you would not fail, what would it be?  What do you need to do to make that happen?  All these questions need to be answered.  To answer them will take courage and the ability to make decisions.  But for those who have passion, determination and real guts, anything is possible.

                Author, Zig Ziglar would always say that each one of us were, "designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness."  I believe that is true.  I believe that means you.  The dreams you had as a child many times are the dreams you have as an adult, why?  Because that is who you were created to be.  So be that person and be great.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Getting The Job Done

“Do the hard jobs first.  The easy jobs will take care of themselves.”

– Dale Carnegie

(1888-1955) Author / Speaker

One of the many important lessons that boys are taught in Scouting is to be self-sufficient.  This is not just learning how to find food in the woods, cook it on a fire you made with a few sticks without poisoning or catching yourself on fire.  To be self-sufficient is the ability to take care of yourself and not depend on others to do it for you.  Seems easy enough right?  The fact is a good many adults have never learned the lesson.

                To this day, there is no better way to be self-sufficient than to have a good job, earn your keep and be in debt to no one.  The good job part varies from person to person based on what your dreams are and what your skills are.  For some it is a career in business, law or medicine.  For others it may be farming, the skilled trades, or the arts.  If it is want you wish to do, do your best at and work hard it is a "good job".

                Success-minded people learn the secret to doing the best job is to be willing to work and do the difficult things first.  That will always put you ahead.  No matter what line of work you do, there will always be those who look for the easy way, the least amount of work.  If you are the one who steps up and does the hard work first you will always be in the front of the pack.  As Thomas A. Edison said, "There is no substitute for hard work."

                There is an important principle at work here.  Self-sufficient people know that with hard work comes freedom and reward.  People who complain about working too hard will always have to work too hard.  They will never find the freedom of doing what they love and earning a living that allows them to live as they wish.  Author, Zig Ziglar use to say. "Do more than you are being paid to do and eventually you will be paid for more than you do." 

                Never back away from hard work.  In fact, run to it, embrace it and do it well.  No one ever pays for mediocre.  Success-minded people, like Scouts, do their best because they are the best.  Not an ego thing, just reality.  Hard work is always welcome, it is always rewarded and it will always be rare.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Making The Most Of A Mistake

“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.”

– Dale Carnegie

(1888-1955) Author / Speaker

If I have learned anything from my involvement in the Scouts it is the old saying, "Leave it to the experts."  Who are the experts?  The boys are.  Scouting is meant to be a boy lead program.  I have seen many events, projects and games, lead by adults, fail miserably and end up not very fun at all.  I have also see young boys, some only between 11 - 15 years old, teach, lead and demonstrate difficult tasks and make them fun and exciting.

                So why is this true?  Is it because the boys make no mistakes and know exactly what they are doing?  Not at all.  In fact, the boys are likely to make many more mistakes than the adults.  Here is the difference, when a boy makes a mistake they learn from it, correct and are not afraid to go back and do it over.  They do not expect perfection from themselves nor is perfection expected from the boys they are working with.

                Adults on the other hand think we have to get it right every time.  It is important that everyone know we know what we are doing and to make a mistake is to show you are weak, lacking and dumb.  Where do we get these silly ideas?  For the Scout, the important things are learning something new, doing it right and having fun.  For the adult it is mostly ego and power.

                Success-minded people have much to learn from the young.  Those who are learning for the first time, those who are discovering their abilities and talents and those who are willing to fail in order to achieve the results they want.  Scouts learn that to do their best is more important than being the best.  A lesson we all need to apply to our daily lives.

                Spend time with kids and learn from them what really matters in life.  Learn that a mistake is only a lesson in doing things differently.  Learn that you can be the best by doing your best, not the other way around.  Learn that there is fun in every task, discovery around every corner and an adventure waiting for you each morning.  Do this and you will have true success in life.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Whistle A Happy Tune

“A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

Sometimes happy people can make you wonder.  There are those people who are happy all the time, no matter what is going on in their life.  What is up with that?  Some may think that these people have a screw loose or that they do not face reality.  The truth is, they really are the ones facing reality.  They know that whether they are happy or sad, it is their choice.  They choose to be happy.

                Facing the world with a attitude of happiness is not a denial that bad things are happening.  Happy people choose their attitude and take control of their lives.  People whose moods change as the circumstances they face change allow the world to control them.  It is easy to feel bad and to allow stress and sadness control your life.  You have to be strong to be happy.  Only those who believe that they have the power to control their feelings can face life with a song in their heart.

                How does one get this power?  First, you have to make the decision that you will not allow life to get you down.  Happiness is not a fleeting emotion, it is always a decision we make.  We are not happy that bad thing may happen, but happy in spite of it.  When you choose to see the positive in life you will be amazed at just how much positive there is to see.  Life is full of adventure, discovery and wonders that, when paid attention to, will thrill your heart.

                Another way to enjoy a happy life it to act like it.  Keep a smile on your face.  You can keep happy by developing the habit of standing up straight, look up and not down and keep a smile on your face.  Mark Twain once said, "If you keep smiling you will feel better and others will wonder what you are up to."

                Lastly, keep your thought positive and creative.  Face each day as a new opportunity to succeed and to move closer to your dreams.  In short, happiness is in your control.  Others cannot not give it to you, nor can they take it away.  Be happy just to be you.  Share that happiness with others and you will see it grow.  If you have the choice - and you do - choose to be happy.  It's more fun!

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

You First

“The Scoutmaster teaches boys to play the game by doing so himself.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

You are an example.  Whether you are working, playing, teaching or going through daily life.  Others are always watching you and people do notice - in spite of what we may think - people DO notice what we do.  At work, people will see your work habits, if you are on time, do more or less than you are asked to do.  At home, they notice how you treat those who you are closest to and the respect that you give to others.  At play or relaxing with friends, they notice the way you behave, the language you use and the things you do for fun.  There is no escaping it, you are an example.

                Success-minded people understand that true integrity is what you do when no one is looking.  Why?  Because it is part of who you are as a person.  It is hard work to behave properly in front of everyone.  It takes focus and energy to be cautious about what you say and do so as to set a good example.  It is not hard at all when that person you want to portray is really who you are.

                Mark Twain once said, "If you always tell the truth you don't have to remember anything."  That applies to our behavior as well.  If you are a person of good character, integrity and kindness you do not have to pretend for anyone.  It should always be just who you are.

                Want to live in a better world?  Be a better person.  Want to work with people who do their best, give more than expected and strive for excellence?  Be that person.  Set the standards for those around you.  Not to brag or look down on people.  That is the opposite of what I am asking you to do.  Be an honest and real success-minded person who others can follow and see how it is done.

                Never accept the excuse, "Well, no one else is doing it.  Why should I be the one to be the example?"  You are an example no matter what you do, so why not be a good one.  You notice when people behave badly, cheat, lie and get out of work.  Why would you think people would not notice when you do it?

                In the end, success-minded people believe they are here to make things better.  They know that they may be just one person, but they are a good one.  They understand that by being one less problem to the rest of the world they have shown the path to success.  And if we all strive to be the best we can be, we have made a massive change that will improve the lives of many.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Make Someone Happy

“The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

As the old song says, "Make someone happy / Make just one someone happy / And you will be happy too."  That simple truth slides by so many people.  Look around you, how many people do you know who are not happy?  Do you see friends and family who are hurting, distressed, worried or discouraged?  We live in difficult times and unhappiness has become a way of life for people.

                You now have an opportunity to become a hero.  Make someone happy.  That may seem like a big order but it really is very simple.  Here are a few ways you can spread some happiness wherever you go and make someone's life a bit better, not to mention that you will enjoy it too.

Smile At Everyone

                Nothing is easier than a smile.  As you pass people on the street, in the office or store, give them a simple smile and move on.  No need to talk or stop what you are doing, just smile.  Those who are having a bad day will see that someone is happy.  I am not saying that their life will change just because you smiled at them, but you never know.

Speak A Few Kind Words

                When you find yourself standing with someone you never met, or waiting in line, smile at them and say something encouraging and kind.  What I have often seen are people standing in line and one says to the other, "What is the problem that things are moving so slow?"  That is not encouraging.  All that does is spread the anger.  Talk about things that are positive and uplifting.  Not as hard as it sounds.

Be Helpful And Enjoy It

                Open a door for someone, help them with their packages, or allow them to step in front of you in line.  Little kindnesses do so much to help lift the spirits of others and show them you care.  None cost you anything and the rewards are endless.  Simple acts of kindness are a wonderful way to spread a bit of happiness.

                It does not take a lot of effort or time to make those around you feel you care and to make them happy.  The great side benefit of all this is that you will be happier in the process.  It is impossible to make others happy and not become happy yourself.  Try it and find out.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey

Breaking Old Habits

“Correcting bad habits cannot be done by forbidding or punishment.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

For many years I have worked with people who have struggled with habits and addictions of all kinds.  Not just the big stuff like drugs, alcohol and the like, but everyday habits like laziness, negative thinking and anger.  These may not be the things you think of when you talk of bad habits, but they really are the worst because they are so accepted.  It is the little habits that keep us from achieving the success we desire.

                How does one break these habits.  It is easy to say, "Just quite" but it is a different story when you try to do it.  Many of these habits have been part of our behavior for so long we do not know what to do without them.  Here are a few simple, yet powerful steps that you can take to remove these habits and begin living a life of victory and freedom.

Don't Stop Things, Start Them

                Here is the key to many behavioral changes that do not work.  We focus all our attention on stopping the behavior we want to change.  The problem is you cannot live in a vacuum and must replace that behavior with something, so what do we fill it with - the old behavior.  Rather than worrying about stopping something, think about what you want to do in its place.  Example: You have the habit of procrastination and you want to be productive instead.  What do you have to do to be productive?  What will your life look like if you were productive?  Focus all you attention on that and start to apply what you find right away.  You do not have to stop procrastinating at all, you only have to start to be productive.

Feed Your Brain Good Things

                Dr. Robert H. Schuller said, "You are what you think about all day long."  That is a deep and powerful truth.  Feed your mind thoughts and information about the person you intend to be.  Note: who you INTEND to be, not hope to be.  Be mindful of the things you watch, listen to and read.  Keep the information you feed yourself to that which builds you up, informs you and makes you better.

Keep A Positive Attitude

                You will go nowhere if you are negative and discouraged all the time.  Be positive and enthusiastic about who you are becoming.  You will never be perfect, but you should always strive to be.  Look at your behavior as the things you can do, not what you cannot do.  Do not see the removal of old habits as restricting yourself, but rather for what it really is, freeing yourself.

Start Living Your New Life

                Take a minute and think about what it would be like to live the life you want to live.  What would you be doing?  How would you feel and act?  What would you be thinking about, taking about and engaging in?  Now, start to do it.  This is not a fake it till you make it, it is living as you choose to live.  Do not buy into the lie that you have to first have a better job, different living situation, more money or things like that.  What gives you the life you want to live is inside you, not outside you.  Go for it now and be excellent in all you do.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life 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 http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey