A Great Lesson

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, led by adults, fail miserably and end up not very fun at all.  I have also seen 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, boys are likely to make many more mistakes than adults.  Here is the difference, when a boy makes a mistake they learn from it, correct it 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 must 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.

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

– Dale Carnegie

(1888-1955) Author / Speaker

                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 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.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1911 The Real Teacher

Oh Happy Day

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 an 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 to control your life.  You must 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 must 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 despite it happening.  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.

                The eighth point of the Scout Law says: “A Scout is cheerful. A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way and tries his best to make others happy, too.” (The Boy Scout Handbook), Scouts know that cheerfulness is a deliberate action, and one they promise to follow.

“A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

                The way to enjoy a happy life, just like a Scout, is 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 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.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1910 A Person of Character

Lead the Way

You are an example.  Whether you are working, playing, teaching or going through daily life.  Others are always watching you and people do notice - despite what we may think - people DO notice what we do.  At work, people will see your work habits, if you are on time, do what 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.

                In Scouting, we help Scouts learn how to be leaders. They know that they are the ones who set the pace for the group. If part of the group, they do their best so that the whole group becomes better. Scouts know that they are not just Scouts at the Troop meeting, on a camping trip or doing a good turn. They are Scouts all the time. Scouts know that what they say, do and how they work is a reflection on Scouting. They are a Scout all the time, in uniform and out of uniform.

                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.

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

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941) Founder of the Boy Scouts

                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.

                Think of the wisdom of the famous American anthropologist, Margaret Mead, who said: “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.”  

                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.

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.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey

SOU 1909 The Law