Your Game Plan

When many people think of the Scout Law, they think of young boys trying to do good.  The idea of "acting like a Boy Scout" is often used as a criticism.  Our social structure has gotten so off-balanced that we now think that being kind, following the rules and believing in character and integrity is outdated and odd.  Reality is, we need these qualities more than ever before.  The consequence of not having them is evident all around us.

                The Scout Law, to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent, are all qualities that make for a healthy and strong person and society.  These are not just qualities you want to see in young people (although you do what them there) but in all of us and every area of our life.  What business does not want someone honest, dependable and hardworking?  What area of life do you not need to be loyal, trustworthy, kind or friendly?  How much better would your daily experience be if you and all you met were cheerful, courteous and kind?

“Following the Scout Law sounds like a game plan that would give us all a better chance for success in life - and I mean every area of life.”

– Zig Ziglar

(1926-2012)

Author/Speaker

                Maybe it is because the Scout Law has been around so long, and people have gotten used to it that we pay such little attention to it.  The Scout Law has the power to not only transform the world to a better place but even more significant, to transform you. 

                Look over the Scout Law.  Write out all the qualities listed there.  Now honestly, mark the ones that you show on daily basis.  I will say that if you are reading this blog you most likely have more than the average person.  However, you will find that you do not display as many as you thought you would.  This is not to point out where you may have failed, but rather to show you an opportunity to become better.

                One of the development goals I gave myself back in 2013 was to assign one of the qualities of the Scout Law to each month.  All during the month, I would work at developing that quality in my life.  I found it very helpful, and the practice made me a stronger person.  Have I achieved all of these qualities in my life by now?  Not even close.  I have to check myself every day to become more and more of the person I someday hope to be.  What it did do is make me aware of where I can improve and how I can enrich the lives of others through the Scout Law.

                Do not see the Scout Law as something restrictive and burdensome.  It is very freeing and exciting.  When you live right you have nothing to hide.  It is like what Mark Twain said, "When you always tell the truth you do not have to remember anything." 

You matter!  You matter to the world and 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 1966 Try Try Again

Being A Citizen

Some of you older readers may remember a day when it was encouraged to be a good citizen.  I can even remember when you got a good citizenship award in school (now that dates me).  Now you are fortunate to find a person who can even tell you what a good citizen is.

                The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community.  These "qualities" are like those of good manners, you know them when you see them but you don't see them a lot.  Too often people are too busy looking out for their rights, their entitlements, and their stuff to worry about the rights of others.  But like good manners, citizenship is all about others first, not me first.

                One of the personal lessons I was not really prepared for as a Cub Scout leader was finding that most boys did not understand what citizenship was.  The idea of protecting the rights of others, following the Constitution and the order of law were concepts they were not taught in school or at home.  Yet, without good citizens, we have no country.

                Being a good and productive citizen is something each Scout must strive to achieve. This is, of course, a lesson we should all strive for.  There are many ways we can accomplish this.  One is to follow the laws and to do what is right, not because there is a penalty if you do not, but because it is the right thing to do.

“The Scouting Program fosters development in youth and helps them become good citizens of their communities and loyal adherents to their religious heritage.”

– Rabbi Binyamin Walfish

American Rabbi

                Another important part of being a good citizen that far too many have allowed to fall aside is to be involved in government.  I am not talking about complaining about the government or posting your political views on social media.  To be involved means that we are taking an active part in our local, state and national government.  Run for office, volunteer or work in a position that will cause change and promote good citizenship. And most importantly, vote. It is not just our right but our responsibility as good citizens.

                We could go on forever talking about the wrong there is in our government today (and there is great wrong).  How they are dishonest, lack integrity and that our rights as citizens are being taken from us.  But all that talk, no matter how right it is, means nothing if we do not make the changes needed.  We still have a government chosen by the people.  So, how do we make it better?  We become the people who hold the offices.

Scouts are taught to know the Constitution and Bill of Rights for this great country of ours. They not only say the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of every meeting, they know what it means. I believe that this is why so many Scouts have gone on to be political leaders in our government. For the Scout, being a good citizen is not what you think you know it is what you do to make life better for others as well.

                The days when we believed that anyone could become President are not over.  It can happen if we insist that it happens.  Good citizens do not sit back and give up, they fight for the right.  Good citizens do not wait for change, they make the change.  We can change our city, state, and country for the better.  By doing so, we teach those youngsters coming up that they too can make a difference.  Remember, the future belongs to them.  Let's make it better now so they can make it great once more.

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 1965 What Have You Done

The Deeper Purpose

As Scouts and Scouters, we are motivated, people.  Scouting breeds the kind of thinking that keeps people moving toward their goals and achieving all the time.  We have ranks to achieve merit badges to get and the rewards of becoming or helping some young man to become an Eagle Scout.  All this achievement and drive is good, but let's not forget what the deeper purpose of Scouting is to become people of character and courage.

                As wonderful as the Scouting program is, without the ultimate objective of forming a good and purposeful life, it is just another youth program and nothing more.  Scouting's result is not the Eagle rank.  Scouting's result is to create people who are leaders of integrity, decency, and honor.  We who are part of the Scouting program should have our sights on making a better world not just making an awarded Scout.

“The Scout movement is a world leader in educating youth.  Scouting inspires patriotism, sound moral values, courage, character-building, self-reliance, and community awareness.  It also motivates our young people to achieve their full potential.”

– Nelson Mandela

(1918-2013) 

Former President of South Africa

                This reality is not something that we hope. Scouting will someday achieve.  Scouts have gone on to become successful business leaders, great scientists, and Doctors; they have walked on the moon and been Presidents.  Scouting has, for over a century developed great and honorable leaders that have achieved the impossible, discovered the unknown, and changed the world.

                As we work to follow the Scout Law and the principles of Scouting, let us not forget that it is more twelve rules to follow; it is the force that can change the world.  Scouts are what I call success-minded.  That means they believe in their ability to do good, to create and achieve wonderful things.  Those who have learned the power of the Scout Law and the things taught in Scouting go on to be a success in all they do. 

                Success-minded people know that if they are going to achieve success in life, it is up to them.  No one is going to give it to them, and no one is meant to take care of them.  They are self-reliant and hard working.  The word impossible means it might take a bit longer to do.  Their honesty and integrity stand firm and they will not give in to the pressures of forces around them to lessen their values.  The fact is, Scouting, in any form and by any person, takes courage.

                Achieve all you can with enthusiasm and excitement.  Just keep in mind that there is a greater goal than awards and ranks or promotions.  The only thing that matters, in the end, is the person you become. 

You matter!  You matter to the world and 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 1964 Lost Opportunities