Thanksgiving 2019

Mistakes That Profit

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 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. 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 and are not afraid to go back and do it over.  They do not expect perfection from themselves, nor is perfection expected from the other boys.

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

– Dale Carnegie

(1888-1955)

Author / Speaker

                Adults, on the other hand, think we have to get it right every time.  It is essential that everyone believes 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 essential 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 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 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 real 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 1972 Plan A

Whistle a Happy Tune

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 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 their circumstances change allow the world to control them. It is easy to feel bad and to let 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 hearts.

                The eighth point of the Scout Law is that a Scout is cheerful. That means they have chosen to face life with a positive and happy attitude. They do their work with excellence because they are happy to do it. When you decide to meet each task, challenge or situation with a positive attitude, you can always do better and be better. But when you see each task as an unpleasant effort and each challenge as a personal attack, you never do, and you sure don’t feel well.

“A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances.”

– Sir Robert Baden-Powell

(1857-1941)

Founder of the Boy Scouts

                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 things 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.

                The simplest way to enjoy a happy life 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 1971 Doing Right