Oaths we take...

...a thought for everyone to ponder as you go about your day tuned to radio station WIFM, "what's in it for me". Last night I was an invited guest at a reception for three individuals in Cumberland and Salem Counties, New Jersey who were receiving 2012 Distinguished Citizen of the Year recognition by The Boy Scouts of America, Southern New Jersey Council. Each person was vastly deserving and truly are making a positive impact within their communities; not just for the Boy Scouts.

What struck me the most though, was the start of the event, where all 350 people in attendance, stood and recited the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. It's been a long time, a very long time, since I last recited those words, let alone along with a group of that size. The Oath and Law remain unchanged over the course of 100 years of Scouting, and for good reason, the simplicity and wisdom is for the betterment of all.

There are oaths we take and promises we make throughout our lifetimes that stand to solidify our belief or serve to propel us forward. There are web pages and bookstore shelves overflowing with self help books. I am going to ask you to try these on for size and see if by adhering to them you don't find yourself moving closer to the direction you want for yourself.

The Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

The Scout Law
A Scout is:

Trustworthy,
Loyal,
Helpful,
Friendly,
Courteous,
Kind,
Obedient,
Cheerful,
Thrifty,
Brave,
Clean,
and Reverent.

You can decide for yourself. Just substitute yourself for Scout. Only 4% of all boy scouts achieve the highest rank and honor of Eagle Scout, yet ALL scouts are taught to live by the above. I believe all of us men, women and our children stand to better ourselves whether in business or pleasure by reciting and making these concepts a part of our daily life.

I, for one, support Scouting.

What oath(s) do you live by?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Akil Bey on July 12, 2012 at 6:21pm

Better people make better salespeople...

Permalink Reply by Ernie Kasprowicz on July 16, 2012 at 10:20am

They sure do.

Permalink Reply by Ashley Poag on July 13, 2012 at 9:26am

I believe at the core of any successful career or personal achievement is the desire to improve life for someone else. Great post!

Permalink Reply by Ernie Kasprowicz on July 16, 2012 at 10:31am

Thank you, Ashley. We all live, work and play in the company of other people so it makes sense to have an eye on their well being. Often times it is the little things we do that almost go unnoticed that have the greatest positive impact.

Permalink Reply by Craig Lockerd on July 16, 2012 at 10:34am

Zig Ziglar said'You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want."

Permalink Reply by Joe Lockerd on July 16, 2012 at 10:57am

INTEGRITY! Being the best person you can be every single day of your life just because its the right thing to do. This is a great message ALL should live by. Thanks for sharing this Ernie.

Permalink Reply by Michal Ann Benedict Enders on July 22, 2012 at 9:05am

I love this. I spent many years as a cub scout Den Leader taking them from Tiger Cubs and watching them cross into Boy Scouts. All the boys who were in my group have gone on to be fine, upstanding young men.

To know that one life has breathed easier because you have existed - that is success. Emerson