The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were formed just after the turn of the 20th Century. The Boy Scouts were created in 1910 by Robert Baden-Powell and the Girl Scouts in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. Since that time, they’ve found a place in the hearts of America one cookie or bag of popcorn at a time. There are more than two million Girl Scouts and nearly three million Boy Scouts participating in these organizations today. There’s something for everyone to learn from the Scouts, here are some of my favorites:

Set Goals 

Have a plan, vision, dream, or goal to work toward. According to Bob Proctor, a study was made of alumni ten years out of Harvard University to find out how many were achieving their goals.  83% had no goals, 14% had specific goals that were not written down. Only 3% of those surveyed had specific goals that they’d written down. That group is earning ten times the income of the 83% who had no goals.

Be Prepared

Bring shoes for every occasion. You never know when you’ll be invited to a black tie party or on a hike up the mountainside.  Always be prepared. This Scout motto means Be prepared for life, to show up ready to participate and do your personal best.  Whether you’re speaking to a group (know your audience) or attending a networking group (have a conversation ice breaker) be ready – and be okay knowing that something will go wrong; we just don’t know what. What’s important is not that life be perfect, but that we’re prepared for whatever life throws our way.

“A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.” – Robert Baden-Powell

Wear Your Badges Proudly

Scouts spend years earning badges that demonstrate their proficiency in so many things. We’ve all earned the right to wear badges, too. Wear your school and company logos proudly. Don’t be afraid to don that Yankees cap or Spider-Man t-shirt. We should wear our PINK! sweatshirt from Victoria’s Secret or our Under Armour workout gear. It’s a great way to announce our affinity to our favorite brands and lifestyle. And our badges make great conversation starters.

“Badges mean nothing in themselves, but they mark a certain achievement and they are a link between the rich and the poor. For when one girl sees a badge on a sister Scout’s arm, if that girl has won the same badge, it at once awakens an interest and sympathy between them.” – Juliette Gordon Low

Be of Service

Much of what the Scouts do is in service to others. Being in service to others is one of the most fulfilling parts of life. Feed the homeless. Teach English to speakers of other languages. Spend time with people in need.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” –Muhammad Ali

Be Your Best Self

Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of yourself. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions.

“If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.” ~David Carradine