Learning For a Purpose

 

We are all familiar with the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. But what does that mean? Boy Scout founder Sir Robert Baden-Powell said: “Be Prepared…the meaning of the motto is that a Scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.” In short, be ready for anything because anything could happen.

One of the characteristics of a success-minded person is that they are forever learning. For them, life is one great classroom. They see every event, every person they meet as an opportunity to learn something new. Why is learning so important? Because you never know when you will need the knowledge. Lessons are not absorbed to fill a space in your head. You learn so you can use what you learn in everyday life.

“You can claim to be surprised once; after that, you’re unprepared.”

Old Saying

 

Success-minded people know that learning and preparing are not just for when bad things happen. Yes, it is good to know how to handle a crisis before it happens and to be able to solve problems as they come. But life is more than difficult times. What happens when you win? What will you do when you have succeeded in your goal? Author H. Jackson Brown, Jr. had it right when he said, “I never expect to lose. Even when I’m the underdog, I still prepare a victory speech.”

To be prepared is to be ready for whatever life brings your way. Scripture tells us to use things like wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Use them for what? Well, by learning all we can, we are ready for the battles that are ahead. We are not taken by surprise when things fall apart or when they all come together. We are prepared for life, and what we don’t know, we trust God to show us. As football Hall of Fame member Joe Namath said, “First, I prepare. Then I have faith.”

Preparing by learning means that you use the tools God has put in your way. Success-minded people learn by taking classes, reading books, listening to CDs and DVDs. They take any opportunity they can find to better themselves and to gain useful information.  Every person who is reading this has more resources available to them, right now, than Benjamin Franklin had during his whole lifetime. Do not waste those resources. Be ready to win. Learn all you can from every source you can. Get wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and you will Be Prepared for anything.

“Make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding.”

Proverbs 2:2

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.