|
|
|
Eagle Court of Honor
2003
Procrastination
Did you know that most of the Eagle Scouts have a common trait? They are all procrastinators. Not a very commendable
trait for some that is destined to become a leader in the future. Procrastination is not one of the qualities that
you would like to have in your doctor, is it? "I'm sorry. I never got around to writing you that prescription". How
about an EMT? "Gee, I'm sorry. I never got around to bandaging that wound and perform CPR." What about a lawyer?
"No, your honor. I don't have a defense. I never got around to preparing one."
Adult Scout leaders and parents often seem to nag Life Scouts about making Eagle. However, the ones that are the
real procrastinators are the "almost made Eagles". Who are they? They are the ones that lacked the determination
to complete a goal that they have set. They are the ones that were not able to overcome all of the obstacles in
their path. You know who I mean. The guys who never quite finished getting their merit badges or completing their
project before they turned 18. They are the ones who will say, later on in their life, "I almost made Eagle."
It is easy to nag Life Scouts on making Eagle. Many of them probably would not complete the requirements without
it. The truth is, however, they may not be procrastinators, as they are often called. They may be doing a lot more
than you think.
Look at the Eagle Scouts that you know. Think about how much they were nagged about their project. Think about how
many put it off until the last minute. Now, look at them from a distance. What else were they doing? Were they going
to school? How were their grades? Were they playing sports also? What about a job? Now, look at them in the troop?
What leadership position did they hold while they were a Life scout? How many times were they working with another,
younger scout. How many of those new scouts that crossed over in February did they teach skills? How many times
did they go camping? What kind of leader were they in the troop? Are you seeing a pattern?
The requirements for Eagle are not easy. It is not supposed to be easy to become an Eagle Scout. By completing
the requirements, suffering through the nagging, and finally getting the Eagle pin, the Eagle Scout has proven only
one thing. He may take time to complete different tasks. His tasks will get done, though. He will probably spread
out his time too much, and overcommit himself. However, he will get the important things done. He is an Eagle
Scout.
|
