This Scouter’s Minute has been shared many times over the years. I first posted about this one back in 2018 before I even thought of making this podcast . Back then my teenager was 13 and working on his ranks advancements to First Class. I remember giving this same advice. Make up your mind to become an Eagle now, and do it. For the past couple of years things have stalled with him just needing to complete 2 merit badges and his Eagle project. I totally get it. When your a teenager there are so many different, good things that can pull you in all directions like hanging out with friends, school activities, playing sports, working that afternoon or evening job, and dating. In short, putting your Scouting adventure to Eagle on cruse control may not have the desired results. In the case of my own son, time is quickly running out… 9 months time to be exact.

Found in the 1959 printing of the Scoutmaster’s Minute, this minute is entitled “Make Up Your Mind.”

“You can’t advance standing still”

Make up your mind that you will get to Second Class rank within a month or two months’ time, and then go right ahead. It’s as simple as that! Your patrol leader and your other troop leaders will help you, of course, but most important is the determination on your part to help yourself.

Somebody once said that the world makes beaten paths to the doorways of people who make better mousetraps. The beaten path notion has given way to a more aggressive approach to the mousetrap business!

Someone once said, “Just do good Scouting and someday you’ll be an Eagle.” Many people still say it unthinkingly. But it’s too long between Eagles!

Attaining Eagle rank isn’t any more automatic than leading the world in selling mousetraps. If you really want to be an Eagle Scout someday; and want it badly enough to make that your goal, keep pushing till you reach it. Take one hurdle at a time. Second, First, Star, Life; but don’t expect it to be easy. Don’t expect it to be automatic.