Recently a Scout Leader asked me to write down six merit badges that mean the most to me – subjects that made a significant difference in my life. I am an Eagle Scout. For those that do not know, there are well over 110 merit badges a Scout can earn. To become an Eagle Scout you need 21, but about half of them have to be the right ones – “required merit badges”.
A merit badge is just a field to learn about. There are requirements, and things you have to study and things you have to do to get each one. I had 56 merit badges. I was an ambitious young feller. But these are the six most significant subjects I put on my list. (The descriptions are mine.)
Entrepreneurship – Creating a business, finding customers and delivering value. Income and expenses.
Personal Management – Know how to manage your personal finances – spending, saving and investing.
Salesmanship – Whatever you have, you have to be able to sell it, and sell enough of it to meet your goals.
Inventing – Creating something new to solve problems and win customers. I have 34 patents, so it has meant a lot to me.
Communication – Getting your point across to various audiences in various ways.
Energy – One of my businesses is “Dr. Energy Saver”. We make homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
Those were my top six. What subjects have been important in your life? What do you need to know more about and do better at?
You mention health is important on your blog.
If you ever struggle with finding real food.
Go to http://www.millersorganicfarm.com They sell all homemade down to earth natural food. A 1 stop shop and they ship to your doorstep.
My favorites…astronomy, skiing, cooking, citizenship, first aid and camping. Skills i do use even today. Learned a lot being a patrol leader, learned a lot more from our scoutmaster. While not as ambitious, i too achieved rank of Eagle Scout.
I’m an Eagle Scout too Larry. Congratulations. And even more congratulations for remembering all those details. I’d have to really look up how many I had. All I remember is getting the bronze palm.
Family Life, Pets, Digital Technology, Personal Management, Personal Fitness, and Communication have been important in my life. I need to know more about everything and do better at everything.
Larry, as a fellow NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout, I couldn’t agree more with your choice of these 6 merit badges and the positive impact of Scouting. These merit badges also prepared me for a successful business career and a fulfilling life.
Environmental Science & Wilderness Survival were my favorite badges on my way to Eagle Scout.