Happy New Year! A trail of 365 days stretches out before us with many challenges and limitless possibilities. It is customary at this time of year to make New Year’s resolutions in the belief that no matter who you are, what you do, where you live or what you believe, there is always room for improvement. We sometimes fall short of our goals, but that’s OK — self-examination is what it’s really all about.

Here at the start of 2025, Scouts and Scouters can look to the Scout Law for inspiration on how to improve themselves and their world. The Scout Law is just 12 words — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — but those words are guiding principles for Scouts everywhere.

I can pick out four of the 12 words that almost anyone could include in their list of New Year’s resolutions. The words themselves are simple, but they can have a profound impact on you and on our world. Precede each word with “Be more…”

Helpful — Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward. This goes all the way back to the unknown Scout in foggy London who set an example by helping an American publisher — William D. Boyce — through the gloom and then refusing a tip for his services. Helping others touches the lives of many in big and small ways. There is no end to the organizations and people who could use your unselfish, cheerful service.

Friendly — Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you. When we acknowledge and embrace our differences our community is a happier, stronger, richer place. Challenge yourself to make friends with someone you might not have thought much about before. As friends we can work together and make things happen that benefit all of us. 

Courteous — Be polite to everyone and always use good manners. Please and thank you are still the “magic words,” but some forget them in our fast-paced, connected world. We hear over and over about the things that divide us, but there aren’t half as many divisions as the things that connect us. Being courteous and kind (see below) helps bridge the gap, leading to compromise, cooperation and progress.

Kind — Treat others as you want to be treated. You’ve heard this one before. It’s the Golden Rule, a moral and ethical concept that has been part of the social fabric since ancient times. Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood said, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Mr. Rogers was a smart guy.

I am not suggesting that you are not already helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind. Only you can determine that. If you find that you could use a little fine-tuning in one or more areas (I know I can), do what Scouts do: Promise to do your best. Stick with it and 2025 may just be your best year ever.

Scout On!

Scott Fishel wears several hats in Scouting, including a longtime association with Troop 178 and Troop 1178 in Morton. You can contact him at [email protected]. Find a Scout unit in your community at beascout.org.