Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) meeting in Pittsburgh. As an Eagle Scout and the author of the Amazon best-selling novel “The Other Side of the Sun,” I shared how the lessons I learned through Scouting have not only shaped my personal and professional life but also influenced my writing. In my book, I explore a world where technology suddenly ceases to function, and the skills and values I gained as an Eagle Scout become more relevant than ever. Below is the full text of my speech, which delves into the connection between my Scouting experiences and my debut novel:
Good evening, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be with you today at the National Eagle Scout Association meeting here in Pittsburgh. Thank you for the brats and brews. Not exactly my pre-speech ritual! Delicious, nonetheless.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for being invited to speak to such a distinguished group of individuals. As a proud Eagle Scout myself, it’s an honor to share my experiences and insights with you tonight.
For those who don’t know me, my name is Chris Gardner, and I currently serve as the Vice President of Original Mattress Factory. I’ve been with the company since 1996, when I started as a part-time college student loading mattresses on weekends. The journey to bring me here tonight is a direct result of my mad knot tying skills while securing a mattresses for Bill. Mad skills learned over decades of making sure people get their products home safely. We’ll talk more about that later.
Over the years, through hard work and dedication, I worked my way up the ranks to my current position, where I oversee advertising efforts across 13 different markets.
In addition to my role at Original Mattress Factory, I recently ventured into the world of writing. Last month, I published my first novel, “The Other Side of the Sun,” a gripping story about a world where technology suddenly ceases to function. To my amazement and delight, the book has become an Amazon best-seller, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my creativity and passion with readers worldwide. My novel is very popular right now in India…who knew.
However, before I delve into the connection between my professional achievements and my scouting experiences, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most significant milestones in my life: attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1991, at the age of 15, I earned this prestigious award, and it has remained one of my crowning achievements ever since.
The journey to becoming an Eagle Scout was not an easy one, but it was a path filled with invaluable lessons, unforgettable experiences, and personal growth. The skills, values, and character traits I developed during my time in scouting have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today, both in my personal and professional life.
As I stand here this tonight, I can confidently say that my experiences in scouting have played a crucial role in my success. The lessons I learned as a young scout have guided me through the challenges, triumphs, and some setbacks in my career and life, and they continue to serve as a foundation for my decision-making and leadership style today.
Over the next few minutes, I’d like to share with you some of the key ways in which scouting has influenced my life and career. From the establishing of core values to the power of teamwork and grit, I hope my story will inspire and resonate with you, just as the scouting movement has inspired and shaped countless lives over the years.
The Scout Law, a set of twelve principles that every Scout pledges to live by, has been a guiding light throughout my life. These principles, which include being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent, have served as a moral compass, helping me navigate the complexities of life and make decisions that align with my values. Tonight, I want to focus on three specific aspects of the Scout Law that have had a profound impact on my personal and professional journey: loyalty, cheerfulness, and something that I think embraces all of them put together, grit.
Loyal
A scout is true to their family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation. I remember this being read at my Eagle Scout ceremony.
Loyalty is a cornerstone of the scouting experience, and it has played a significant role in shaping my life. As a child, my family moved multiple times, which meant I was involved in four different Boy Scout troops between the ages of 12 and 18. Each time we moved, my parents prioritized getting me involved in Scouts right away.
Even though I was the new kid in town, Scouts provided me with a sense of belonging and stability during those transitional periods. When I had no friends, I could always count on Scouting to keep me engaged, whether it was working on merit badges or participating in outdoor activities.
Scouting gave me the stability I craved in my life, and it taught me the importance of being loyal to the people and organizations that support you. This lesson has carried over into my professional life as well. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been working at Original Mattress Factory for nearly thirty years, since I was 19 years old. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, such long-term commitment to a single company is incredibly rare. However, my loyalty to OMF stems from the values I learned in Scouting.
Just as Scouting provided me with a supportive environment and opportunities for growth, Original Mattress Factory has done the same. The company has invested in my development, recognized my contributions, and given me the chance to advance my career. In return, I have remained dedicated to the company’s mission and have worked hard to contribute to its success. This mutual loyalty between employer and employee is something I deeply value, and it has been a key factor in my professional growth.
However, it’s important to note that loyalty is not something that should be given blindly. It must be earned. Had Scouting been a poorly run organization or had it failed to live up to its values, I would not have remained committed to it.
Similarly, if Original Mattress Factory had been a terrible company to work for, I would have sought opportunities elsewhere. Loyalty is a two-way street, and it requires both parties to uphold their end of the bargain.
In my experience, loyalty is about more than just sticking with something or someone. It’s about being true to your values and supporting the people and organizations that align with those values. It’s about building relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. When you find those connections, whether it’s through Scouting, your career, or your personal life, it’s important to nurture and maintain them.
Loyalty is not just about being committed to others; it’s also about being true to yourself and your own values. As we navigate the complexities of life, we all face situations where our loyalty may be tested. You may be tempted to compromise your principles for the sake of fitting in or avoiding conflict. However, it’s in these moments that our true character shines through. Being loyal to our own values and beliefs, even when it’s difficult, is a sign of integrity and strength.
In your own lives, there have likely been times when you’ve had to stand up for what you believe in, even when it meant going against the grain. As leaders in your respective fields, you’ve likely encountered situations where the easy path would have been to go along with the crowd or make decisions that prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
However, your loyalty to your values and to your organization’s mission has likely guided you to make the right choice, even when it was the harder path.
Scouting taught us that loyalty is not just a one-time act, but a consistent way of living. It’s about showing up day after day, putting in the work, and being there for others when they need you. Whether it’s in your personal relationships, your career, or your community involvement, being loyal requires ongoing effort and dedication.
So, surround yourself with people and organizations that earn your loyalty and that demonstrate loyalty to you in return. Build relationships based on trust, respect, and shared values. And when faced with challenges or temptations to compromise your principles, remember the lessons of loyalty you learned in Scouting. Stay true to yourself, your values, and the people and causes you believe in, and you will find that loyalty will be one of the greatest strengths you possess.
Cheerful
Cheerfulness may seem like an odd topic to discuss, but it’s a crucial aspect of the scouting experience and one that has had a profound impact on my life.
To me, being cheerful is closely tied to one’s outlook on life. Are you an optimist who sees the best in every situation, or are you a pessimist who focuses on the negative? Your attitude not only affects your own well-being but also influences the people around you. Are you someone others want to be around, or are you a perpetual sourpuss?
I vividly remember a pivotal moment during a hike up the Tooth of Time at Philmont Scout Ranch one sweltering summer day. For those who have had the privilege of experiencing Philmont, you know that while the Tooth of Time hike isn’t the most challenging trek in the world, it’s still enough to wear you out, especially under the scorching sun.
As a teenager, I found myself grumbling and complaining a bit too much for one of the adults’ liking. The adult pulled me aside and said something that has stuck with me ever since: “Chris, you are in the best shape you will ever be in your life. You don’t have a job, and your biggest worry is what you’re doing on a Saturday night. This may be your only opportunity to fully enjoy this experience, so you need to choose to have a better attitude. Someday, you’ll wish you could be out hiking in Philmont again.” He had some other, more colorful metaphors than I’ll use here tonight.
Those words hit me hard as a sensitive 16 year old. I realized that my negative attitude was not only impacting my own experience but also affecting the morale of the entire group. I made a conscious decision to shift my mindset and embrace the challenge with a more positive outlook. The rest of the hike became an incredible adventure. I took it all in and chose to have a better attitude. We made it to the top and I still have the picture we took. I’m grateful Mr. Greer had the sense to guide me to a better mindset. One brief exchange has a lasting impact on me.
I’m sure the adult thought I was mocking his advice, but it truly had an impact on me.
This lesson in cheerfulness has stayed with me throughout my life, both personally and professionally. In my career at Original Mattress Factory, I’ve faced numerous challenges and setbacks. However, I’ve always tried to maintain a cheerful attitude, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. I’ve found that a positive outlook is contagious, and it can help rally a team around a common goal, even in the face of adversity.
Moreover, as an author, cheerfulness has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of the creative process. Writing a novel is a daunting undertaking, filled with moments of self-doubt and frustration. By maintaining a cheerful disposition and celebrating the small victories along the way, I was able to persevere through the tough times and ultimately achieve my dream of publishing my book.
Cheerfulness is not about denying the existence of problems or challenges. Rather, it’s about choosing to approach them with a positive mindset and a determination to find solutions. It’s about recognizing that even in the darkest of times, there are always reasons to be grateful and opportunities for growth and learning.
I encourage everyone to embrace the value of cheerfulness in your own lives. Choose to be the person who brings light and positivity to those around you. When faced with challenges, whether it’s a difficult project at work or a personal obstacle, remember that your attitude is a choice. By maintaining a cheerful outlook, you not only improve your own experience but also inspire and uplift those around you.
In the words of Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, “A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances.” What a great outlook to have. If only everyone could embrace life in this manner!
Grit
Grit is a trait that encompasses perseverance, resilience, and the determination to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals. While it may not be explicitly listed in the twelve points of the Scout Law, I believe that grit is a fundamental quality that every Scout should strive to develop and embody.
In today’s fast-paced, instant-gratification culture, grit is a rare and valuable commodity. It’s easy to give up when faced with challenges or setbacks, but true success and personal growth often require pushing through those difficult moments.
Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a perfect example of the importance of grit.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is not an easy feat. It requires years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Along the way, there are countless obstacles to overcome, from mastering new skills to completing challenging merit badges and service projects. There are moments of frustration, self-doubt, and exhaustion. It’s in these moments that grit becomes essential.
Grit is what keeps you going when you want to quit. It’s the inner strength that propels you forward, even when the path ahead seems daunting. It’s the resilience to pick yourself up after a setback and try again, learning from your mistakes and adapting your approach. Grit is the unwavering commitment to your goals, even when the journey is long and arduous.
In my own life, grit has been a crucial factor in my success, both in Scouting and in my professional career. When I set out to write my novel, I knew it would be a challenging undertaking. There were countless late nights, writer’s block, and moments of self-doubt. But I persevered, drawing on the grit and determination I had developed through Scouting. I refused to give up on my dream, and in the end, that grit paid off when one singular person I didn’t know asked if there would be a sequel. – True story.
Grit is not just about individual success. It’s also about being a leader and setting an example for others. When you demonstrate grit in the face of adversity, you inspire those around you to do the same. You show them that challenges can be overcome, that setbacks are temporary, and that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible.
To my fellow Eagle Scouts in the audience tonight, I encourage you to continue cultivating grit in your own lives. Embrace the challenges that come your way, whether it’s a difficult project at work, a demanding leadership role, or a personal obstacle. Remember that setbacks and failures are not the end of the journey, but rather opportunities for growth and learning.
Develop the resilience to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.
As Eagle Scouts, we have already demonstrated the grit and determination necessary to achieve one of the highest honors in Scouting. We have persevered through countless challenges, setbacks, and obstacles, and have emerged stronger and more resilient as a result.
Now, as adults and leaders in our respective fields, we have the opportunity to apply that same level of grit to our personal and professional lives. Whether we’re facing a difficult project at work, navigating a challenging relationship, or pursuing a long-held dream, remember the lessons you learned in Scouting.
Draw upon the inner strength and resilience that helped you achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, and use it to propel you forward in the face of adversity.
Moreover, as Eagle Scouts, we have a unique opportunity to serve as role models and mentors for the next generation of Scouts. By sharing our experiences, wisdom, and guidance, we can help inspire and empower young people to develop the same level of grit and determination that has served us so well in your own lives.
Whether you’re volunteering as a Scout leader, mentoring a young person in your community, or simply leading by example in your personal and professional life, we have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
In closing, I want to leave you with a final thought. The lessons we learned in Scouting – the values of loyalty, cheerfulness, and grit – are not just applicable to our time as Scouts. They are timeless principles that can guide us throughout our entire lives, helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities we face along the way.
As we go forward from this gathering, I encourage you to reflect on how these values have shaped your own life and career, and how you can continue to embody them in everything you do.
Be loyal to your values and to the people and organizations that matter most to you. Approach life with a cheerful attitude, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. And never, ever give up in the face of adversity – instead, draw upon your reserves of grit and determination to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the path may seem.
As Eagle Scouts, we have already proven that we have what it takes to achieve great things in life. Now, it’s up to us to use these skills and values to make a positive impact on the world around us.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you tonight, and for the privilege of being part of this incredible community of Eagle Scouts. I look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will accomplish in the years ahead, and to continuing to be inspired by your example of leadership, service, and excellence.
As I reflect on my journey from a young Scout to an Eagle Scout, and now to a successful business leader and author, I am struck by how the lessons I learned in Scouting have prepared me for the challenges I face both in the real world and in the fictional world of my novel, “The Other Side of the Sun.”
In the book, the characters find themselves in a world where technology has failed, and they must rely on their wits, skills, and resilience to survive. The values of loyalty, cheerfulness, and grit that I gained through Scouting become essential tools for navigating this new reality. From building shelters and starting fires to leading others and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity, the skills and character traits I developed as an Eagle Scout are put to the ultimate test.
Writing “The Other Side of the Sun” allowed me to explore how the timeless lessons of Scouting can be applied to even the most extreme and challenging situations. It is my hope that readers will not only be entertained by the story but also come away with a deeper appreciation for the value of these skills and character traits in their own lives.
To my fellow Eagle Scouts, I encourage you to continue living by the Scout Oath and Law, and to use your skills and experiences to make a difference in your communities and the world at large. And to all readers, I invite you to explore the world of “The Other Side of the Sun” and consider how the lessons of Scouting can help you face the challenges in your own life, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you’re interested in exploring the world of “The Other Side of the Sun,” you can find the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Sun-Christopher-Gardner-ebook/dp/B0CTHQX862/.