We've all been there before. Stuck in a room with a bunch of people that you don't know. They do those "Ice Breaker" exercises to get you all talking, but you still really don't know each other. Sure, you've now met, but you don't really know the people around you. The easiest and most effective way that I've found to get to know someone is through their philosophies. These are the rules they live by, and what keeps them in line and going on. These are what they've used to define themselves.

Think Different
There are many ways in this world to create something of grandeour. The Egyptians built the Pyrimids and the Sphynx through the work of many. The Wright Brothers built the airplane through the work of just two men. They both went down in the history books, but the Wright Brothers did it themselves. By thinking differently than the other people around you, you gain the ability to create something of grandeour on your own. The moment you step out of the boundaries set by other people on how to do things is the moment you begin to make a difference.

Don't Worry, Be Happy
Okay, it sounds like a Bobby McFerrin song, but I just phrased it that way because it sounds so much nicer. I've noticed through my years that being sad and worrying are things that I really don't like to be doing. Which would you rather be, sad or happy? What most people don't realize is that they have control over how they feel. However, they let their surroundings dictate how they feel. By looking at your surroundings in the right angle, one can always feel happy. The same goes with worrying. Just don't do it. With keeping these positive angles in mind, you may not live longer, but you'll enjoy the years that you do live more.

Always be Honest
While I'm sure everyone has heard it a million times before, it really is the best thing to do. ALWAYS be honest. Even the smallest of lies can not only come back to haunt you in the future, but it can destroy your integrity. Having people lose faith in your word makes them lose faith in you. If people can't depend on you, then they are less likely to help you later on in life.

Keep Your Word
If you said you were going to do something, do it. In business today, and even in your personal lives, people rely on you to get things done. If you say you are going to do something, make sure it gets done. If you can't do something, don't say you can do it. You are judged by how well you keep your word. How much is your word worth?

Dream...
This is something that so many people today have lost. They have lost their dream and settled for what they are today. No longer do they want more from life or to improve themselves. Even if your dream is a nice coffee maker or that large mansion you've always wanted, you have a dream. You have something to keep you going. Never lose your dream. If you want your dream bad enough, one day you will achieve it.

Lead by Example
While being with Venturing Crew 369, I have held (or am holding) all three youth leadership positions. Through this, I have figured out one very important thing. If you aren't doing something, then the people you are leading won't do it either. If you want anything to happen, you have to start it yourself. You can't expect others to do something that you yourself won't do. Therefore, the best type of leadership is by example. If you're doing it, it'll get done.