Greatest Asset or Worst Enemy

When we tend to think about strengths and weaknesses of players we see lists such as: arm strength, bat speed, power, speed, fieldwork. If coaches are good then commitment, attitude, confidence, work ethic, all make the list as well. There is an item, a tool, that every athlete has that most people fail to look at.

Each and every person on a team, the coaches, players, parents, and fans included, all have a tool that is so powerful it can lead to either great success or the absolute downfall of a team. The tool I am referring to is the tongue.

Have you ever heard the crowd behind you cheering their loudest, your teammates standing and showing their support for you, and your coaches looking to you with the utmost confidence? How did you feel? Most people describe this situation as one that delivers a massive amount of energy, providing confidence to spare and clarity of mind.

Now, have you ever heard grumbling from the crowd because of a bad call, disagreement with a coach's decision, or a player making an error? Have you been at the plate and your teammates are consoling the batter before you who came into the dugout throwing a tantrum because they struck out? Have you been in a situation where the coach just hopes that the pitcher will walk a batter or that the defense will make a mistake so that the batter will make it to base? How did you feel? I would imagine you would feel completely drained. If you get sucked into the bitter talk that surrounds you, you may not even care what happens. If we had the choice of which scenario we were going to perform in, I am sure it would be an obvious one.

Most of the time we are so quick to speak without taking the time to filter our thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately it takes a lot of positive words to build a person up, but only one misplaced word to destroy a person. As an athlete it is easy to concentrate on what we can do physically to make ourselves and our team better. Physical readiness and training becomes much more beneficial, and even enjoyable at times, if you are operating in an environment of support, enthusiasm, trust, honesty, and loyalty. Choose to use your tongue to encourage, build confidence, and lovingly hold accountable those on your team. Choose NOT to complain, put down, discourage, sulk, or use any words or tone that would tear down your teammates, coaches, parents, or administration, as they are all part of the team.

The book of Proverbs, in the Bible, has many great words of wisdom. Many of the proverbs are focused on our speech. Here is one of my favorites:

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" Proverbs 12:18

Choose to bring healing through words of strength, support and encouragement. You will be amazed at the difference it will bring to all facets of your team!