The Power of Your Words

Building a Resilient Mindset in Times of Adversity

As a mental performance coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the words we choose can either build us up or break us down. This lesson is rooted in a personal experience during my time playing volleyball at Wake Forest. I learned that our words, especially in times of adversity, hold immense power. Today, I want to share why your words matter and how they shape your reality.

Our Words Create Our Lens

Imagine wearing a pair of glasses with red lenses. Everything you see is tinted red. Now, switch to blue lenses, and the world takes on a blue hue. Our words act like these lenses, shaping our perception of the world around us. If we constantly use negative language, our world appears dark and gloomy. Conversely, positive language makes everything seem brighter and full of opportunities.

This concept is crucial for leaders. The words we use internally (self-talk) and externally (communication with others) form the lens through which we view and process every experience. Our language establishes our emotional landscape, shapes our identity, and guides our behavior. If we see ourselves as capable and resilient, we behave accordingly, pushing through challenges with determination.

Words Have the Power to Build or Break

Words carry energy. Catabolic words, like stress hormones, break us down, while anabolic words build us up. Catabolic energy is destructive, creating a cycle of negativity that saps our strength and motivation. Anabolic energy, on the other hand, is constructive, fostering growth and resilience.

Consider the story of Bill Buckner, a gold glove first baseman for the Boston Red Sox. In Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, Buckner made a critical error, letting a ground ball roll through his legs, allowing the New York Mets to win and eventually take the series. Prior to the game, an interview surfaced where Buckner mentioned his fear of letting the ball go through his legs. This negative self-talk seemingly foreshadowed the infamous play, highlighting the power of our words and their impact on our performance.

Studies from Georgetown and Harvard reveal that negative thoughts are four to seven times more powerful than positive ones. When spoken aloud, this power multiplies, amplifying negative impacts. This is why teams like Nick Saban’s football squad have rules against negative talk, understanding that eliminating “dumb stuff” significantly boosts their chances of success.

Anabolic Words Anchor Us to Our Goals

Positive language, on the other hand, transforms adversity into opportunity. Take the Texas A&M baseball team, for example. Their motto, “Good,” embodies an anabolic mindset. No matter the setback, they find a positive angle, reinforcing resilience and fostering growth. Click HERE for a great YouTube short that shows how it’s done.

Anabolic words evoke powerful, positive emotional responses, fostering trust and collaboration. Think of someone who always has something kind to say. Aren’t they more trustworthy and enjoyable to be around? This positive environment nurtures success and strengthens team bonds.

Anabolic words also help us reframe challenges as opportunities. When faced with adversity, using positive language can shift our perspective, making it easier to find solutions and maintain motivation. This shift is crucial for athletes and leaders alike, as it encourages a proactive, growth-oriented mindset.

Consciously Choosing Your Words

It’s your responsibility to select your words mindfully, both internally and externally. Listening to our minds often leads to negative spirals, but speaking to ourselves allows us to control the narrative. Affirmations, simple yet powerful positive statements, can anchor us during tough times. They’re process-based, focusing on effort and mindset rather than outcomes.

Creating visible signs of success, like affirmations on mirrors or team mottos on gear, reinforces positive language. For instance, the Texas A&M baseball team wore hats and hoodies emblazoned with “Good,” constantly reminding themselves of their positive affirmation.

And most importantly, stop saying dumb stuff out loud. Commit to eliminating catabolic language, even just for a day, and notice the difference it makes. Reducing negative talk not only improves your mindset but also creates a more positive and supportive environment for those around you.

Let’s Discuss

Why do your words matter during times of adversity? Think of a time when you faced a challenge. Describe it using negative language. How did that make you feel? Now, reframe it with positive language. Notice the emotional shift? This exercise highlights the power of our words in shaping our experiences and resilience.

Take a moment to create your own affirmation. Something that anchors you during tough times and motivates you to push forward. Remember, the lens we choose to wear, shaped by our words, determines how we see and respond to the world. Choose wisely and speak life into your journey.

By incorporating these practices, you can harness the power of your words to build a resilient mindset, transforming adversity into an opportunity for growth and success.