Discipline Lesson 1 – Language

Keeping our mind focused on the right things, and resistant to the wrong things, is a constant practice. Like most of our culture lessons, mental discipline is not something we are seeking to master; we are simply trying to establish a process of constant improvement. 

There are many ways for us to keep our minds disciplined and positive. One of those is the language we choose to use. 

The more often we use negative language, the more our mind and our outlook begin to match that negativity. Our behavior, and that of our friends and teammates, will also be affected.

The words we say to ourselves, and the ones we say out loud, are one of the most powerful forces in the world. Words change lives.

They can inspire people to climb Mount Everest, or pass out hot meals to people in need. They can unite entire countries, and pull someone out of despair and into a better place in their lives. They can express gratitude, love, and joy. Words, if we choose the right ones, can fill us, and everyone around us, with motivation and purpose. 

We also know that if we choose negative words, the opposite is true. We begin to create toxic mindsets and tear down otherwise hopeful people.

If we gossip behind somebody’s back, or insult somebody on social media, that negativity can spiral into many places we may never see. Our words carry immense weight, and even if somebody laughs it off in the moment, negative words can have huge lasting impacts on those who hear them. 

Many times there is a “pile-on” effect that happens when somebody brings up something negative. On social media, perhaps this is a rude comment. In the dugout or the stands, maybe it’s somebody questioning the coach or grumbling about the umpire.

Sometimes, in these cases, the best thing we can do is simply avoid “piling-on”. Don’t add a negative comment to the social media post. No comment is better than adding your voice to negativity.

Don’t add to anger, or to drama. No comment at all is far better than becoming part of the problem. If we have the opportunity to interject a positive statement, that’s an awesome thing to do. However, we won’t always feel comfortable or able to do that, so often the act of simply staying out of the negativity is the best course of action.

This is why we choose not to allow cursing in our dugouts and facilities. We want hopeful and positive interactions only, and words that highlight support and encouragement.

Parents, coaches, and players at Elevate are held to the standard of choosing positive conversations over complaining, blaming, or gossiping. If we all play our part, then our true optimistic potential can be fully unlocked.

Helpful Quotes:

Player Exercise:

Your words are extremely powerful for both you and those around you.

Think of an example of negative language either at school, during practice, or online.

This doesn’t have to be cursing, this can be any type of negative comment toward somebody. It could be an insult, a rude joke, an insensitive comment, or any type of putting someone down.

Think of ways this language could negatively impact somebody and imagine a better way to communicate that might make people feel more positive and encouraged. 

1. Do we always know when a teammate, friend, or somebody we come into contact with is having a hard time?
2. Do people always know when we’re having a hard time?
3. How can kind and supportive comments help people feel better?
4. How can positive language and encouraging words help a baseball team perform better?
5. Why does Elevate prohibit cursing in the dugout and in facilities? Why is this important?