Words Are Power

According to Dr. T, “The cognitive behavioral model of psychology explains that our thoughts (projected by the language we use) directly influence our emotions, actions, and responses. The human brain can experience up to 60,000 thoughts per day, 80% of which are negative or irrational. Further, 90% are repetitive. However, in any given moment, we can only process one thought at a time. Therefore, the thoughts that we choose to focus on will directly influence our emotions and responses, conveyed though our language or the words we speak.

“With each description, I endeavor to capture the power of what was said, the context in which it was said, and the impact it has on the team’s emotional, psychological, and physical response.”

“That’s us, that who we are.” — Mike Vrabel (post-game speech)

A young adult’s development is influenced by his or her relationship with others such as a connection to a community or team. This quote affirms team unity by linking performance to a shared identity, enhancing group cohesion. It also encourages ownership and pride in the team’s effort. Further, it promotes psychological resilience as it builds confidence and emotional stability, achieving such by framing success as a reflection of who they are (character) rather than what they accomplished. Finally, this quote promotes intrinsic motivation as the focus is on “us” and brings the power within our control, raising the questions “who do we want to be?” and “how do we want to perform?”  

“We’re Built for this.” — Sean McVay (post-game speech)

This quote promotes confidence and a growth mindset by reinforcing belief in the team’s resilience, preparation, and ability to handle adversity. By saying “WE,” McVay shifts the focus to “us” vs “them” and strengthens team unity and shared purpose, fostering a collective mission. It also uses cognitive reframing to shift focus from challenges to strengths, boosting motivation and mental toughness. Furthermore, by using the statement “all week long” in a message to the team, McVay ingrains this affirmation in the learning process causing the brain to start to believe WE ARE BUILT FOR THIS. This reiteration minimizes the chance of negative competing thoughts and allows the team to experience emotions and confidence, promoting success on the field.   

“Who has it better than us? Nobody!” — Jack Harbaugh (a million times)

While this quote is inspiring by itself, psychologically, it is so much more. First, it brings everyone together by reinforcing belief in the group’s strength and success through a unifying, question-and-response format. The quote also strengthens team identity and belonging by framing the group as fortunate and connected. Finally, it promotes positivity and gratitude by cultivating appreciation for the team’s shared experience, boosting morale and emotional resilience. Human beings are naturally biased towards negativity, favoring such up to 4-7 times greater than positivity. Negative thinking directly promotes negative emotions like anxiety, irritability, and frustration which impacts performance. This intentional and uplifting question empowers us to make a choice: to think positively, evoking an enthusiastic response. Gratitude reframes our brains’ perception of experiences which also releases neurochemicals that improve mood, reduce anxiety, and promote a feeling of openness and acceptance. Positivity and gratitude are directly correlated with successful outcomes!

Arman Taghizadeh, M.D. also known as “Dr. T”, is a Johns Hopkins trained Board Certified Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist also specializing in Sports Psychiatry. He is the founder of Mindset Training Institute® (MTI), host of the “The Mindset Experience®” podcast and a 2023 TEDx speaker. Baltimore Magazine has selected him as “Top Doctor” every year since 2016.  He is a member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry, certified by the American Board of Sports & Performance Psychiatry, a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA).