A Wall of Quotes: The Power of Words

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Parents can help coaches in their effort to encourage students to be proactive in practicing, in taking steps toward a successful season and even for competing in tournaments by creating a supportive environment for them at home. A great way to do this is with the power of words, affirmations and motivational quotes. Students everywhere need to be surrounded with words that encourage them and support them in facing obstacles so they are inspired to work towards their best selves. It’s important for students to face each day empowered to deal with any challenge presented in their path. Success Consciousness, a self-improvement website, notes 11 reasons why we all should be reading motivational and positive quotes. Those reasons include; to improve the day, to inspire, to prompt action, to give insight, to provide a wider perspective, to adopt positive thinking and to improve a mindset.
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Words are not just words, they have power. Many years ago, my family and I went out for dinner to treat ourselves to pizza ahead of a busy weekend. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we discovered it offered something very unique. Walking in it appeared to offer a typical experience for its patrons. However, this particular restaurant had a wall covered from ceiling-to-floor in inspirational quotes from around the world. Immediately you felt impacted in some way by the intention behind each word. The late great poet, civil rights activist, author and artist, Dr. Maya Angelou, understood the power in words. In 2011 media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, invited Dr. Angelou to be a guest on her show entitled, Oprah’s Master Class. There, Angelou spoke on the power that words have.

“Words are things, I’m convinced. You must be careful about the words you use or the words you allow to be used in your home. I think they get on the walls... They get on the wallpaper, they get on the rugs and your upholstery and your clothes, and finally into you.” -Maya Angelou

As coaches and staff at The Golden State Academy prepare to promote participation in tournaments, we understand that visuals such as vision boards, affirmations and even quote walls can be truly impactful in instilling confidence, goal setting and thus action in students. We’d like to encourage you to find space at home for motivational quotes. Below are a few examples of inspirational quotes that may encourage students to find their voice, be proactive, and enjoy the process of improving.

"If I don't practice for a day I know it. If I don't practice for two days, the critics know it. If I don't practice for three days, the public knows it." -Louis Armstrong

"Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use." -Ruth Gordon

"Just like charity starts at home we have to start making a change from our home and society. We need to work together to make this world a better place for women." -Smriti Irani

A successful competition for me is always going out there and putting 100 percent into whatever I'm doing. It's not always winning... People, I think, mistake that it's just winning. Sometimes it could be, but for me it's hitting the best sets I can, gaining confidence and having a good time and having fun." -Simone Biles

"Success is a collection of problems solved. " -I.M. Pei

"I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change... I am changing the things I can no longer accept."
-Angela Davis

“It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” -Anne Frank

References:
Sasson, Ramez. Success Consciousness.
https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/motivation/motivational-quotes/

Bernard, Barbara. (2017) Words Are Things. Huffington Post. 
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/words-are-things_b_9570336

Winfrey, Oprah.(Producer). Berlinger, Joe (Producer). Oprah's Master Class. (2011, Jan. 16).
https://youtu.be/nALvjShidec

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