Hi All,

Today’s motivation comes from William Arthur Ward:

“The pessimist borrows trouble; the optimist lends encouragement.”
— William Arthur Ward

Many times, when I watch or work sporting events, fans will boo their team if their loosing. This week alone, I’ve heard more statements like, “you suck,” than words of encouragement from fans. At one point, if the team can’t come back from a deficient, some fans will walk out of the game, leaving their favorite team to the mercy of the fans of the opposing team. I’ve even seen fans throwing things at players. As a sports fan, I can understand how they feel. However, I don’t understand the logic behind it.

How is a team supposed to rise from a loss when their own fan base will not rally behind them? How is the loosing team supposed to feel the love, support, and encouragement of their fans when they’re being booed? I also wonder if this negative type of behavior supposed to lend support and turn the situation around? If so, how?

There are some that believe if you lend negativism in certain situations, that’s supposed to help a person or a team who needs some support. While I do believe in tough love, some of the unsportsmanlike conduct I witness from fans at sports events isn’t tough love, this is just down right disrespect. To add insult to injury, when these same fans enter the arena, they’re busy rushing to my section to beg for autographs and baseballs from the very players they’ll boo 2 hours later.

No matter what my team is doing, I always lend encouragement, no matter what. Many times, as I stand by the dugout, when I see my fellow co-workers who just happened to be the ball players enter into the dugout, I tell them there is a next time and that they can get through the loss. In my opinion, being an athlete can be one of the most grueling type of work there is. I know how they feel because baseball is very trying on my patience, my physical endurance, and outlook. Sometimes, you just get tired. You can’t always bring your A game with you. However, isn’t a joy when someone turns to you and lends you a piece of encouragement. To let you know that your okay and you can endure.

Lending negativity isn’t always the best way to handle a situation. Many times, all it does is perpetuate the very behavior that leads to more disappointments and breeds more contempt.  For example, while I was working a baseball game recently, I could actually feel the heat increase by several degrees in the seating bowl. During this surge in heat, fans were booing the home team. Its hot enough working in the lower bowl of a baseball stadium without people adding additional heat to the situation. By the way, the home team lost that game.

Is there someone you know that’s in a slump right now? It can be your favorite sports team, it can be a co-worker, or even a friend. Take the opportunity to lend them your support, your enthusiasm, and most of all, your encouragement. Give that person a pat on the back and let them know that your pulling for them all the way. Don’t leave that person in their time of need. By lending your support instead of negativity, you maybe able to help them turn that negative into a positive…to break out of their slump.