“The Browns is the Browns…”
Famous last words by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster a few days prior to an NFL playoff matchup between his Steelers and the rival Cleveland Browns.
Smith-Shuster was answering a question from the press on if he thought the Browns – long a doormat to both the Steelers and all other NFL teams – were now a more improved bunch in 2020.
Smith-Shuster, known for his aggressive (and sometimes bellicose) words and actions against other teams, flatly implied that the Browns were the same doormat to the Steelers as always.
You probably know the rest…
The Browns jumped out to a 28-0 first quarter lead and never looked back, bouncing Ju Ju and his Steelers from the playoffs.
While it wasn’t the sole reason for the loss, however Browns players were effusive in their remarks that Smith-Schuster’s words fired them up. They used it as “bulletin board” material. They used it as extra motivation.
Words matter. What and how they are said matters.
Regardless of if you are an athlete or CEO, what you say will being either results or consequences. They impact your employees, your co-workers, and your business partners. And in your life, they mean everything to your loved ones.
Be careful what you say and how you say it. In today’s world, words don’t only matter, they are forever.
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