Throughout history, we often overlook the profound wisdom that lies within the young. This article delves into the remarkable insights and experiences of those aged 22 and under, challenging our preconceived notions and highlighting the value they bring.

Uncovering the Hidden Wisdom of the Young

Out of the Mouths of Babes: A Testament to Strength

Psalm 8:2 in the Bible's Book of Psalms begins with the profound statement, "Out of the mouths of babes hast Thou ordained strength." This sentiment has been echoed through the years by those who have worked with young people. With 55 years of experience in the sports world and beyond, I have witnessed firsthand the poignant insights that emerge from the young. There were times when I learned more from them than they did from me. It is clear that the wisdom of the young often surpasses that of adults.

These moments have stayed with me and taught me valuable life lessons. As I instruct through Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), a methodology commonly used by sports psychology professionals, I have learned to be exquisitely present and pay rapt attention. When we do this, we can turn these experiences with youth into learnable moments.

Adults often dismiss the wisdom of young people due to the belief that they lack maturity, experience, and smarts. However, this is an unproductive and bad approach that can disrupt effective working relationships with them. By being open to learning from the pearls of wisdom offered by the young, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Letting Go of Disruptive Thoughts: A Nine-Year-Old's Insight

Language is a powerful asset that sets us apart from other animals, but it is also a double-edged sword. It can provide the wonderous advantages of creativity and problem-solving, but it can also lead to disruptive thoughts that can disrupt our focus and emotional well-being.

A clinical client, stricken with fear of the dark and unable to venture out during lightless hours due to watching too many horror movies, was able to separate himself from the unpleasant thoughts associated with darkness. He recognized that these thoughts were random events and not him. By doing so, he was able to venture into the darkness a few days later.

It took him just two sessions to conquer his problem by figuring out the distinction between useful and useless thoughts. This is an awareness that many adults take months to develop, if at all. The wisdom of this nine-year-old is truly remarkable.

A Young Man's Strategy for Self-Criticism: An Eight-Year-Old's Solution

A young man suffering from self-deprecating thoughts and the anger and self-loathing emotions stemming from athletic and other life mistakes came to me. After helping him understand and utilize the same concepts, he came up with a strategy for responding to self-critical thoughts.

"I'll flick them away," he said with conviction, and that's exactly what he has done since. No longer suffering from the thoughts and emotions that previously handcuffed him, he has found a way to overcome his inner demons.

The wisdom and resilience of this eight-year-old are inspiring. It shows that even at a young age, we have the ability to take control of our thoughts and emotions.

The Portmanteau "Nervited": Navigating Emotions

A former collegiate athlete, now starting her first career job, coined the term "nervited" to describe her mixed emotions. This is an example of a portmanteau, where two separate words are compounded into a new one.

She recognized the link between nervousness and excitement, which is common to our human experience. By acknowledging and embracing these emotions, she was able to successfully navigate the challenges of starting a new job.

Understanding the biological cocktail of cortisol and adrenaline that accompanies anticipation can help us turn worry into excitement. By focusing on positive anticipatory thoughts, we can avoid being overwhelmed by discomfort.

Another Nugget of Juvenile Wisdom: Channeling Energy

Sharing the "nervcited" concept with a young man preparing for a big sporting competition, he explained that nervousness and excitement are similar as they both produce energy.

If we channel this energy in the right way, it can help us perform better. Just like a released balloon with an untied neck or a powerful rocket headed to a self-determined destination, we have the choice to use this energy to our advantage.

The wisdom of this 12-year-old shows that even at a young age, we can understand the power of our emotions and use them to achieve our goals.

An Unexpected Advantage from a Sixth Grader

A young athlete with a lower-leg injury was faced with frustration and disappointment. However, he was able to identify an advantage to his situation.

"It's an opportunity to really focus on building my upper-body strength and my hand and arm skills," he enthusiastically stated. Many athletes would have been stuck in self-pity, but this sixth grader showed remarkable resilience and an ability to see the silver lining.

His insight shows that even in the face of adversity, we can find opportunities for growth and development.

Kids Say the Darndest Things: Building Positive Relationships

As the title of this article suggests, young people can say and do the smartest and darndest things. By paying sincere attention to them, we can build positive relationships with them.

Author and social media influencer Bryant H. McGill observed that one of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. This applies to all people, regardless of their age.

By giving affirmations to our young charges, we can strengthen our connections with them and help them grow. The rewards are mutual.