Elevate Don’t Stoop

“Don’t stoop to their level” is a common saying Coaches used to say if the team we were playing had poor sportsmanship. The same saying could be applied if kids were bullying and the person at the butt end of the joke wanted to take the high road. This saying provides an interesting perspective when dissected. If we think someone or groups of people are acting in ways below our standards, why would we ever choose to lower our standards to join them? By stooping to their level, that is exactly what we are choosing to do. To avoid this, we should aim to elevate others. We should remain steadfast in our particular values and help bring those around us higher. Aim to elevate, not stoop.

When someone has a bad day and visibly is in a bad mood, having interaction with more negativity will only perpetuate their feelings. We do not want to add to their negative feelings, we want to bring them out of it. We should aim to act as the source of tranquility and stability when trying to elevate their spirits. We should want to and desire to be the source people in our circles look to when things go awry. By choosing to elevate others, we can become that beacon and spirit of peace.

The previous example spoke directly about emotions. This mentality of elevation can also be applied to more physical altercations. If we are around violent or rude people, stooping down to their level will only further spark tensions. It takes two people to start an argument. We do not want to be the igniter fluid that causes things to go up in flames. Oftentimes walking away or ignoring these types of people will completely defuse the situation. In a sense, showing them that they are acting inappropriately can help a perspective switch in their minds where they realize they must act differently.

It may be an internal battle to avoid stooping down. If we let our ego get the best of us, the easy decision is to join in on the negative emotions, to join in on the argument. Doing so is a choice to lose. The goal is not to go lower, it is to bring others with us, higher. By sticking to our values we are choosing to remain in an elevated state. A state we are proud to be in. Elevate don’t stoop.