Are You “Growing into Your Potential?”
For a hockey player, “growing into your potential” is the process of developing and utilizing your inherent abilities, talents, and capabilities to their fullest extent.
Growing into your potential is getting the most out of yourself, day in and day out.
The process of growing into your potential is a grind. It takes work. In fact, it may be better stated that an athlete needs to “work” into their potential.
While many hockey players talk about achieving their potential, not all are willing to do the work, make sacrifices, and put in the effort, especially when tired or when they don’t feel like practicing.
How does a hockey player uncover their potential?
Several Elements Will Help Keep you Energized and Focused
- Mindset – It is important to be committed to daily improvement. A commitment to excellence lays the foundation for accomplishment.
- Assessment – Where does your game currently stand? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What improvements can you make mentally, physically, technically, or tactically?
- Goals – What mental and physical skills can you improve to take your game to the next level? Set some clear, specific, and realistic improvement goals.
- Strategic planning – How are you going to improve? What resources will you utilize? How will you hold yourself accountable?
- Implementation – This step is simply putting the plan into action. When, where, and how will you work on developing your mental and physical skills?
- Analysis – Frequently assessing your development will enable you to monitor your progress and adjust your training plans if necessary.
It is important to remember that progress is fluid. What was once a weakness may turn into a strength. What worked yesterday may not be as effective today.
When you are committed to your potential, you become motivated to find ways to lift your game up.
Defenseman Vsevolod Komarov has been committed to growing his game since the Buffalo Sabers selected him in the fifth round (No. 134) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Komarov has worked hard to become a legitimate two-way defenseman and is currently one of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League scoring leaders in his position.
KOMAROV: “I love to play offensive and defensive. I want to be a two-way defenseman. I’m trying to progress everywhere, [defensive] zone, offensive zone, everywhere. I’m trying to be good on offense and same thing on defense. Last year I think I played well in the offensive zone but I’m trying to be an all-around player.”
Growing into your potential is more about walking the walk than talking the talk. So what will you do to grow into your potential?
Create a personal mission statement. A mission statement is a simple statement about your goals, values, and objectives.
For example, “To lead by example and constantly strive for athletic growth and development.”
Frequently remind yourself of your mission, especially when training is challenging, or you run into an obstacle during the season.
Related Articles on Hockey Mental Game:
- How to Play to Your Potential in Hockey
- One Reason Top Hockey Teams Fail to Reach Their Potential
- Mental Keys to Recovery for Hockey Players
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