Diversifying Our Game: How Outside Activities Shape Better Hockey Players
Jonathan Andrew Paul
Former Prosecutor + Certified Performance Coach | EMBA + Doctoral in Strategy Candidate
As we're navigating through the challenges and the exciting hustle of our professional lives, I felt the urge to share something very close to my heart - the value of getting outside the 'rink'!
Being completely absorbed in one's profession, especially in sports like hockey, is admirable and often necessary for achieving excellence. However, we must remember that the rink is not the only space where we grow. Our minds and bodies need diversity and fresh perspectives to reach new heights.
As hockey players, it's tempting to want to put in more hours, and more work. While practice is vital, it's also crucial to remember that our growth doesn't stop at the edge of the ice. There's a whole world out there full of sports and activities that can help us become better hockey players without us even realizing it.
Take a hike and observe how your stamina improves, enhancing your endurance on the ice. Play a game of tennis to refine your agility and coordination, critical aspects for dodging opponents. Try yoga for flexibility and balance or hit the dance floor to learn rhythm and movement flow, all of which can be translated back to our game on ice. These diverse experiences can enrich us as athletes and as people.
Remember, holistic development contributes significantly to our mental and physical health. It allows us to avoid burnout, reduces the risk of injuries, and even helps us maintain a healthy work-life balance.
So, let's step out, breathe in some fresh air, experience new things, and bring that experience back to the rink. It's amazing how our non-hockey experiences can shape us into even better hockey players. Let's value the time we spend away from the rink as much as the time we spend on it.
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After all, diversity is the spice of life, and as we continue to diversify our experiences, we become more well-rounded and resilient athletes.
Let's #EmbraceDiversity, #LoveTheGame, and #GrowBeyondTheRink.
About the Author
Jonathan Paul is an accomplished attorney, a Michigan Ross Executive MBA graduate, a former prosecutor, a certified executive coach, and a leader in the hockey world. Jonathan is a trusted advisor and mentor to hockey players, coaches, and organizations. Jonathan is the author of The Power Play of Positivity: Unleashing Success in Hockey Leadership, available on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9dZNGxM