For those just embarking on their National Hockey League (NHL) career or helping players prepare for their first season, it is much more than merely playing a sport—it's a journey filled with a whirlwind of emotions, highs, and lows, trials and triumphs.
One aspect that will significantly influence this journey is the player's mindset. Adopting a positive mindset is an essential success element that transcends beyond skill or talent.
Based on leadership principles and the experience of successful NHL players, we can outline five critical positive mindset elements that every NHL rookie should possess to make their first season a resounding success.
- Resilience: The ability to bounce back from adversity is paramount in the professional sports world. An NHL season is long and demanding, with inevitable setbacks, such as injuries, loss streaks, and periods of poor personal performance. A resilient mindset will allow rookies to learn from these experiences, quickly recover, and return stronger. Embrace mistakes and failures as stepping stones to future success, and remember that no path to greatness is smooth and unobstructed.
- Growth Mindset: Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research on growth mindset outlines the importance of viewing skills and abilities as moldable rather than fixed. NHL rookies should embrace a growth mindset, believing that they can always improve through hard work, effective strategies, and input from others. Viewing criticism and feedback as opportunities for growth, rather than personal attacks, is essential in maintaining this mindset.
- Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: It's easy to be dazzled by the glitz of scoring goals, delivering the perfect pass, or making the highlight reel. However, sustainable success comes from focusing on the process, not just the results. Breaking down the game into components—skill development, game sense, physical conditioning—and diligently working on them, often yields better overall performance. Celebrate the small victories, and understand that every step forward is a step closer to success.
- Positive Leadership Influence: An NHL rookie is surrounded by team veterans, coaches, and management who all have years of experience and wisdom to share. Engaging with these individuals, seeking advice, learning from their experiences, and modeling their successful behaviors can significantly influence a rookie's career. Moreover, promoting a leadership mindset, even as a newcomer, can impact the team's overall morale and performance. Positive leadership is about fostering a supportive and motivational environment for everyone involved.
- Gratitude and Mindfulness: Lastly, it's crucial for rookies to appreciate the journey they're on. Practicing gratitude—for the opportunities, support from others, and even the challenges—promotes a healthier, more positive mindset. In addition, being present and mindful in every moment, whether it's during training or an actual game, allows rookies to fully engage in the process, reducing anxiety and improving performance.
In conclusion, possessing hockey skills is, of course, necessary to succeed in the NHL, but without the right mindset, it's impossible to fully utilize those talents. A rookie armed with a positive mindset—resilience, a growth perspective, focus on the process, positive leadership influence, and gratitude—stands in good stead to navigate the twists and turns of their first NHL season, setting the stage for a successful and satisfying career.
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
