4 Effective Strategies for Finding Intrinsic Motivation as a Hockey Player

I often get asked what makes up a great coaching philosophy. My answer is always the same: optimism. When creating a coaching philosophy optimism needs to exist at the core since a positive spirit keeps athletes intrinsically motivated and that leads to greater performance. For instance, I recently became a youth hockey coach for 8U players. For kids who are under the age of eight, it is not about playing positions or even scoring goals. It is simply about having fun. They will want to come back again if they had a good time. They will not need encouragement or validation from outside sources (i.e. parents or friends) because they have a genuine love for the sport - a passion which emerged because of optimism and fun. Adults are no different. Athletes need coaches who encourage positive self-talk and imagery and elevate their mental game.

So, the key message here is that optimism sparks intrinsic motivation. However, sometimes players do not have the right coaches or people in their life where generating intrinsic motivation can become challenging. With that being said, I have put together four effective strategies for finding intrinsic motivation as a hockey player especially when you are left to cultivate on your own.

1. Set Meaningful Goals

Setting goals is essential for finding motivation. However, it is important to ensure that the goals you set are meaningful to you. This means setting goals that align with your personal values, aspirations, and passions. For instance, rather than simply setting a goal to improve your slap shot, focus on setting a goal to become the best offensive player on your team. It is more precise and will offer you more clarity and purpose.

2. Celebrate the Small Wins

One of the best ways to stay motivated is by celebrating small wins along the way. These small victories can serve as a reminder of the progress you’re making and can help you stay focused on the bigger picture. I will give you an example from my own life. In the early days, my skating technique was awful. I was disturbed so I signed up for a program where I could improve my skating. It worked. It was not a huge win but was still a win which propelled me into my next stage of growth as a hockey player.

3. Find a Support System

Having a support system can be invaluable when it comes to staying motivated. This can include friends, family, coaches, and teammates who encourage and challenge you. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help keep you focused and motivated, especially during difficult times.

4. Make it Fun

Finally, finding ways to make hockey enjoyable can help you stay motivated. This can include incorporating games or friendly competition into your training, or simply finding ways to enjoy the process of improving. When you enjoy what you are doing, it is easier to stay motivated and focused.

Parting Advice

Finding and generating intrinsic motivation is not always easy. You have to be intentional about finding ways to the light the fire in your belly. However, if you can follow these four recommendations they will provide you with a solid starting point, or a fuel of sorts, to ignite you and propel you forward.