Discipline Creates Freedom: Lessons from the Navy SEALs on Achieving Success in Hockey
When I first started Ironman training back in 2009, I became fasincated by the topics of grit and mental toughness. I wanted to consume everything I could find on the subject. That is when I discovered books about the Navy SEALs.
For over a decade now, I have been obsessed with anthing related to this elite Special Operations force of the U.S. Navy. Their ability to maintain calm in the most stressful situations is inspiring. Specifically, their approach to living a life of discipline is something I am constantly aspiring to move closer to each and every day. With that being said, I am excited to share with you how the Navy SEALs' philosophy of discipline actually creates freedom. More importantly, I want to show you how you can apply it to hockey, and how it can help you achieve your hockey goals.
Who are the Navy SEALs?
The Navy SEALs are a special operations force within the United States Navy specializing in unconventional warfare, combat diving, and other high-risk operations. The name SEAL is an acronym for Sea, Air, and Land, which represents the environments in which they operate. They are among the most elite and highly trained special forces units in the world, and their missions often involve direct action, reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism operations. SEALs are required to undergo rigorous physical and mental training, and are known for their toughness, versatility, and ability to operate in extreme conditions.
In the words of Dominic Mann, author of Navy Seal Self Discipline: How to Develop the Mindset, Mental Toughness, and Self-Discipline of a U.S. Navy SEAL, he best defines them with three key traits: ruthless efficiency, lethal effectiveness, and relentless self-discipline. It is the third piece where I really want to center our conversation. By being disciplined and following a structured routine, SEALs are able to achieve a sense of freedom in their actions and decision-making. It makes them more efficient and productive - two outcomes which lead to greater success.
So, here is the good news. Discipline can also create freedom for hockey players.
The Role of Discipline
If a hockey player can be disciplined in their training, practice, and game preparation then freedom will follow. How does this happen? It is about understanding the difference between having a proactive or reactive spirit. Proactiveness exists at the core of discipline creating freedom. Reactiveness does the opposite creating a life of constraints. I will unpack both to provide additional clarity.
A Proactive Approach
When a proactive spirit becomes the driver, freedom awaits on the other side. For instance, if you wake up at 4am like a Navy SEAL and attack your day you are not at the mercy of other people's demands. You going to bed early to wake up early. You are hitting the gym and taking care of your body. You are starting your day eating right because you already invested time in the gym. As the day progresses, you are making these small yet smart deposits each and every hour which compound on themselves over time. If you do this day after day, the results are impressive.
In the context of hockey, imagine practicing your stickhandling every morning or eating three healthy meals every day. Perhaps it is working on your mental game by practicing affirmations and positive mental imagery each day. These deposits will pay off over time creating more freedom and space for you to breath physically and emotionally.
A Reactive Approach
Contrast the proactive approach with a reactive spirit of waking up late and checking your phone. This type of lifestyle will leave you feeling anxious about an email or text which requires your attention. You then scramble to get the task done and miss your morning skate or grab fast food since you did not have time to cook up a healthy meal before heading out the door. Poor outcomes begin to follow with negative compounding results. If not put in check early, the final conclusion can be disasterous.
Final Thoughts
Freedom from discipline is a powerful philosophy which can be applied to many areas of life, including the sport of hockey. It requires a proactive spirit and when followed it can produce amazing results. Take inspiration from the Navy SEALs and let discipline create freedom in hockey and your life.
