From Burnout to Passion: How to Rediscover Intrinsic Motivation in Hockey

Over 16 years ago I created my first company. It is an organization I still have today where my team creates and designs presentations for some of the biggest brands in the world. It has been a profession which has allowed me to travel the world from New York to Saudi Arabia helping today's brightest minds plan and prepare for sharing their message on the largest stages. This opportunity has given me the privilege of seeing it all - presentations on AI, product design, global warming, space, neuroscience, advancements in education, and the list continues. It has been rewarding and honorable work but the journey has not been perfect.

In my adventure from start-up to an established agency, burnout was frequent and often. I could almost expect the feeling of exhaustion every 2-3 years usually following the high from completing a massive project for a client or accomplishing something personal like submitting a manuscript for a book. Some of these burnout sessions were managed properly while others hurt me and my business since I stayed in an unmotivated state for far too long. The feelings of overwhelmn and exhaustion are real and can kill all momentum and progress for anyone or any organization.

So, here is the bad new for you as a hockey player.

The sport of hockey also can not escape the realities of burnout. Hockey is a physically and mentally demanding sport which eventually produces the same outcome. Long seasons, long games, long practices - they all eventually take their toll. Players can quickly find it difficult to generate drive or desire to keep playing. So, it is critically important to be self-aware and rediscover your intrinsic motivation and passion for the game.

How does one accomplish this goal?

Here are my recommendations for moving from burnout to passion in hockey:

Take a Break

When I completed my first Ironman back in 2012, it was radically clear I needed to take time off from the sport. My brain and my body needed a break from the pool, the bike, and the run. So, what did I do? I stopped. I took a vacation. I slept in. I rested my body and my brain. Keep in mind, rest is good but do not abuse your rest. There is a fine line there and I will save that conversation for another day. Bottom line, you know yourself better than anyone else and you know when you have the rest you needed to get motivated and moving again.

Try a New Sport

This next recommendation is mainly for younger athletes who might have more flexibility or have not yet dedicated their life to the sport of hockey. Try a different sport. Play some football. Pick up baseball. Explore the world of tennis or golf. The main idea here is to go reset your batteries and remind yourself of your true love which is hockey. Once you start comparing and contrasting, you will realize why you fell in love with the game.

Set New Goals

I am one of those individuals who loves the idea of New Year's resolutions. Why? There is something amazing about having a new beginning or a clean slate to operate from as the year begins. In other words, I love setting new goals and dreaming up what life could be if I accomplished the items on my goal list. The entire process is intoxicating and can do wonders to reignite your passion for hockey or any other pursuit.

Change Your Routine

I love a good routine but sometimes routines need to be broken. For instance, I used to love doing my workouts in the early morning. Fast forward and I now do my workouts in the afternoon for different reasons. For starters, the afternoon fits my work and family schedule better. I am able to burn off the stress of the workday. I can get more sleep at night with young children. I also have more energy in the afternoon hours. It works for me and has helped me cross the finish line of two Ironmans and four half-Ironmans. However, I would have never known it would work if I did not change up my routine. Changing the routine breathed new air into my athletic life.

Connect with Your Teammates

And, finally we must not forget hockey is a team sport. It is one of the components of this game which makes it so beautiful. Lean on your teammates for support. Talk to them. Share your experiences. Work together to overcome challenges. A strong team dynamic can also help you rediscover your love for the game.

Parting Advice

Burnout is very real and when not managed properly it can undo any player. It can turn the greatest to good and those who are good to bad. The goal moving forward is to be self-aware and take breaks, set new goals, and change up your routines if needed. If you can approach everything with a proactive spirit, burnout can be avoided and if you are in it, these recommendations can also help you get out of it.