Grit Over Talent: Why It's the Key to Success in Hockey

In 2012, I completed my first Ironman. That accomplishment was then followed by another Ironman finish in 2013. At the time of this writing, I have completed 2 full Ironmans, 4 Half-Ironmans, and 10 marathons. I am an average body size. I have no special athletic talent. I can not swim fast. I can not bike fast. I can not run fast. But, I do have one thing - grit.

My ability to perservere through adversity and mental setbacks has allowed me to endure weekends consisting of 6 hours on a bike and 20 miles on a running trail. It has helped me power through lake swims with crazy swells, bike rides in downpouring rain, and runs in the bitter cold. Grit has remained the most important factor in my athlethic success.

So, when you think about the sport of hockey, a game which requires skill, speed, and strength - grit is also the most valuable asset, more so than talent or IQ. We are all familiar with the term grit. Your coach may say to you "need to be more gritty" or "grit through the pain," but what exactly is grit?

Grit is defined as a person's ability to persevere and maintain passion and effort towards long-term goals. In the terms of hockey, it is a battling through a tough shift or a long season. Talent refers to a natural ability or aptitude for a particular skill or activity. Again, in relation to hockey, think about one's ability to stickhandle or skate well.

Here is the good news or key differentiator about grit as compared to talent. Research has shown that while talent can provide a head start in certain areas, grit is often a better predictor of success in the long run. A study of West Point military cadets found that grit was a stronger predictor of completing the rigorous training program. Another study of professional athletes found that those with higher levels of grit were more likely to persist in the face of setbacks and injuries and ultimately achieve greater success. The studies are endless.

So why is grit so important in hockey? Here are a few reasons:

Physically and Mentally Demanding

The speed and intensity of which hockey moves make it one of the most physically and mentally damanding sports. Hockey players are required to be strong, fast, fit, and able to withstand the rigors of long seasons, grueling practices, and the wear and tear which comes with travel. Grit helps players push through the tough times and stay focused on their goals.

Resilience is Required

When Mario Lemieux, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, could hardly tie his skates because his back pain hurt so bad - what allowed him to perservere. Grit channeled as resilience. How about when he battled back from cancer to win a scoring title and the NHL's most valuable player award. Once again, it was grit channeled as resilience. All players will face setbacks. Grit helps players bounce back from these setbacks and come back stronger than ever.

Hockey is a Team Sport

When you decided to pick up the game hockey, you chose to not pursue an indivdual sport like tennis or triathlons. You chose to a part of a team. If one player is weak or fragile, the entire team suffers since hockey operates in a connected and interdependent format. Laziness, selfish penalties, and foolish can quickly dismantle any team. Players who are passionate and dedicated to their sport are more likely to work hard and support their teammates, even when things get tough. Grit is necessary to maintain your role and job on the ice so no one else suffers.

So how can players develop grit? I am providing three specific recommendations below:

Set Compelling Goals

Set short-term and long-term goals for yourself and be sure to break them down into smaller, achievable steps. For instance, what is your goal for the game this week. What are you goals for this season? Then, what are your goals for the next 3 years. Think about the right here and now but also set your eyes on the long-term future. I must also stress that your goals need to be measurable and compelling. You have to want to achieve them to the extent that they prompt you to get up in the morning, do more reps, and study the playbook inside and out.

Seek Continous Improvement

Are you familiar with the Japanese term kaizen? It stands for continous improvement. The Toyota Production System in order to slowly and methodically improve how they produced cars. As a hockey player, it is your reponsibility to strive for the same progress. Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to grow and improve. You must not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new approaches and techniques to level up your performance. This pursuit will only make you stronger and grittier.

Have a Growth Mindset

According to Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, you can only have one of two mindsets: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. In other words, you are either convinced there is no opportunity for growth and the world is the way it is for a reason which is fixed mindset. Coversely, you belief anyone can change or grow and that opportunities abound. That is a growth mindset and it is an essential piece of grit.

Final Thoughts

While talent is important in hockey, grit is the key to long-term success on the ice. Like anything of tremendous value, grit can not be achieved overnight but with intentionality, proactiveness, and awareness you can start making steps to make it a part of who you are as a hockey player. And, according to the research, more grits equals more potential for success.