How to Develop a Warrior Ethos for Hockey
I recently finished Steven Pressfield's book, The Warrior Ethos, and I found it be to incredibly insightful. It is an excellent read if you are looking for motivation from ancient and even modern history. Virtues like courage, honor, and loyalty are discussed in amazing detail. He also spends a bit of time discussing the importance of discipline, routine, and self-control which are all the elements of a warrior mindset.
Specifically, what I love most about the book is his focus on ancient Sparta and the warrior mindset every Spartan possessed. It is that same mindset which needs to be part of every hockey players' DNA. If you think about it, hockey is a modern day version of ancient Sparta. It is a sport that demands physical strength, mental toughness, and emotional resilience. To succeed in this competitive and physically challenging game, it is essential to develop a warrior ethos.
1. Develop Physical Strength and Endurance
Hockey requires a high level of physical fitness so it is essential to build strength and endurance through regular exercise. Not once a week or month. Every. Single. Day. A combination of weightlifting, cardio workouts, and agility drills can help you develop the physical strength needed to succeed in hockey. Remember, consistency beats intensity. You need to show up every day.
2. Practice Mental Toughness
Do you have quick decision-making skills? Would you define yourself as resilient? Do you have the ability to perform well under pressure? If your answer is no, then you need to work on your mental toughness. Visualization, positive self-talk, and mindfulness techniques can help you get stronger. Practice these techniques regularly to stay focused and confident on the ice.
3. Build Teamwork Skills
You signed up for hockey and this game is a team sport. There is no space for egos and martyrs. To develop a warrior ethos, it is vital to work on your communication, cooperation, and trust-building with your teammates. How can this be done? Be intentional about talking with others on and off the ice. Hockey players need to work together to achieve success so by building strong teamwork skills, you can improve your overall performance and help your team succeed.
4. Embrace a Competitive Mindset
Hockey is a competitive sport, and it is essential to embrace a competitive mindset to succeed. You can do this by setting challenging goals for yourself, staying focused on your performance, and learning from your mistakes. In other words, do not allow yourself to settle or become complacent with your progress. A competitive mindset helps you stay motivated and pushes you to strive for excellence.
5. Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Are you willing to go the extra mile, stay later, and push longer? Work ethic matters. Hockey requires dedication and hard work so developing a strong work ethic is mandatory for success. You can grow your work ethic by setting a regular practice schedule, being disciplined in your training, and pushing yourself to improve every day.
Parting Advice
Developing a warrior ethos for hockey requires a combination of physical, mental, and emotional preparation. Hockey is not just a sport, but a way of life. So, follow these recommendations and embrace the warrior spirit so you can level up your game on and off the ice.
