The Mental Game of Hockey: How to Stay Motivated and Not Give Up

Not too long ago I covered the topic of quitting versus giving up. If you missed that post, here is a quick recap: Quitting is bringing an end to something which no longer has an intended purpose. Giving up is bringing an end to someting where you still have a desire to see something to completion.

I assume you love the game of hockey which is why you are reading this post. With that being said, the topic of quitting should not even be on the table. So for this conversation, I want to focus on the latter and address how you can eliminate the give up option in hockey since that is the component which plagues most players.

Now that we are on the same page, here are some strategies to help you avoid the temptation of giving up:

1. Set Goals

Setting goals is an important aspect of any sport, and hockey is no exception. If not established already, you should be in the habit of setting goals for your life, the season, and the upcoming game. In other words, long term and short term goals need to be in existence. Keep your focus on these goals, and remind yourself of them when you feel tired or frustrated.

2. Lean on Your Team

Hockey is a team sport, and players need to work together to achieve success. Building team morale can help eliminate the give option by creating a positive atmosphere on and off the ice. Your teammates can help you establish a sense of a homebase - a core unit which you can rely on in good and bad seasons. Encourage your teammates, support them, and celebrate their successes so they will also return the favor when you need it.

3. Focus on the Positives

Hockey can be a challenging sport, and players may face setbacks and failures along the way. Instead of focusing on the negatives, focus on the positives. Enthusiasm, optimism, and gratitude - these three themes create a radical mindset difference. So celebrate small victories, learn from your mistakes, and keep a positive attitude at all times.

4. Kill the Mental Loops

The fast-paced nature of hockey makes it easy for any player to get locked into a judgmental mindset. They get focused on that "bad shift" or that "bad shot." Do not allow yourself to get stuck in the those mental loops. Acknowledge the mishap or mistake and move on. It is in the past. Focus on the here and now instead.

5. Talk to a Coach or Mentor

And finally, if you are struggling with the urge to give up, talk to a coach or mentor. Coaches and mentors can provide valuable insights, advice, and support to help you overcome your challenges and you help you reset your priorities and focus.

Final Thoughts

Giving up should never be considered as an option. There is always a workaround. You just have to be more aware of your feelings and attitude and then be be proactive with implementing the above solutions. You can change. You can preservere. You can succeed at this game.