The Difference Between Trying and Committing: Unlocking Success in Hockey

A few years ago, my passion for guitar reached new heights. I delved into learning scales, mastering songs, and even jumped into the intricate realm of guitar pedals. Consumed by enthusiasm, I entertained the idea of crafting my very own guitar. Excitedly, I reached out to a local woodshop and embarked on the journey of creating a custom instrument. I dedicated time to researching wood types, acquiring materials, and preparing for the exciting endeavor.

However, as I familiarized myself with the various machines, saws, and tools involved, a sense of overwhelming complexity began to take hold. The magnitude of building a custom guitar surpassed my initial expectations, leaving me feeling ill-equipped to proceed. Regrettably, I chose to walk away from the project, realizing my level of commitment fell short. If I had been truly dedicated, I would have persevered and completed the guitar, proudly owning a unique creation today.

Life experience like what I shared above often demonstrates a common pattern among many of us. We find ourselves attempting numerous endeavors, yet failing to wholeheartedly commit when presented with the opportunity. Hence, it comes as no surprise that this phenomenon is prevalent in the realm of hockey, where young players often prematurely abandon their pursuits.

In the dynamic world of hockey, success is often determined by more than just talent and skill. It requires an unwavering dedication, perseverance, and the ability to differentiate between merely trying and truly committing to the game.

As a hockey player, understanding this crucial distinction can be the catalyst that propels you towards achieving your goals. Let us explore the disparity between trying and committing in hockey, and how embracing the latter can transform your game and lead you to success on and off the ice.

1. The Fickle Nature of Trying

When you merely try, your efforts tend to be inconsistent and reactive. Trying implies a lack of full investment and commitment. It allows for excuses and justifications when faced with adversity. Trying says, "I'll give it a shot, but if things get tough, I have an easy way out."

While trying may seem harmless, it limits your potential for growth. It prevents you from fully immersing yourself in the game and giving your best effort. Trying keeps you within your comfort zone, hindering progress and preventing you from reaching your true potential.

2. Embracing Commitment

Commitment, on the other hand, is the foundation of success in hockey. It involves a mindset shift and an unwavering determination to give your all, day in and day out. Commitment says, "I am dedicated, and nothing will stop me from achieving my goals."

When you commit to hockey, you make a conscious decision to invest your time, energy, and focus into improving your skills. You embrace the challenges, setbacks, and sacrifices that come with the game. Commitment means showing up for practice even on days when you feel tired or unmotivated. It means pushing yourself to your limits and beyond, consistently seeking growth and improvement.

3. The Benefits of Commitment

By embracing commitment, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities in hockey:

Consistency: Commitment fosters consistency in your training and performance. You develop a routine that allows you to continuously work on your skills, which leads to significant progress over time.

Resilience: Commitment equips you with the mental fortitude to face adversity head-on. You develop resilience to bounce back from defeats, learn from mistakes, and remain focused on your long-term goals.

Teamwork: Commitment sets the tone for teamwork and camaraderie. When you commit fully, you become a reliable and trustworthy teammate, fostering a positive team environment and collective success.

Personal Growth: Commitment extends beyond the rink and spills into all aspects of your life. The discipline and determination you cultivate through hockey transfer into academic or professional endeavors, making you a well-rounded individual.

4. Cultivating Commitment

To fully embrace commitment in hockey, consider the following strategies:

Goal Setting: Set clear and achievable goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term. This provides you with direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose.

Time Management: Allocate dedicated time for training, practice, and rest. Organize your schedule efficiently, ensuring that you give hockey the attention it deserves while balancing other responsibilities.

Seek Feedback: Embrace feedback from coaches, teammates, and mentors. Learn from their insights, make adjustments, and continuously strive to improve.

Embrace Challenges: Welcome challenges as opportunities for growth. Embracing them head-on will help you develop resilience, adaptability, and a competitive edge.

Parting Advice

The distinction between trying and committing can determine the trajectory of your success. By shedding the notion of trying and wholeheartedly committing to the game, you unlock your true potential, develop invaluable life skills, and create a pathway to achieve greatness.

Remember, commitment is a choice—a choice to push yourself, to persevere, and to become the best hockey player you can be. So, step onto the ice with conviction, embrace commitment, and watch as the game rewards your dedication with triumphs and fulfillment.