In hockey, especially when talking about development, preparation, and skill DNA, one word seems to echo endlessly: confidence. Coaches emphasize it, players strive for it, and pundits dissect it.

But what if I told you that confidence is merely the surface of a much deeper and more powerful force? What if, instead of fixating on confidence, we redirected our focus to something even more fundamental: belief.

It's time to stop talking about confidence and start talking about belief, and to remember this relationship: perspective builds belief, belief grows confidence, and confidence enhances and dictates performance.

What is Belief?

Belief is the bedrock upon which all great achievements are built. It is the unwavering conviction that we have the ability to succeed, no matter what odds or obstacles may be in our path. Belief is not simply a feeling or a fleeting sense of self-assurance; it is a deeply ingrained mindset that shapes our thoughts, actions, and ultimately, our performance.

For successful hockey players, belief is the unshakeable faith in their skills, their training, and their abilities. It's the inner knowing that they can perform, excel, spot/crush/handle adversity and achieve. It’s the catalyst that propels them toward their goals and dreams. It is the belief in self, in ability, and in capacity to overcome adversity that empowers some players to reach new heights and conquer new challenges, while also being the same limiting factor that leads to other players' inability to perform.

Belief is built upon a foundation of remembering specific instances in the past when success was achieved. It’s what separates champions from contenders, and it is the driving force behind developing a Peak Performance Mindset – on the ice, in the dressing room and of course, in life.

The Relationship Between Belief and Confidence

Confidence is often mistaken for belief, but in reality, the two are distinct yet deeply interconnected concepts.

Confidence is the outward expression of belief, the visible manifestation of our inner convictions. When we feel confident, we exude an air of self-assurance, we stand a little taller, and we approach challenges with a sense of calm and poise. But if and when we don’t believe, our confidence suffers.

Belief, on the other hand, runs much deeper. It is the rock-solid foundation upon which our confidence is built, providing us with the resilience and determination to weather even the stormiest of circumstances.

Think of belief as the roots of a mighty oak tree, anchoring it firmly to the earth and nourishing it through every season. Confidence, then, is the branches that stretch toward the sky, reaching ever higher as the tree grows stronger and more resilient with each passing day.

By shifting our focus from confidence to belief, we tap into a wellspring of inner strength and resilience that empowers us to thrive in the face of adversity. Instead of seeking external validation or relying on fleeting feelings of confidence, we cultivate a deep-seated belief in our own abilities and potential, fueling us with the unwavering determination to pursue our goals with passion and purpose.

So back to that mighty oak tree…no roots, no tree.

No belief, no confidence.

How to Help Players Build Belief

Building belief is not an overnight process, nor is it a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to challenge the limiting beliefs that hold us back from realizing our full potential. Here are some practical strategies for helping your players cultivate belief both on and off the ice:

• Set Clear Goals: Belief thrives in the presence of clear, concrete goals. Teach your players to take the time to define what success looks like, both in the short term and the long term. Then, guide them to break down those goals into manageable steps, and to celebrate each small victory along the way.
• Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful tool for building belief. Teach your players to take time each day to visualize goal achievement and to create mental highlight reels that include past instances where they’ve had success. Teach them to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and sensations of success, and empower them to allow those visions to fuel belief in order to create reality.
• Challenge Limiting Beliefs: We all have inner critics that whisper doubt and insecurity in our ears. Teach your players to challenge those limiting beliefs head-on by replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Teach them how to and the importance of reminding themselves of past successes, strengths, and the progress they've already made towards goal achievement.
• Surround Yourself with Believers: Belief is contagious, so preach the importance of your players surrounding themselves with uplifting and inspirational people. Encourage them to seek out mentors, teammates, and friends who share their same visions and who believe in their potential. Remember, having  unwavering support from an inner circle will bolster belief in abilities.
• Embrace Failure as Growth: Failure is not the opposite of success; it is an integral part of the journey toward success. Instead of fearing failure, encourage your players to embrace it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen their belief in themselves. Remind them that setbacks are chances to course-correct, refine approach, and bounce forward, stronger than ever before.

Remember, it is the powerful force of belief that drives us toward our goals and dreams. By shifting our focus from confidence to belief, we tap into a reservoir of inner strength and resilience that empowers us to thrive in the face of adversity…and that makes us confident!

The true secret to unlocking our full potential on and off the ice is to focus on belief, not confidence.