Several months ago, I made my first attempt to play the role of a defenseman. Playing defense is something I have attempted in the past but never when it mattered - a real game. The responsibility had me feeling a bit nervous.

I found myself where the weight of stress, both internal and external, threatened to overshadow my abilities on the ice. Not only did I carry the burden of what my teammates thought of me playing this new role, but I also shouldered the heaviness of my own self-perception. This overwhelming pressure resulted in a performance where I was overthinking, stuck in my head, and unable to tap into my fullest potential. It is this dynamic which leads to our first point on how to deal with the external and internal pressures of hockey.

External Pressures

1. Embrace Love as Your Thought Program

Enter the first period. I was on edge. I was holding my stick too tight. I was thinking more than I was playing, and I almost made a costly mistake. I was playing with fear. By the the third period, more predictability began to set in. I could read plays better. I found my footing. I started to get comfortable and started to develop a genuine passion for the position, making me more effective on my shifts. There was a dramatic difference in my playstyle. During the first period I operated in fear and by the third period I operated in love.

Love is a thought program that is based on positivity, enthusiasm, and a desire to succeed. Love is characterized by a focus on the enjoyment of the game, the desire to improve, and a willingness to take risks. It is what emerged for me in the third period. When a player is in a state of love, they are more likely to play with confidence, creativity, and passion - components which matter in big game scenarios.

Players who use the love thought program are often the ones who take risks, make bold moves, and are not afraid to try new things. Stress has zero existence. Rather, they are focused on the enjoyment of the game and are willing to put in the work to improve their skills. These players are often the ones who make the big plays and lead their teams to success.

2. Develop an Infinite Mindset

Years ago, I had the privilege of reading Simon Sinek's book, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Within the pages of the book, he introduces his concept of the "infinite mindset." An infinite mindset is one focused on staying in the game for the long haul, rather than achieving short-term success. It is a mindset not limited by the boundaries of the present moment or the outcome of a single game or season. Rather, it is rooted in the idea that there is no finish line in life and success is not a destination but a journey.

Hockey players with an infinite mindset have a sense of purpose which goes beyond winning games. They are thinking about the here and now, but they are also invested in their own personal legacy. They also care and take pride in the hockey club. Hockey is more than a game to them. It is a metaphor for life, and they take every aspect of the game seriously and handle it with respect. In other words, understand your life or career is not just about this one moment. It is simply a smaller piece in the bigger picture. Do not over inflate the moment.

...

Unlock Premium Content by starting your Premium subscription to view 22 more paragraphs