“Success isn’t owned. It’s leased. And rent is due everyday,” JJ Watt, defensive end for the NFL’s Houston Texans.
Truer words have never been spoken than Watt’s famous quote on success. Success is something that is very elusive and requires a persistent commitment to retain.
Hockey is no exception for how success is always on lease. No matter how much you succeed at one level, you will have to prove yourself all over again at the next level.
As a hockey advisory company, we help players understand there is no time to take your foot off the gas if you want to continue to succeed in hockey. As another athlete puts it, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
It is important for hockey players to understand their previous season’s success might get them to the next level, but it won’t keep them there. Junior and College hockey is all about what have you done for me lately – not what did you do last season.
We have dealt with players who struggle with this concept. Some players expect their success to carryover to the next level like a seamless transition. When in reality top-pairing defencemen on major midget teams can find themselves starting out as 7-8 defenders on Junior A teams. Similar stories can be said for forwards and goalies.
We believe it is a good lesson to learn. Whether it’s a marriage, business or career, it takes constant hard work and focus to keep it headed in the right direction. Our past successes only go so far when it comes our future.
The moral of our newsletter is for young hockey players to enjoy their current success, but to remember you’ll be back at square one at the next level. Moreover, it would be wise to keep a humble attitude. If you don’t, humility will find a way into your life in an abrupt way.
@IceExposure