“Every goal starts with a dream, but it’s gratitude that keeps you going when it gets tough.”– Jonathan Toews
As a teenage hockey player, you are thinking about setting goals for both hockey and school. S.M.A.R.T. goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can help you stay focused and on track. But if you want to make these goals even more meaningful, consider weaving gratitude into the process. Gratitude not only keeps you grounded but also helps you approach your goals with a positive mindset, fostering growth and learning over just focusing on outcomes.
Here is how you can do it:
1. Start with Reflection: Identify Your Gratitude
Before setting goals, take a moment to think about what you are grateful for. Ask yourself:
- What are you most thankful for in hockey and school?
- Who has supported you on your journey so far—coaches, teammates, teachers, or family?
This reflection can help you connect your goals to what truly matters. For example, if you are grateful for your coach’s support, you might set a goal to work harder during practice to show your appreciation for their guidance.
2. Align Gratitude with Your Goals
Think about how your goals can reflect why you are thankful. Here are some examples:
- Hockey Goals: If you are grateful for the chance to be part of a team, a S.M.A.R.T. goal could be:
“Focus on improving my passing accuracy by 10% during the next two months to better support
my teammates.”
If you are thankful for your growth as a player, you might set a goal like: “Spend 30 minutes after practice three times a week working on my skating technique for the next three months.”
- School Goals: If you are grateful for the opportunity to learn, a S.M.A.R.T. goal could be: “Complete all homework assignments on time for the next grading period to improve my consistency and grades.”
If you are thankful for a teacher who inspires you, consider: “Ask one thoughtful question in every math class this semester to show engagement and appreciation for what I’m learning.”
By aligning your goals with gratitude, they become about growth and learning rather than just checking boxes.
3. Incorporate Gratitude Rituals
Gratitude can fuel your motivation. Try these rituals:
- Daily Gratitude Practice: Before practice or studying, think of one thing you are grateful for in hockey or school. This can set a positive tone.
- Journaling: Write down three things you are thankful for each day and how they connect to your goals.
- Visualization: Before reviewing your goals, imagine how achieving them will positively impact the things for which you are grateful.
4. Review Goals Through the Lens of Gratitude
Take time to reflect on your progress and how it connects to gratitude:
- Celebrate small improvements, like mastering a new skill or staying focused during study time.
- Shift your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to,” which can make even tough challenges feel like opportunities.
- Remember the people who have helped you along the way and think about how your growth honors their support.
5. Share Gratitude with Others
Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and helps you stay motivated:
- In Hockey: Thank your teammates for their encouragement and effort. For example, after a game, let a teammate know you appreciate their hard work on the ice.
- In School: Share gratitude with teachers who inspire you. A simple thank-you after class can mean a lot.
6. Make Gratitude a Continuous Practice
Gratitude is not a one-time thing; it is a habit that can boost your energy and resilience. When you make it part of your daily life, you:
- Stay motivated even during setbacks.
- Focus on growth and effort rather than just outcomes.
- Build a stronger connection to the goals that matter most.
Conclusion
As you set your hockey and school goals this year, remember that gratitude can transform your mindset. By reflecting on what you are thankful for, aligning your goals with those areas, and practicing gratitude daily, you will stay focused on growth and learning. Whether you are working on your slap shot or studying for a math test, gratitude can help you enjoy the journey and celebrate your progress. Start this year with a grateful heart and see how it elevates your performance both on and off the ice.
