Why Faith is Key to Your Hockey Success!
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Let’s talk about something super important that can help you perform at your best on the ice. Focusing on faith over belief. It might sound a bit different from what you’re used to hearing, but trust me, this can make a big difference in your performance and how you handle stress reactions. Let’s break it down and see how this can work for you as you pursue your hockey dreams.
Faith Over Belief: What’s the Difference?
Belief is often based on past experiences and what you think you know. It can be limited by doubts and fearful thinking.
Faith, on the other hand, is about being certain of what you hope for, even if you haven’t experienced it yet. It’s about trusting in something bigger, whether that’s your abilities, your preparation, or even a higher power/God.
1. Faith Gives You Courage
Think about a time when you played your best game. You weren’t thinking about past mistakes or doubting yourself. Faith helps you stay in that high performance zone. It allows you to play at your highest level because you’re not limited by what happened before or what you fear might happen.
When you have faith, you believe in your potential and focus on what you can achieve. This mindset gives you the courage to take risks, try new moves, and push your limits.
2. Staying Present and Focused
Faith helps you stay present. Instead of getting caught up in negative thoughts or worries about the future, faith keeps you grounded in the now. When you’re on the ice, this means focusing on the game, your teammates, and your performance.
Imagine this: You’re about to take a crucial shot. If you’re thinking about missing it, you probably will. But if you have faith in your skills and stay focused on the moment, you’re more likely to score.
3. Playing with Passion and Purpose
Approaching hockey as more than just a physical performance can transform the way you play. See it as a spiritual act, a way to express yourself and connect with something bigger. This could be your personal values, your team’s goals, or even a higher purpose.
When you play with passion and purpose, every game becomes more meaningful. You’re not just playing to win; you’re playing to honor your commitment, to your parents, your effort, and your love for the game. This mindset will inspire you to give your all, every time you step on the ice.
4. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Nerves
Faith in yourself and your preparation can be a game-changer, especially during fitness tests and tryouts. Self-doubt and nerves are normal, but they don’t have to hold you back.
Remember all the hard work you’ve put in, the early mornings wake ups, the intense practices, and the sacrifices that you’ve made. Have faith that this preparation will pay off. When you trust in your efforts, you’ll find it easier to stay calm and confident, even under intense pressure.
Putting It All Together
Here are a few tips to help you embrace faith over belief in your hockey journey:
- Visualize The Future: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself performing at your best. See yourself making that perfect pass, scoring that winning goal, or making that crucial save.
- Positive Self Talk: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Phrases like “I am prepared,” “I trust my skills,” and “I play with passion and purpose” can increase your faith.
- Be Here Now: Practice mindfulness techniques to keep your focus on the now. Deep focused breathing, meditation, or even simple grounding exercises can help you stay in the present moment.
- Connect with Your Deep Why: Take a moment to reflect on why you play hockey. What do you love about it? What are your goals? Connecting with your deeper purpose can fuel your passion and keep you motivated.
- Trust Your Preparation: Remember all the work you’ve put in. The past is just a measure of how far you have come. Have faith that your preparation will carry you through, even in tough situations. Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
By focusing on faith over belief, you can overcome stress reactions and perform at your best. It’s about trusting in your abilities, staying in the now, and playing with passion and purpose. So, lace up those skates, hit the ice with confidence, and let your faith guide you to great performances.
You’ve got this! Take these ideas to heart and watch how they transform your game. Keep pushing, keep believing, and let your faith lead the way.
As a COR.E Performance Dynamics Specialist (Mental Performance Coach) I support young hockey players who aspire to be elite level players become more aware and tap into the highest and best version of who they can be.
