“The way you do anything is the way you do everything.” – Tom Waits
As a teenage hockey player, you are balancing the demands of school, sports, and life. It might feel overwhelming at times, but here is the secret: the way you approach one area of your life often mirrors how you approach others. That is why developing solid rituals and routines for both hockey and schoolwork is so crucial. It not only helps you stay organized but also maximizes your performance in both areas.
Think about this: “How you do something is how you do everything.” This means that if you give your best effort and stay disciplined in school, you’re more likely to bring that same focus and energy to the ice. When you commit to routines, you build habits that support consistency, which is the key to success in both academics and hockey.
Why Rituals and Routines Matter
Rituals and routines create structure in your day, so you’re not constantly scrambling to figure out what to do next. They help you:
- Stay Focused: When you know what your day looks like, it is easier to focus on what is important. Whether it is an upcoming game or a big test, routines allow you to concentrate on preparation without distractions.
- Boost Confidence: Having a pre-game or pre-study ritual gives you a sense of control. Knowing you have prepared in the same way before other successful performances boosts your confidence, whether it’s before hitting the ice or heading into an exam.
- Increase Consistency: Great players and students are not just great once in a while; they’re consistently great. Routines help you show up at your best every day. You will notice that being disciplined with your schoolwork makes it easier to be disciplined in hockey, and vice versa.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant
Tips for Developing Effective Rituals and Routines
Here are some strategies to help you create rituals that work for both school and hockey:
- Schedule Non-Negotiable Study and Practice Times
Block off time in your calendar for both schoolwork and hockey practice. These are non- negotiable times where you are fully focused on the task at hand. No distractions, no excuses. Treat your study time like you treat hockey practice—show up, give it your best, and stay committed. - Establish Pre-Exam and Pre-Game Rituals
Before a big game or test, having a consistent routine can calm your nerves and get you in the right mindset. This could be a specific warm-up before games, visualization exercises, or setting a consistent sleep schedule before important events. In school, it might mean reviewing your notes in a specific way before a test or setting up your study space the same way every time. - Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition
You are a high-performing student-athlete, and your body needs fuel and recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help both your mind and body recover. Eating balanced meals and snacks is just as important for your brain as it is for your performance on the ice. Remember, if your body is not taken care of, neither your hockey game nor your schoolwork will be at its best. - Build in Time for Recovery and Relaxation
All work, and no play is not sustainable. Make sure you schedule time for breaks, hanging out with friends, and hobbies you enjoy. Taking time to relax and recharge prevents burnout and keeps your mind sharp for school and hockey. - Review and Adjust Your Schedule Regularly
Not all routines will work perfectly the first time. Be flexible and adjust as you go. The key is to experiment and find what helps you stay at your best both in class and on the ice.
“Your habits will determine your future.” – Jack Canfield
Applying “How You Do Something Is How You Do Everything”
Here is what that phrase really means in practice: If you slack off in your homework or skip studying because it is not “fun,” you are building a habit that could show up on the ice when things get tough. But if you bring the same dedication and focus to your schoolwork as you do to hockey practice, you will find yourself performing better in both areas.
By setting rituals and routines for yourself, you are not just improving one part of your life, you are building habits that will help you succeed in all areas. Success is built on consistency, and it is the little things that matter. Like showing up fully present for a study session or sticking to your practice routine, that create the bigger wins, both on the scoreboard and in the classroom.
So, commit to your rituals, stick to your routines, and remember how you do something is how you do everything. If you master that, you will be set up for success both on the ice and in the classroom.