Random Acts of Excellence In Girls Hockey
After running workshops for over 3000 girls hockey players in the last 18 months, I've come up with a brand-new term for players who SAY they want to get to the next level, but don't DO what it takes to get there.
“Random Acts Of Excellence” is the term I came up with to describe most of the players I meet when I am doing workshops at different tournaments, camps and tryouts. These players are really motivated and excited to do whatever it takes to stand out at the tryout or tournament. They ask me what they should eat, what training they should do, and how they should prepare mentally. But as soon as the “big event” is done, they go back to doing whatever it takes to get by. They fall into the pattern of just doing enough to perform well, instead of pushing themselves to be great. And it's committing these random acts of excellence that is ultimately going to keep them from getting to the next level.
You can't just decide that you want to work hard, get focused and do all the little things you need to do off the ice to perform your best when there is a big event coming up. Because excellence is not a “sometimes” thing - it's an “all the time” thing. It's easy to get excited, motivated and determined to work harder, dream bigger and take action when a big opportunity is in front of you. It's A LOT harder to be dedicated, passionate and committed when you are heading off to another weekday practice after a long day of school and a long night of homework ahead.
Great players choose excellence all the time.
They warm-up before every game - and practice.
They train off the ice - when no one else is making them but themselves.
They drink enough water and eat well - without being reminded constantly.
They set goals - and hold themselves accountable to meeting them.
They make the hard choice and hold themselves to a higher standard not because someone is making them do it, but because they choose to do it.
They don't just “turn it up” when there is a big prize on the horizon. They “turn it up” all the time. Because that's what it really takes to realize your dreams on the ice. A constant and CONSISTENT commitment to being your best each and every day.
The players that become the best don't just commit random acts of excellence. They make sure they take action each and every day, on and off the ice, towards their dreams.
Resource Box
Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS, is an expert in the development of aspiring female hockey players. She is a former NCAA Division 1 captain and played in the National Women's Hockey League for 6 years. She is currently the Girls Hockey Director at the PEAC School for Elite Athletes in Toronto and is the Director and Founder of Total Female Hockey. You can get complete access to Coach Kim's articles, videos, interviews and advice on how to take your game to the next level at: www.totalfemalehockeyclub.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http:// www.totalfemalehockeyclub.com.
