I have to admit it… I’m tired.  Just one month back into the season and I feel like I need a week-long nap. If you’re feeling the same way, I don’t blame you.

A lot the players I’ve coached, trained and spoken to this month are finding it hard to give 100% on the ice, in the gym and in the classroom. It’s hard to keep the initial excitement of the season going once the reality of hockey, school and your social life hit full force.

But…

And this is a BIG but…

You and I both know you can’t go through the rest of this month as a walking zombie. Because this is a critical month for all teams to set the tone for the season by coming out of the gate flying and getting all their skills, systems and strategies in place.  It’s also one of the most important months for players who are looking to get noticed, scouted and recruited by college coaches. Early on in the season, you need to gain any advantage possible over the competition.
You can’t afford to be exhausted. You can’t let a little fatigue get to you.

As your schedule gets more intense on and off the ice in the next few months, your challenge is to keep passionately pursuing your goals with as much energy and effort as you had back a few short weeks ago.  I know that’s a tall order.  I’m feeling it too.

When you are doing everything you can to be your best on and off the ice, it’s hard to think about adding another thing to your already hectic schedule.  In fact, the most common question I get from highly motivated players who have already made the choice to become the best player they can possibly be is…

::  How Do I Fit It All In?  There always seems to be MORE to do.
I’ve been there.   When I was high school, it felt like there just weren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I thought I needed to do in order to excel on the ice and in the classroom.  I didn’t have any idea if I was wasting my time doing the wrong things or missing the important things entirely.  It wasn’t until I finally reached the elite level and starting coaching young players that I realized how much time and energy I wasted worrying about whether I was on the right track to achieving all my BIG goals.

I am here to help you figure out exactly what you need to be the best you can be.

::  I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I made as a young player.
::  I don’t want you to worry that you aren’t on the right track to success.
::  I don’t want you to miss out on your opportunity to become the best you can be.

I want you to achieve each and every one of your goals and realize every single one of your dreams on and off the ice. Becoming the best takes more time, focus and energy than most people are willing to give. But if you are willing to make that investment, the pay-off will be great.

Remember – EXCELLENCE IS A CHOICE you make each and every day, even when you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. In fact, that’s the most important time to be excellent because that’s when most people let their foot off the gas.

But you’re different. Because you are going to choose to be excellent no matter what life throws at you.  That’s what the great players do.

Make The Choice.  Work Hard & Dream BIG.

Your friend and coach,

Kim

Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
Director, Total Female Hockey
Girls Hockey Director, PEAC School For Elite Athletes