Hockey Sense: Installment #13: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Hockey Players #4

Be an “Everydayer”:

The older I get, the more I realize that attitude and work ethic trump talent and natural ability.  How we react to the cards that are dealt is more important than the hand it represents, and that character outlasts fame, money, Twitter followers and Facebook likes. There is nothing worse than the sight of wasted talent.  I have played with some Junior/College hockey players that should be making millions in the NHL, and I have coached youth athletes that have struggled to reach their inner potential with the preconceived notion that the world owes them something.  It was never about goals and assists, penalty minutes, weight lifted or one rep max totals.  It was and still is about attitude!  It’s about being on time, never being outworked, honesty, integrity, embracing the grind, pushing your teammates and relentlessly perusing a “One Day Better” mentality.  As my older brother would say, “It’s about being an “Everydayer”.”  

“Everydayers” don’t take days off, don’t make excuses, don’t feel sorry for themselves and don’t leave precious resources on the table.  “Unmotivated talent” is a curse word to an “Everydayer.”  “Everydayers” are the first on the ice or in the gym and the last out, with a belief that hard work and preparation are the keys to success in sports and in life.  If you want something badly enough, go out and EARN it!  “Everydayers” don’t believe in handouts.  It’s about proving people wrong, but more importantly, proving something to yourself. To reach an inner potential that you never knew existed.  We try to preach these intangible qualities to our athletes at Donskov Strength and Conditioning because we believe that we are walking examples.  I am a proud “Everydayer.” We will continue to preach to our athletes that the secret to success is not talent; it’s what you do with the talent you possess.  Talent and natural ability will not ensure success!  Talent must be continually developed (work ethic) and nurtured (attitude) every minute, every hour, every day!  

Yours in Hockey

Team DSC