Sometimes, we loose focus; sometimes, it's hard. Sometimes, we are not feeling well; sometimes; we are sore. Little do we care, because we need to keep working, harder than ever before.
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
- Mario Lemieux
Sure, that may be true because I can't imagine anything better to do in each and every day than to be around hockey. Nonetheless, not every day do you feel top shape and ready to expand on last night's record performance.
It happens... I get it... You can be tired, sore, feeling sick or lacking focus; it happens. No one can get on your case because your performance is lessened by any factors. One thing stands though: give it all you've got!
Every time you get on the ice, hit the gym, workout or do shooting or passing training, the one constant needs to be your hard work. Pushing your limit doesn't always translate into breaking a new record. Sometimes, achieving the same record as yesterday when you're feeling sore and tired might be just as big of an exploit!
"But have you given it your very best?"
Perseverance is the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult.
No doubts that the season is starting on a high. We are doing great! The catch, however, is to decide how we move forward. Sure, we can be happy about what the score board says. Anyone would be proud to achieve as much and so should you! On the other hand, it should also be a challenge to you. A challenge to be the best every single time. Only one way to achieve that; hard work!
Make no mistake: the other players will be working hard every single chance they get to beat you. They will train, workout, practice and perform in such a way as to learn to be better than you. The only way for you to always come out on top is to do the same, maybe even a bit more since it's more hard work that got us in this position to begin with.
Your pride in your team, in your line and in yourself should be more than enough to motivate you to surpass all expectations every time that you get to work. Don't simply try and be better than the guy beside you. Be better than you were yesterday! If you're faster than your team mate, you owe it to him to be working at least as much every time you get on the ice. He will always be giving you his best, challenging you to stay ahead; give him your best as well by making him work even harder to catch you.
It's hard to hold oneself accountable for his work on every single occasion. This is the reason why hockey is known as such an intense team sport. We have the chance to push each other to be better a little more every time. We have the unique situation where the perseverance we need to get better can come from within the team, from our teammates. Use this! Let it fuel you to be the best next time again.
We are very proud of what we have accomplished this weekend. Now let's take it one step further!