New Year . . . Fresh Start!

​The holiday season has come and gone and it is now time to kick start the second half of your season with a PURPOSE. Most of us take time over the holidays to indulge with family, food, and rest, all of which are important to enjoy. Now that most athletes have taken the time to relax it is time to hit the road on the second half of the season running. Utilize the second half of the season as a fresh start and an opportunity to finish strong and feeling great about your hockey season. There are a couple areas that I would recommend athletes focus their energy heading into this critical time of year: reflection and re-energizing.

Reflection: 
Now that a large portion of the season has passed take this time to reflect on how things have gone, not just individually but team wise as well. Ask yourself the following questions: 

• What have my successes been in the first half? 
• Where do I feel I can improve my game? 
• How hard do I practice and what are my practice habits? 
• How well am I preparing, and am I taking care of my health and nutrition? 
• If I could rate myself as a teammate out of 10 what would that number look like, and where can I improve? 
• Am I taking time to enjoy the game and the opportunity to play hockey? 

Once you have reflected on these questions, write down the areas you feel that are strengths and areas that are weaknesses. Look back on your successes and continue to use the processes and habits that helped you attain that success. For the weaknesses, brainstorm on how you can improve these areas, charting goals and targets for the second half. 

Re-energizing: 
Now that you have had time to reflect and have goals in mind, put a charge into your mindset, habits, and overall outlook on your season. Although it is challenging to be positive every skate, workout, game, and team activity, focused energy on a positive and an encouraged outlook will start the process of improving your mindset and make coming to the rink that much more enjoyable. To kick each week off in the right direction every Monday write a list of 3 items related to hockey that you are grateful for. For example one could be “I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my teammates & friends this week at the rink”. 
 
After utilizing the process of honest reflection, setting goals, and re-energizing your mindset you are now fully capable of excelling in the second half of the season. Heading down the stretch into playoffs and provincial tournaments is a great time of year, now go enjoy it and take charge of your New Year!