In the world of hockey, there's a commonly held belief that well-being and performance go hand in hand. After all, you're doing what you love, whether as a player on the ice or a coach guiding the way. You're active, athletic, and, by all accounts, doing well. It's a consensus that often leaves little room for empathy from the outside world.
Many athletes are thrust into the elite level of play while navigating the uncertainties of adolescence and managing their lives off the ice, including family, friends, and relationships. Some are trying to flourish in a healthy, supportive culture, while others find themselves in a less-than-ideal one. It may be difficult to feel safe in a sport where your future is uncertain. You could be traded, benched, or let go at any moment, and that constant worry lingers.
Coaches and leaders, though experts in the game they oversee, can sometimes find themselves ill-prepared in business and leadership. Confidence issues can emerge when emotions run unchecked when dealing with the team, and the weight of failure mounts on their shoulders.
Balancing personal aspirations with individual values becomes a puzzle in the team environment, especially under relentless scrutiny from all sides. It's a part of the game, a fact of life, yet seldom covered in any school curriculum.
Well-being isn't just a singular concept. Our nervous system takes a beating from the stress, pressure, and emotional weight, affecting our performance both on and off the ice. If one aspect of your life is out of balance, it ripples into the rest of your personal and professional spheres. Achieving equilibrium with the right support can lead to a well-rounded life and peak performance in every aspect—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Collaborating with a professional coach in a safe environment can offer coaches, players and leadership the tools and support needed to navigate various aspects of life, boosting confidence, enhancing resilience, improving adaptability, skillfully handling challenging conversations and leading a values-based organization.
