When we talk about committing early to a university or junior team, we’re talking about guarding against the complacency and sophistication that creeps in, mostly at the subconscious level, when we’re fortunate enough to experience such a high level of success.
I’ve always believed that there’s a certain amount of tragedy that surrounds success, mostly due to a lack of awareness that it can happen and you have to guard against that.
The plus side of committing early is that the athlete has one less thing to worry about and can focus on training and performance levels knowing they’re moving on to a higher level.
The dark side is that you’re set up for even more scrutiny at a young age. Your life becomes a business earlier than your peers. This can be a plus if you embrace being a difference-maker and defining the moment.
The fact remains that you’ll be expected to separate yourself from the group both on and off ice. It comes with the territory and good ones believe, “If it can happen, I’m going to make it happen.”
The important thing to remember is there’s no entitlement attached to success or committing early. The life of an athlete is all about proving yourself within each game, every game, for as long as you play. It’s all about keeping your mind sharp and getting better.
The warning is out there: Championships, success and scholarships breed complacency and sophistication as much as they provide incentive to make a better you. Willingness to learn and get better should be our most predictable trait.
We’re in an era where young people get too much too soon with some believing they can buy success. There’s too little focus on consistency, continuity and just being “real.” If intangibles take a back seat to image and perception, you’re misled as to what it takes to succeed in life and the game. It’s important to pass on passion for life, people and the game to our youth.
ã Copyright by Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps
24621 So Clark Lake Rd P.O. Box 90 Nisswa, MN 56468-0090
Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email chuck@mnhockeycamps.com
All rights reserved.
No part of this book, blog OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
ã copyright Chuck Grillo, Minnesota Hockey Camps
24621 So Clark Lake Rd P.O. Box 90 Nisswa, MN 56468-0090
Phone 218.96.2444 Fax 218.963.2325 Email chuck@mnhockeycamps.com
All rights reserved.
No part of this blog, book OR template may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from Minnesota Hockey Camps
