Building Resilience with Inspiration on the Ice
Mental resilience in hockey isn’t just about grit; sometimes, a little humor and inspiration can make all the difference. Here are three quotes to lift your spirits and strengthen your resolve, backed by the latest research on resilience. Each one serves as a reminder that even in tough moments, finding perspective and a bit of laughter can help you stay focused, calm, and mentally prepared.

1. "I skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been." — Wayne Gretzky
This quote from “The Great One” is more than just a strategy for success—it’s a principle of mental resilience. Staying focused on what’s next, rather than dwelling on what’s already happened, helps you stay mentally agile. Research published in The Journal of Sport and Performance Psychology this year found that athletes who focus on future plays, rather than ruminating on past mistakes, report higher resilience and faster recovery from setbacks. This forward-thinking approach keeps you mentally strong and prepared for what’s to come.
How to Use It: Whenever you feel yourself getting stuck on a past mistake, repeat this quote to yourself. Remind yourself to focus on where you’re going, not where you’ve been. This mental reset keeps your mind sharp and your resilience high.
2. "Hockey players have fire in their hearts and ice in their veins." — Unknown
This classic hockey quote may seem like all bravado, but science backs it up. A 2023 study in The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology showed that athletes who embrace a strong identity—seeing themselves as resilient and tough—demonstrate higher levels of mental resilience. Viewing yourself as someone with “fire in your heart and ice in your veins” can help you tap into your inner strength, especially during high-pressure moments.
How to Use It: Before stepping onto the ice, remind yourself of your resilience. Embrace your identity as a strong, capable player who can handle any challenge. This small boost of confidence can make a huge difference in how you approach each game.
3. "The day I stop giving 100% is the day I stop playing." — Jaromir Jagr
Jagr’s quote highlights a key part of resilience: commitment. Staying mentally resilient means committing fully to each moment, each shift, and each play. Research from Motivation and Emotion this year found that athletes who focused on their effort rather than the outcome experienced greater resilience, as they were more motivated and less affected by setbacks. Commitment to giving your best in every moment creates a foundation of mental toughness that makes you unstoppable.
How to Use It: The next time you feel discouraged or worn out, remember Jagr’s words. Embrace the idea that giving 100% is what keeps you mentally strong. By committing fully to your effort, you’ll find that your resilience naturally follows.
Why This Matters for You
Mental resilience doesn’t always come from intense focus—it can be as simple as finding inspiration and humor in the game you love. By embracing a forward-focused mindset, tapping into your resilient identity, and committing fully to each play, you’re equipping yourself with the mental strength to handle anything that comes your way on the ice.
If these quotes and insights resonated with you, share this newsletter with a teammate who could use a little extra mental resilience.
Stay Sharp and Skate like the wind, Izzy

Photo Credit: Tricia Mercuri
_________________________________________________________________
🔹 Trusted by High Performers Across the Globe 🏅 NHL Stars & Olympians– Unshakable confidence under pressure 🧠 World-Class Surgeons & Dental Leaders– Precision, clarity, and composure 💼 Top Executives – Bold leadership and sustainable success
🔹 Why Isabelle?
🌟 Award-Winning Expert in Expert Mental Performance 🏆 #1 Bestselling Author – Hockey Confidence 🎯 Delivering real transformation in high-stakes environments
🔹 Resources ➤ Inside the Minds of High Performers 🎥
➤ #1 Bestseller – Hockey Confidence 📖 🎧
➤ Access Free NHL Winning Mindset Tips
🌐 braintrainwin.com
 
|