I scored my first goal ever in hockey yesterday. And it’s all because of Mark Tewskbury.
Let me explain. Yesterday’s game was my first of the spring season, the fifth season for the Stanley Cupcakes. I’m okay with being one of the lesser lights on the team, but in the second period I had a thought: someone is probably going to score today. Why not me?
I got that idea from Canadian Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury. I heard him give an excellent speech a few years ago where he explained what it was like to win a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics. He said that on the day of his big race, he woke up and thought, “Someone is going to win a gold medal today. Why not me?” And then he went out and did just that.
A lot of athletes will visualize success before a game or race. If you picture it in your mind, then it’s easier to go out and do it.
And we all know the opposite is true: you’re on a breakaway and think, “Don’t just shoot straight into the goalie’s pads!” – and then you do just that.
Even if it’s another five years until I score again, I won’t stop trying. Because it’s really, really fun.
Have fun out there…and keep visualizing good things on the ice.
