Ice Hockey, like business, is fiercely competitive, fast paced, and requires intense effort to achieve desired outcomes under conditions that are often outside your control.
In a Hockey game men physically slam into each other, and sprint after a little puck for 60 minutes while trying to force that puck into a small goal guarded by a large man. A great goal tender can defeat a better team on some nights, and a bad goal tender can loose a game for superior team. It seems unfair that so much physical effort is required when the slightest mistake or unlucky deflection of the puck can determine the final outcome.
Hockey players put out 100% effort regardless. They know they must focus on continuous, high output effort with no let ups. When there not able to give 100%, their either taken out or they take themselves out. They know that energy level, intensity, and work ethic are the things they can control and they don’t get distracted by what’s outside their control. They don’t worry about the luck part of the game, they just never let up on the gas peddle. They love the competition and the physicality of the game and their energy feeds off that.
The hardest working team and the team that works together the most, tends to tip the odds in their favor, be it Hockey or business. There are no guarantees, and just when it seems like a waste of energy to keep at it, is when the lucky breaks tend to come. Was it luck or hard work or skill that landed the big contract? Not the right question. It was all these, but the hard work that preceded the opportunity is the most essential in the long run. It inspires the team and tips the luck balance in your favor.
Hard work and competitive passion is also contagious. Hockey players know this and they motivate each other by this principle. There is a humble work ethic of honor in Hockey. The Grinders and the big hitters are as highly respected and the super skilled players. They raise the game level and they tip the scales, they create opportunity. It’s an intangible asset, as they say, but it’s very real.
The Hockey principle is good for sales professionals who often get tempted to let off the gas peddle, or give up trying when they realize that factors outside their control are influencing their results. They say, “whats the use”. “Does my extra effort really make a difference?” They start to blame business conditions, bosses, lack of resources, or product quality.
Never give up, work hard, and keep skating to where you think the puck will be, and you will tend to get luckier than your competition over the long haul.