Does your game face need a face lift

My hockey team got creamed recently. It wasn’t pretty, and oohhh the lesson it taught me…

It all began in the dressing room. We were playing the “Maroon” team, one of the strongest teams in the league. The guys were joking about how they’d crushed other teams in the past and how our goalie better be prepared for lots of shots. Out on the ice in the pre-game skate, I knew we were in trouble. Not only did the other team look strong, but half our team was watching them skate, neglecting their own warm-up.

The puck dropped and the pounding started. Before we knew it, we were down two goals, then three. Frustration started to mount …then four. Groan. The fourth was particularly memorable for me. I’m a defense man. One of their forwards made me look foolish with a nifty move and blew by me to score. I was furious at my error.

Sitting on the bench, along with my frustration, villainous thoughts flashed before me. Perhaps I could put gum on the bottom of their skates or bribe the referees. “Wouldn’t it be nice if…?” scenarios raced through my mind. While it’s funny now, in that moment I realized I wasn’t enjoying the game as much as I could and it was affecting my play.

I faced a choice. I could let my disappointment with the current score spoil the rest of my time. I could continue to play the we-don’t-have-a-chance game. Or, I could make up a new game, one that would be a lot more productive, and fun. So I did. In my mind, I made the score zero-zero and created the they-won’t-score-on-my-shift game. In this situation, that game could energize me.

Did I play harder? You bet. Did they score on my shift? Yes! Did I enjoy the rest of the game? Absolutely. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Coaching Questions Is there a game that’s frustrating you now? It may be an industry slump, a challenging new employee, lack of clarity on another direction. You can’t change the fact that you’re where you are. At the same time, the past doesn’t have to predict the future. Think about what new game can you create now, that will give your game face a lift?

By Jamie Broughton of Footprint Leadership. If you're ready to build a stellar business and career without working harder than you already are, get your complimentary Leadership Springboard Workbook and tips now at www.footprintleadership.com

Does your game face need a face lift - To learn more about this author, visit Jamie Broughton's Website.

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