Learning from Mistakes

Earlier today we posted a message from Stanley Cup winner Ryan Walter. The message was about mistakes and the different philosophies towards mistakes. while some people try to do everything in their power not to make mistakes, that often paralyzes people from doing anything at all. I wanted to take a minute to link together how Mr. Walter's message applies to Midget espoir hockey teams. At the Tigers, we encourage our players to try things that may lead to mistakes but that way they have an opportunity to learn from those mistakes and get better. For a defenseman that could mean a turnover that leads to a goal, for a forward that could be a missed opportunity to score and for a goalie, it could be that a tactic does not work out and a goal is scored...that is , in our minds, the price of development! Other programs may not agree...they may feel that if you never do certain tactics you won't make mistakes...defensemen should always put the puck in the corner when they have the puck at the offensive blueline, dump the puck in deep rather than losing possession of the puck at the blueline, don't pass the puck up the ice if you are a goalie...simple but popular examples... We have coaches to help the players with the adjustments, in practice and in game...the misunderstanding about mistakes is that the coaching staff want the players to learn from their mistakes and they have a lower tolerance for the same mistake being repeated... I hope you see the difference So, as Mr. Walter said in his message Successful people have a unique perspective on making mistakes! 1- They recognize that taking action can lead to mistakes, and they not only grow comfortable with this but increase the cycle. 2- They choose the Growth Mindset, staying open to the critical concept of adjusting to become better. Make your mistakes, make your adjustments, have a great week!