Love What You Say You Hate (for high performing individuals and teams)

How can you love what you say you hate? By first believing it’s possible and then taking action to turn your mindset into a more resourceful one.

Giving the energy of dislike to something is still giving it time and attention. Here’s a simplistic - but plausibly applicable - example of rising above dislike to create a win-win solution.

My client exclaimed, “I hate the five puck drill!

A hockey goalie’s role can be challenging, like playing an individual sport within a team sport. There’s only so much you can contribute to the win.

I asked him, “What could you do to love it?”

He reflected, owned his attitude, and changed perspective. Even though the drill was designed as a fast-paced relay to help other players improve shooting accuracy, and not as a goalie exercise, he found a way to make the drill work for him.

His new definition of success: just stop more pucks. Rather than feeling discouraged by not meeting his original and unrealistic goal of having to stop every puck, he focused on what he could improve: his focus and his own performance.

You see, I believe “We” begins with “Me.”

When you bring your personal best to each moment of your game, in service of the team, you up-level your performance - and your fulfillment.

And don’t we all love finding fulfillment?

Where might you consider loving something you say you hate, by changing your mindset and contributing more fully to the whole?

A tall order, and one worth considering. Don’t you think?