Ignore Your Mood, Stick to the Plan

When it comes to hockey, skill development isn’t just about drills, strength, or speed - it’s about discipline. One of the most underrated skills you can learn as a player is the ability to ignore your mood and stick to the plan.

Why Moods Can Sabotage Progress

Some days, you feel unstoppable. Other days, you feel tired, distracted, or unmotivated. If your commitment to training depends on how you feel, your progress will always be inconsistent. Mood-based decisions lead to missed opportunities for growth.

Consistency Beats Motivation

Motivation is fleeting. Habits are permanent. The best players in the game understand that showing up, especially when they don’t feel like it, is what separates them from the pack. Every rep you complete on an “off day” strengthens your mental toughness as much as your physical skills.

How to Train This Skill

• Have a Plan: Know your drills, your goals, and your timeline.

• Commit in Advance: Decide today what you’ll do tomorrow.

• Lower the Bar, But Don’t Quit: If energy is low, do a lighter version of the workout. Some effort beats no effort.

The Payoff

When you learn to ignore your mood and stick to the plan, you eliminate inconsistency. This skill will carry you beyond hockey - it’s a life skill that defines champions.