Overcoming Adversity

Anyone been watching the Leafs lately? The past week was quite a roller coaster. On Tuesday of last week, the Toronto Maple Leafs got pumped by the Florida Panthers
8 – 0. Not a fun game to watch, let alone play in. Looking forward after game, they had to get ready to meet the red hot Montreal Canadians on Thursday and then on Saturday, the first place overall Detroit Redwings. Uh oh!

Let’s face it, losing 8 – 0 in a hockey game is like losing 56 – 0 in a football game, pretty embarrassing either way. Little did we know, the Leafs would take out the Canadians and the Redwings over their next 2 match up's. Not too many would have thought of such outcomes. The Leafs on the other hand dug deep and bounced back in a way no one would have imagined. Although the Leafs still have an uphill battle to climb their way into the playoffs, I believe the last 2 games have shown some light in the right direction.

So how does one or a team for that matter, bounce back from adversity? Some self reflection is a good start. However, it’s important not to get stuck in that rearview mirror. If you fail to look forward and your eyes are staring behind for too long, you’re bound to crash. With some examination of what could have been done differently and some determination to make the minor adjustments moving forward, you’re on your way.

We have all made the mistake of dwelling on the past. Once we accept that we can’t change it but we can learn from it, the better off we are. It’s not reasonable to believe that we are going to do everything right the first time. It’s how we learn from our adversities and not dwell on them, where we can truly grow.

In the Leafs case, keeping a defenseman in front of their own net, blocking the passing lane through the crease and cleaning up the occasional rebound totally changed their outcome of the 2 games after an embarrassing loss. Think of a time where you’ve made minor adjustments and pushed through a time of pressure or hardship. When you’re done, give yourself a pat on the back!

Scott Wain