One Michael Jordan quote from the The Last Dance that still resonates with me is; “All you need is that one little match, to start the whole fire.”
One spark to ignite passion. What sparks passion? Where does that come from? What sparks drive, persistence and perseverance?
One spark can ignite an unmatched passion and drive, but what about when the spark or fire burns out?
Does that mean the passion is gone?
It might appear that some people or young athletes have lost their spark and passion for what they do. Obviously, everyone wants to know why, but the answer to that question is often hard to come by.
Burnout manifests itself in many different ways, that doesn’t mean the passion or spark is gone, it might just mean that they have to reignite it.
Searching for ways to reignite the spark can be a daunting task, however in some cases it just takes time. Perhaps the first step in that process is admitting it, coming to the realization that they’re simply burned out.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t passionate or driven for what they do, it just means they need time to recharge. It certainly doesn’t mean they don’t still want it(whatever that “it” is) badly, it just means they need time.
You see on the outside looking in “time” plays a massive factor for those questioning a person’s direction and trajectory.
The critics will suggest time is of the essence, or no time like the present to improve and develop, but for the athlete or whoever, time is what they need or a desired outcome.
Personally the thrill of chasing down a story or interviewing someone is still intriguing after all of these years, but for the last six months or so, it doesn’t feel the same. It’s not writers block, or anything like that.
I’m still incredibly passionate about writing, sharing stories and showcasing the game, but I feel it’s time to go quiet for awhile. I need some time.
A recent conversation with a friend changed my perspective and vantage point on the way I’ve been feeling.
“Maybe, you’re a little burnt out,” they said.
In that moment, I didn’t have any words. I awkwardly paused and replied with, “Yeah, you’re right, maybe I am burnt out.”
All these months, I’ve been writing the odd article here or there, clearly not at the same torrid pace that I’m accustomed to, but I just thought I was tired or had nothing to share. Over that time, I’ve thought about stepping away all together for awhile and focusing on other things.
Burnout can manifest itself in a lot of different ways.
I’m still passionate about the game and writing about it, but everyone needs an off-season. Everyone from time to time needs a break to recharge, refocus and reignite the spark so to speak.
Getting prepared for the QMJHL Draft was awesome, I enjoyed every second of it, but it took time, which looking back on was what I needed.
The final weeks of school, QMJHL Draft prep, MHL Draft prep, coupled with applying for a new leadership role and being interviewed for that position within the district during that time was a lot.
One can only imagine what young elite hockey players might be feeling or going through if they have similar feelings regarding their current situation within the game.
There is no off season nowadays. If young players do take some time away from the sport word travels around that they don’t want it anymore which is the farthest thing from the truth.
Being submersed or “all in” can take a toll physically, mentally and emotionally. That alone can burn a person out, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want it, that just means they need time.
Over the years I haven’t shied away from any topic, especially when it comes to mental health surrounding the game of hockey. Athletes need time, hell everyone needs time at certain points a long the way.
The spark and passion are still ever present, even if it doesn’t appear that way to those on the outside looking in. Going quiet, and having nothing to say are two different things, just like a young player not attending skills camp or summer hockey school doesn’t mean they don’t want to play anymore, it just means they need a break.
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