Two hockey players are getting ready for practice. As they put on their gloves, Jake gets upset because his skates are too loose and goes on about how much he hates loose skates.

In turn, Ben offers to have a look at Jake’s skates and see if he can fix them. But Jake insists that it's okay, and reiterates that he just can't stand loose skates.

Well, the next day at practice as they are getting ready, Jake again gets upset that his skates are too loose. He can't believe it--he hates loose skates!

The third day? Believe it or not, loose skates again! By now Ben has had it and says to Jake, "If you hate loose skates so much, just ask for help and maybe they can be fixed. "

To which Joe replies, "Oh, they are not broken; I tie up my skates that way every day."

Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way and expecting a different outcome. ~Chinese Proverb

Why is it that athletes continually do the same thing and expect a different outcome? Sometimes it is because they were told to do it that way, other times it’s because they have always done it that way. Every once in a while it is a good exercise to look at what it is that you are satisfied with and what you are not satisfied with. Then go back further and try to figure out WHY you are satisfied with some things and not others. After that try to figure out what the root is to the actions that you are not satisfied with.

If you are Jake and often have loose skates, is it because you never learned how to do them up better and you could ask for help? Is it because your skates are too old and you cannot get them tighter? There is always an option to the action you have chosen to take so why not look at if the actions you are taking are working for you?

This article was previous published in the Centred Newsletter, a bi-weekly publication of the Alberta Sport Development Centre - Central intended to highlight the achievements of the outstanding athletes in Central Alberta, provide tips on nutrition, training and upcoming events.